Facts about Malocclusion Every Patient Should Know

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Often, people tend to think that misaligned teeth are only a cosmetic issue. However, in reality, it is much more than that. Malocclusion may often end up with jaw pain, sleep disturbances, and migraines.

If you are suffering from such an issue, then don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the nearby dental clinic at Estes Orthodontics. You may consult your issue with any Richmond orthodontics experts available in the clinic.

What is Malocclusion?

A disorder known as malocclusion occurs when the teeth in your upper and lower jaws are not aligned. In such a situation, there can be a minor bite problem because of crooked teeth. A patient may occasionally have a deep or cross bite as a result of a serious jaw misalignment.

In addition to experiencing discomfort during food chewing, patients may also encounter uneven pressure on their jaw muscles and teeth.

It can have an impact on their oral system in the following ways:

Difficulty while chewing or biting.
Clicking or pain in the jaw joints.
Faster wearing of enamel on certain teeth.
More risk of tooth decay.

Types of Malocclusions

Depending upon how severe the problem is, and also the nature of the problem, malocclusion can be subcategorized in the following way:

1. Class I Malocclusion

Most people suffer from this type of malocclusion, where the bite may be normal; however, teeth may either be too crowded or there may be an extra amount of space between them.

2. Class II Malocclusion (Overbite)

When the upper teeth overlap too much with respect to the lower teeth, this condition may arise. Often, this is also termed as a deep bite condition, where the teeth may undergo excessive wear, aesthetic concerns, and jaw pain.

3. Class III Malocclusion (Underbite)

When a patient’s lower jaw overhangs their top jaw, their lower teeth may sit in front of their upper teeth, a condition known as underbite. The patient may suffer from biting and chewing issues and often needs surgery.

4. Crossbite

This condition may happen when some part of the upper teeth sits inside the lower teeth while biting. As a result, both front and back teeth may grind against each other and cause jaw pain or uneven wear.

5. Open Bite

In this condition, your front teeth never touch while your mouth remains closed, and a gap remains. Often this is caused due to regular thumb sucking or pacifier is regularly used during childhood days.

6. Crowding

The condition occurs when there is insufficient space available in the jaw so that all teeth can properly fit. As a result, overlapping, twisting, and sometimes tooth displacement can also happen.

Conclusion

Malocclusion is more than just crooked teeth – it is a functional issue affecting chewing, speech, and overall oral health. From overbites to crowding, proper alignment matters for comfort and wellbeing. At Estes Orthodontics, Richmond orthodontics specialists provide personalized treatment plans to correct bite issues and restore healthy, functional smiles for patients of all ages.