Malocclusion is the technical term for misalignment of the teeth. The term covers problems such as crowded teeth, crooked tooth growth or an overbite/underbite. Difficulties associated with malocclusion include an inability to clean all tooth surfaces adequately, problems with speech development, frequent biting of the cheek or tongue and, in some cases, jaw pain. Malocclusion can damage your self-confidence and impact on your dental health. Below is some insight on the causes, diagnosis and treatment.
How is it caused?
Most sufferers of dental malocclusion are simply born with overcrowded mouths or jaws that are too small to comfortably accommodate all of their teeth. However, there are some external factors which can affect tooth alignment. In children, a cleft lip or palate, sucking your thumb and premature loss of baby teeth can impact your teeth. Inadequate or low-quality dental work such as fillings can have a negative effect on your dental health and lead to tooth loss in adults. If the lost teeth are not replaced by dentures or a bridge this can cause the remaining teeth to move into the gaps, potentially resulting in misalignment.
Diagnosing malocclusion
Dentists can usually diagnose malocclusion through dental X-rays and thorough examination of the teeth. If a dentist suspects malocclusion, they will often refer you to an orthodontist for advice. Before recommending treatment, the orthodontist will make a mould of your teeth to get a clearer understanding of how your mouth and jaw are structured.
Treatment options
There are several forms of treatment open to you. Your orthodontist will recommend the best treatment for you based on the level of the malocclusion and the extent to which it impacts on your daily life and oral health.
If you suspect that you have malocclusion or if you are experiencing any pain in your teeth or jaw, make an appointment to see your dentist.
Share31 August 2016
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
