Malocclusion literally means bad bite. Some children's jaws and teeth do not develop properly. Malocclusion refers to crooked, misaligned teeth and a fault in the relation between the bottom and top set of teeth (the two dental arches). This may develop because of injury to the teeth or facial bones, frequent thumb sucking, or for reasons unknown.Thumb sucking (or finger sucking) can result in localized deformation of the teeth and supporting bone. In order to restore a natural improvement, the thumb sucking habit has to be stopped.
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Generally, malocclusions do not affect physical health, malocclusion is not a disease, it is a variation in the normal position of teeth. However, it may impact on the shape of the person's face and the appearance of their teeth, which can lead to embarrassment, a lack of self-confidence, and even depression.
Severe malocclusion may affect eating, speech and keeping the teeth clean.
UK health authorities say that approximately one third of all 12 year-olds in the country probably need orthodontic treatment. People may require orthodontic treatment for different problems:
- The front teeth protrude - treatment not only improves the patient's appearance, but also protects the teeth from damage; people with protruding front teeth are more likely to injure them in sports, falling down, etc.
- Crowding - if the patient's jaw is narrow, there may not be enough space for all the teeth. In such cases the orthodontist may have to remove one or more teeth to make room for the others.
- Impacted teeth - as the adult teeth come through, they are not in the right position
- Asymmetrical teeth - the upper and lower teeth do not match, especially when the mouth is closed but the teeth are showing.
- Deep bite (overbite) - when the teeth are clenched, the upper ones come down over the lower ones too much
- Reverse bite - when the teeth are clenched, the upper teeth bite inside the lower ones
- Open bite - when the teeth are clenched, there is an opening between the upper and lower teeth.
Example of open bite, before and after treatment - Underbite - the upper teeth are too far back, or the lower teeth a too far forward ("bulldog" appearance)
- Crossbite - at least one of the upper teeth does not come down slightly in from of the lower teeth when the teeth are clenched; they are too near the cheek or the tongue
- Spacing - there are gaps or spaces between the teeth, either because a tooth is missing, or the teeth simply do not fill-up the mouth (opposite of crowding)
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