Do you have crooked teeth too? Let's talk about these dental problems (Malocclusion)!

Have you ever been a little hesitant to smile when taking a photo? Or do you cover your mouth with your hand instead of laughing out loud in front of people? Maybe it's because of the way your teeth are positioned. When your teeth are slightly protruding, crooked, or your upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly, it's normal for us to feel a little embarrassed and have self-confidence issues. This is what we medically call "Malocclusion." This not only affects your appearance, but it can also affect your health. So let's talk about it all in simple terms today.

Simply put, what is Malocclusion?

In simple terms, malocclusion is when your upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly when you close your mouth. Just like a door can be difficult to close if the two hinges are not aligned properly, if your teeth are not aligned properly, we may have some difficulty eating or talking.

There can be several reasons for this. Maybe your teeth are crowded because there is not enough space in your mouth for them to fit together. Or maybe your teeth are crooked. Other times, even if there is no problem with your teeth, it can be caused by a misalignment in the way your upper and lower jaws are positioned.

This condition is often hereditary. This means that if your mother, father, or other family member had this type of tooth alignment problem, you are more likely to develop it too. But not only that, this condition can also be caused by external factors, such as a tooth being knocked out in an accident as a child, or having to have a tooth removed due to tooth decay.

What are the main types of malocclusion?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she may use different words to describe this condition. Let's take a look at the main types. Understanding these will help you better understand your condition.

How common is this condition?

This is actually a much more common condition than you might think. Worldwide, it has been found that about 56% of people have some degree of malocclusion. This number can be as high as 93% among children and young adults. However, not all of these people need treatment. However, if it is affecting the health of your teeth, eating, or speaking, it is definitely important to see a dentist and discuss treatment.

What symptoms does someone with malocclusion show?

If you suspect you have this condition, check to see if you have these symptoms.

• Cheek Biting: If you often bite the inside of your cheek while eating, it may be because your teeth are not positioned properly.
• Difficulty eating/chewing: You may not be able to chew food properly because your teeth don't fit together properly.
• Speech problems: Difficulty pronouncing certain letters and words (e.g., the letters 's' and 'sh' are mixed up). This can happen because the way your teeth are positioned affects the movement of your tongue.
• Pulled or crowded teeth: This is the most easily seen symptom.
• Mouth breathing: If you often breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, it could also be due to a problem with your jaw position.

What are the causes of malocclusion?

As we discussed earlier, heredity is one of the main reasons, but there are many other factors that can affect this.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

You might think, "Oh, this is just for looks, it doesn't matter if it stays that way." But that's not the truth. Over time, this can lead to serious problems.

• Gum disease: When teeth are crowded and crowded, it is difficult to clean between them properly. This can lead to problems such as food getting stuck, gum recession, and bleeding gums.
• Tooth wear: Because the teeth don't fit together properly, some teeth are put under unnecessary pressure, which can cause them to wear out quickly.
• Jaw pain: Misaligned teeth put extra strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ disorders). This can cause things like a clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth, jaw pain, and headaches.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Because they cannot chew food properly, some people may avoid foods that require good chewing, such as vegetables, fruits, and meat. This can lead to nutritional problems in the long run.
• Sleep apnea: Some types of malocclusion, especially those where the lower jaw is pushed back, can block the airway during sleep.

How is this condition diagnosed and treated?

When you visit a dentist, he or she will carefully examine your teeth, mouth, and jaw. This condition can be detected during a routine dental checkup. If necessary, you can do the following to get more information:

• Dental X-rays: An X-ray examination is performed to check the condition of the roots of the teeth, the jawbone, and any missing teeth.
• Dental impressions: A model of your teeth is made. This allows you to study the exact position of your teeth.
• Photography: Photos of your face and teeth are taken and used to plan treatment.

After these tests, depending on your condition, the dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.

What are the treatments?

Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for malocclusion today. The best treatment option depends on your age, the severity of the condition, and your preferences.

• Braces: This is the most well-known and common method. Small brackets are glued to the teeth, and a wire is passed through them, gradually moving the teeth into the correct position.
• Clear Aligners: These are removable, transparent plastic aligners that are almost invisible to the naked eye. Although they are a bit more expensive, they are a great alternative for those who don't like braces.
• Tooth Extractions: If there is not enough space in the mouth and the teeth are crowded, one or more teeth may need to be extracted to make room for the other teeth.
• Jaw Surgery: If there is a major change in the position of the jaw, not just the teeth, it will need to be corrected with surgery. This is usually done after the braces are finished.
• Headgear and other devices: These devices are used to guide the growth of the jaw in the right direction, especially during the growth of children's jaws.

Can this situation be prevented?

We cannot prevent hereditary causes. However, there are things we can do to reduce the risk of malocclusion caused by other causes.

• Maintaining good oral health: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing between your teeth are essential to prevent tooth loss due to tooth decay.
• Replacing missing teeth: If a permanent tooth is lost, replace the gap with a dental implant or bridge as soon as possible . This will stop the other teeth from moving.
• Visit the dentist on time: Visit a dentist at least once a year for a dental check-up. This way, any problems can be identified at an early stage.
• Pay attention to children's habits: If your child is still sucking his thumb or using a pacifier before the age of 4, try to stop those habits gradually.

If you have any questions or concerns about the position of your teeth, or if you are having difficulty eating, the best thing to do is to see a dentist. He or she will examine you and advise you on whether you need treatment and, if so, what type of treatment is appropriate. A beautiful smile is a great start to a healthy life.

Tooth extraction, Malocclusion, Tooth positioning problems, Braces, Dental wires, Overbite, Underbite