Dental malocclusion is a problem that is often addressed because of its effects on the aesthetics of the mouth. On the other hand, it is more rare to hear about its effects on oral health. This article is therefore a deepening of this condition that affects the smile of a very large part of the population.
What is dental occlusion?
Dental occlusion is the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Normal occlusion of the jaws is characterized by the upper anterior teeth (canines and upper incisors) which are slightly more advanced and which fit over the lower teeth when closing the mouth. Normal occlusion occurs when there is not too much space between the teeth, overlap or teeth that are not straight relative to each other.
Dental malocclusion occurs in different ways: the upper teeth do not fit properly with the lower teeth, the teeth are crooked or the mouth has a lack of space. In this case, the teeth may overlap or take abnormal axes of rotation in the mouth.
What are the causes of dental malocclusion?
The majority of cases of dental malocclusion occur because of genetic factors, so they are passed from parents to children. However, other factors and lifestyle can cause such problems, including the habit of children to suck the thumb since it puts pressure on the teeth and increases the risk of tooth movement.
The loss of teeth, following an oral disease or a trauma, causes displacements at the level of the remaining teeth since they will seek to fill the space left by the missing teeth, when these are not replaced. These movements may eventually lead to occlusion problems.
What are the effects of dental malocclusion?
Jaw occlusion problems can have serious consequences for the oral health of those who suffer from it, but also for their general health and personal confidence. These problems can be classified into several categories:
- Aesthetic problems: the teeth are disordered in the mouth, which affects the esteem of the person concerned;
- Developmental problems: dental malocclusion can affect the development of teeth and jaws.
- Functional problems: Occlusion problems can affect the ability of the individual to chew, which can affect their diet and ultimately their general health since they can not feed themselves adequately. Pronunciation problems can also develop in the case of severe malocclusion. Temporomandibular joint disorders can also develop if the pressure on the jaws is not well distributed.
- Problems related to oral health: the crooked teeth are more difficult to clean thoroughly. It is therefore more common to have cavities and oral complications when there is malocclusion. In addition, teeth are more likely to wear out faster because they are not well aligned.
If you think you have a problem with dental malocclusion, make an appointment with your dental professional at the Dents Mon Quartier Clinic in LaSalle. Thanks to our orthodontic care, we can take care of your problem to promote the health of your smile in the years to come!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D