You might be accustomed to your dentist informing you that you have a cavity. But what if you're informed that you have what's known as malocclusion.
Sounds serious!
And it can be if you lack understanding about the condition and its impact on your oral health and overall wellbeing.
Those are among the issues that malocclusion can cause.
Basically, the condition refers to the misalignment of your teeth or their position when you close your mouth.
Malocclusion can show up in a variety of ways.
The causes of malocclusion can vary as well. Could be genetics, abnormal tooth development, childhood habits such as thumb sucking, or the result of facial injury.
The worse case scenario would be to ignore treatment. Doing so can affect your oral health, your lifestyle, and ultimately magnify the common issues associated with malocclusion.
Tooth misalignment creates chewing problems that could lead to digestive issues. The condition can also affect how your pronounce your words when speaking.
Your risk of dental problems can increase when you avoid treatment for malocclusion.
These conditions can develop as a result of improper bite alignment and how your teeth compensate for bite force.
The position of your teeth and bite irregularities can make your teeth more vulnerable to injury - especially during accidents or when participating in sports activities.
Tooth misalignment can affect your facial appearance. This can result in being more self-conscious about your smile and further affect your confidence and self-esteem.
The condition can be corrected. Deciding and following through on the best treatment option will improve your oral health and your lifestyle.
Your dentist could recommend a variety of orthodontic treatments for your malocclusion.
A severe case of malocclusion could require surgical correction. Jaw misalignment is the primary issue relative to a surgical procedure that repositions your upper or lower jaw and corrects your bite.
Dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental veneers can be used to reshape or resize your teeth. These restorative procedures improve your tooth alignment and bite function.
Teeth that are severely overcrowded could best be treated by having one or more teeth removed. An extraction creates the healthy space necessary to bring your teeth into proper alignment.
The key is timely treatment and follow-through on your dentist's treatment recommendation.
Malocclusion can sound serious - and it is if untreated. Knowledge about the condition, its symptoms, treatment solutions, and benefits empowers you to consult with your dentist if you have related concerns.
Stay in-the-know about your oral health conditions. The Dental.com platform provides a convenient, accessible, and cost-effective virtual dental care solution.
The Dental.com team of dental professionals are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat any dental condition. From toothaches to second opinions - you’re covered!
Discover more about Dental.com on our How it Works page. Or Register Now.