Hello! I’m Dr. Melissa Rodriguez, DMD, of The Carrollton Dentist in Carrollton. Thanks for visiting our dental blog. The topic of today’s post is malocclusion – literally – “bad bite”.
Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics invented the term malocclusion. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but, fortunately, in most cases, the misalignment is so slight that it causes no dilemmas.
When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.
There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can affect the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.
Children with a normal bite can develop bite issues with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.
The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Orthodontics can move teeth into alignment to correct bite issues. Overcrowding often requires the extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be corrected with crowns or dental bonding.
If the jawbone is significantly misshapen or misaligned, maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. Jaw surgery is a serious undertaking with significant risks and a long, painful recovery. While the jaw heals, it is secured with wires and screws. Ouch!
If your jaw hurts or you notice unusual wear to your teeth, it is important that you are examined by a professional. Call 469-708-2049 to schedule an appointment.
Our passionate dental team has been serving patients at our comfortable Carrollton office since 2003. We can give you more specifics about malocclusion, Invisalign sedation dentistry, or gum disease.
Dr. Horton also advises Carrollton parents about vital issues such as tooth development, thumb-sucking, water fluoridation, dental sealants, oral sports protection, and orthodontia. If you suspect that your child has any degree of malocclusion, schedule an exam ASAP. Untreated bite problems in children can inhibit proper nutrition, breathing, tooth development, and speech development.
Contact The Carrollton Dentist:
469-708-2049
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2440 N Josey Ln Ste 101
Carrollton, Texas
75006
