A malocclusion is the orthodontic term for when the teeth don’t meet properly when the jaw closes. It is the crooked or improper contact between the two sets of teeth when the mouth shuts. If the teeth are crooked, crowded, or protruding, then you will have a malocclusion.
Malocclusions are very common, and it’s estimated that roughly two-thirds of the population has some kind of malocclusion. Some common types are:rn1. Overbite – the upper teeth stick out and do not touch the bottom teethrn2. Underbite – the lower teeth stick out and do not touch the top teethrn3. Crossbite – the teeth are too close to either the tongue or the cheekrn4. Spacing – the teeth are either spread out too far or pressed too close together
Treating these bite problems is usually done by an orthodontist. By using orthodontic appliances, such as braces, aligners, or retainers, the orthodontist can manipulate the teeth and cause them to move to their proper alignment and spacing. This is commonly done when the patient is a teenager, but thousands of adults wear them as well. An orthodontist may also remove a tooth to solve an overcrowding issue and then use spacers to keep the teeth in the proper position.
If there is an even larger issue and braces won’t be enough, surgery may be required to cure the problem. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon may be called in if the issue is far greater than the orthodontist can handle.
Once the treatment has finished, the patient will continue wearing a retainer until the teeth have stabilized in the gums. This ensures that the teeth don’t return back to their original positioning and undo all the work done previously.
If you have a malocclusion, or bad bite, and want to chew better and smile brighter, come and talk to us at Dr Bryan Hicks Orthodontics in North Vancouver. Our qualified and experienced team can help you feel proud about your smile again.
