What is Malocclusion and How is it Treated?
Malocclusion is a condition in which the teeth are not aligned properly and the jawbones do not work in harmony. This condition manifests itself when the upper and lower teeth are not in the ideal closing position. This condition can usually be caused by genetic predispositions, bad habits during childhood (for example, long-term thumb sucking, using a bottle) or incorrect tooth extractions.
It is a condition that needs to be treated because it can cause both aesthetic concerns and functional difficulties (such as pain during chewing, discomfort in the jaw joint). These disorders can be corrected with orthodontic treatment methods and braces, and the teeth and jaw can be brought to the ideal position.
What is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion is an orthodontic problem that refers to the situation where the upper and lower teeth do not come into contact properly when the mouth is closed and the jaw structure does not fit together. The disruption of the natural alignment of the teeth and jaw can negatively affect daily functions such as chewing, speaking and even breathing. This situation can lead to significant problems not only in the aesthetic appearance of the teeth but also in terms of jaw joint health and oral functions.
The most common causes of malocclusion are genetic factors. Dental problems seen in the mother or father can pave the way for similar problems in the child. In addition, factors such as prolonged use of pacifiers or bottle-feeding during childhood, thumb-sucking habits, tongue thrust (the tongue pushing forward during speech by putting pressure on the teeth), early tooth loss or developmental malpositioning of the teeth can also pave the way for malocclusion. In addition, blows to the jaw or teeth, accidents and incorrect extraction of teeth can also cause this condition.
Classes of Malocclusion
Not every malocclusion case is the same; therefore, orthodontists use a classification system to determine which class the malocclusion falls into when creating treatment plans. The Angle Classification is the most widely used system in this regard and is divided into three main groups based on the closing relationship of the jaw and teeth.
- Class I Malocclusion (Disorders in Normal Closure)
In Class I malocclusion, the jaw relationship is generally correct; that is, the upper and lower jaws are compatible with each other. However, there are disorders in the alignment of the teeth. For example; the teeth may be crooked, there may be gaps between the teeth, or deviations in the position of the teeth.
This is the most common type of malocclusion seen in most people. Since the jaw relationship is normal, the alignment of the teeth is usually corrected with braces during the treatment process.
- Class II Malocclusion (Retrusion / Backward Lower Jaw)
In Class II malocclusion, the lower jaw is positioned further back than the upper jaw. In this case, the upper teeth protrude forward, while the lower teeth remain further back. This condition is commonly called “upper jaw forward, lower jaw back” or “rabbit teeth” appearance.
- Class III Malocclusion (Protrusion / Forward Lower Jaw)
Class III malocclusion is a condition in which the lower jaw is further forward than the upper jaw. It is also known among the public as “forward lower jaw”, “forward jaw” or “bulldog jaw”. In this case, the lower teeth move in front of the upper teeth. Both aesthetic and functional problems occur; difficulties may be experienced during chewing, speaking and closing the mouth.
Class III malocclusion is usually associated with genetic predisposition and may require a more complex treatment process. If diagnosed during the growth period, intervention can be made with orthopedic appliances that direct jaw development. However, in advanced ages, surgical jaw correction operations (orthognathic surgery) may be required in addition to orthodontic treatment.
What Causes Malocclusion?
The proper development of our teeth and jaw structure is very important for both a healthy oral structure and an aesthetic smile. However, sometimes teeth do not grow where they should or the jaw structure does not develop properly. This is exactly where malocclusion occurs. So, what are the underlying causes of this situation that disrupts the harmony of the teeth and jaw?
More than one factor may be effective. While some of these factors are due to innate genetic characteristics that are beyond our control, others are due to environmental effects and habits.
- Genetic Predisposition
In fact, in many cases, the main reason is genetic. If there is a family history of narrow jaws, crooked teeth or jaw structure disorders, the probability of this condition being seen in children is high. In other words, in a sense, the shape of our teeth and jaws is inherited from our families.
- Natural Development and Problems of Teeth
Teeth not coming out in the correct position in the mouth, missing teeth, losing baby teeth at an early age or teeth being too large or too small for the mouth are also factors that pave the way for this. Early tooth loss in particular can cause neighboring teeth to move towards the gap and disrupt the alignment.
- Childhood Habits
Some habits that continue for a long time during childhood can negatively affect the jaw and teeth structure. Especially behaviors such as thumb sucking, long-term use of pacifiers or bottle, pushing the tongue between the teeth prevent the teeth and jawbone from developing properly. Such habits can cause teeth to shift over time and deform the shape of the jaw.
- Jaw Traumas and Injuries
Blows, fractures or traumas to the jaw area can disrupt the natural alignment of the jawbone and prevent the teeth from aligning properly. Accidents, especially during childhood, can affect jaw development and cause this condition to occur.
How is Malocclusion Treated?
Thanks to the developments in modern dentistry and orthodontics, malocclusion is a treatable problem. The treatment process is planned specifically for the individual and the method to be preferred varies depending on the type, severity, age and general health of the patient.
The most common method of treatment is orthodontic treatment. Braces are used to move the teeth into the correct position. While traditional metal brackets have been preferred in this area for many years, transparent plates (such as Invisalign) which are more aesthetic solutions have also become widespread today. With this treatment method, the teeth are gradually brought into the correct position, the jaw relationship is corrected and problems in mouth closure are eliminated.
In some cases, orthodontic treatments applied during childhood can also be effective. In a child whose jaw is still developing, jaw expanders or functional orthodontic devices can be used to shape the jaw bone and prevent more serious problems from progressing.
In cases where the jaw bone is structurally damaged, braces alone may not be enough. In such cases, jaw surgeries called orthognathic surgery come into play. The position of the jaw is corrected with a surgical procedure, and then the teeth are aligned with braces. This method is especially preferred in cases where the lower or upper jaw is too far forward or too far back.
