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Malocclusion is a problem that affects many people around the world. Not only do they affect the aesthetics of your smile, but they can also cause serious health problems. In this article, we will discuss what underbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites are, how they arise and what treatment and prevention methods can be used.
What is malocclusion and how does it develop?
Malocclusion is the incorrect positioning of the teeth in the jaw. It may affect both permanent and primary teeth. Malocclusion may have various causes, including genetic inheritance, childhood habits (e.g. thumb sucking), tooth loss, jaw structure defects, and stressful factors affecting tooth development.
Types of malocclusion
There are several types of malocclusion that you may encounter:
Underbite: This is a situation in which the upper jaw protrudes much more than the lower jaw. A person with proto-oracic has a characteristic “pointed” smile appearance.
Underbite: In this case, the lower jaw protrudes more than the upper jaw. An underbite can cause chewing problems, as well as headaches and temporomandibular joint pain.
Open bite: This is a situation in which certain teeth do not touch each other when biting. This can cause difficulty eating and speaking, and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Crossbite: This defect consists in the incorrect overlapping of the teeth of the upper jaw with the teeth of the lower jaw or vice versa. This can lead to chewing problems, pain and facial deformities.
Prevention of malocclusion – how to prevent it?
Prevention of malocclusion is crucial, especially in children. Here are some ways you can prevent these problems:
– Regular visits to the dentist: Children should visit the dentist from an early age. Regular check-ups allow you to detect malocclusions at an early stage and implement appropriate treatment.
– Avoiding childhood habits: Pay attention to childhood habits such as thumb sucking or using pacifiers. These habits can affect the development of your bite.
– Maintaining good oral hygiene: Preventing tooth decay and gum disease is crucial to maintaining a healthy bite. Regular tooth brushing, flossing, and visits to a dental hygienist are important.
Effective methods of treating malocclusion
If a malocclusion is already present, there are various treatments that can help:
– Orthodontic braces: This is the most common method of treating malocclusion. Orthodontic braces allow you to move your teeth and put them in the correct position.
– Maxillary surgery: In some cases, especially when the defect is very serious, jaw surgery may be necessary.
– Orthodontic treatment in adults: Malocclusions do not only affect children. More and more adults are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance and function of their bite.
Your suggestions
If you have a malocclusion or are afraid that your child may have it, do not delay visiting the dentist. The earlier it is detected and therapy is started, the better the treatment effects will be.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about malocclusions and their treatment, we recommend reading the following articles:
– “Orthodontic braces: What you should know before starting treatment”
– “The impact of malocclusion on oral health”
– “Orthodontic treatment for adults: Is it for you?”
Malocclusions can affect our quality of life, but with proper dental and orthodontic care, they can be effectively treated and improve the appearance and health of the oral cavity.