Articles> Orthodontics

Taking a Bite Out Childhood Malocclusions

June 04, 2007, Los Angeles (LA) and Beverly Hills – Roughly 90 percent of school-aged children have some degree of malocclusion , or a “bad bite.” This misalignment of the upper and lower teeth may be slight or, in about 10 to 15 percent of cases, severe enough to require treatment.

TYPES OF MALOCCLUSIONS

There are several forms of orthodontic disorders, including:

• Crossbite

• Overbite

• Openbite

• Overjet

• Underbite

• Impacted and missing teeth

• Crowded and / or poorly spaced teeth

A bad bite can affect a person's appearance, speech, ability to eat, and the growth of jaws and facial bone structure. Tooth decay, crown fractures, gum disease and loosening of teeth also may happen.

Some patient's may not exhibit symptoms, while others may experience pain caused by stress on the oral structures.

Tooth decay or abnormal wear on a tooth or teeth's chewing surfaces may be found in areas of tight overlap, which can lead to difficulty chewing.

CAUSES

The primary causes of malocclusions are:

• Too little or too much space between teeth

• Irregular jaw and mouth size and shape

• Thumb or pacifier sucking (or other, similar habits)

• Tongue thrusting habits

• Premature loss of a tooth or teeth

• Hereditary factors.

• Atypical jaw and face formation (i.e. a clef palate)

• Such medical conditions as enlarged adenoids and tonsils

• Allergies

• Impaired jaw growth due to trauma or accident

DIAGNOSIS

Most diagnoses of malocclusion are made either by a dentist or pediatrician during a routine examination or by parents. Because early treatment is vital, the American Association of Orthdontists recommends children be screened by a qualified orthodontist by age seven.

TREATMENT

Recommended orthodontic treatment may include one or a combination of methods, including removal of baby or permanent teeth, and orthodontic appliances (i.e. braces; headgear; intra-oral or extra-oral appliances).

Depending on the extent of malocclusion, treatment may be performed in several phases.

RESULTS

There are many advantages to straight teeth. They're less prone to gum disease and decay. Straight teeth collect less plaque (a sticky substance that adheres to teeth, causing cavities). Plaque also increases a child's risk of periodontal (gum) disease.

It's easier to clean properly aligned teeth. Straight teeth also are less likely than protruding upper teeth to be broken in an accident.