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Around 75% of people worldwide suffer from various forms of teeth misalignment. Although issues like an overbite or crooked teeth might make people feel self-conscious about their appearance, they can also lead to several health risks. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of tooth misalignment, the hazards associated with them, and the range of possible treatments.
Teeth Misalignment: What Is It?
Teeth misalignment, also known as malocclusion, is a condition where a person's teeth are misaligned or do not fit correctly in their mouth. If your teeth are badly rotated, too far apart, or crammed together, you may have a dental malocclusion.
Different Types of Misaligned Teeth
Following are a few types of malocclusions:
Dental Overcrowding
Dental overcrowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for teeth to line properly. It is often referred to as crowded or crooked teeth.
Overbite
When the upper front teeth extend past the lower front teeth, it is referred to as an overbite.
Overjet
When the jaw is closed, the space between the upper and lower teeth is referred to as an overjet, commonly known as "buck teeth".
Underbite
Underbite occurs when the bottom teeth elongate more than the upper teeth. This issue, which typically results in a misaligned jaw, can impair one's ability to talk clearly.
Cross Bite
A malocclusion, where the upper teeth are positioned behind the lower teeth, is called a crossbite. Two types of crossbite exist:
Anterior
A type of crossbite where a set of lower front teeth covers the upper front teeth is called anterior crossbite.
Posterior
A posterior crossbite occurs when a set of lower back teeth fits over the upper set of back teeth.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the front upper and lower teeth tilt outward and do not come into contact while the jaw is closed. Skeletal issues, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking can both lead to open bites.
Effective Treatments for Teeth Misalignment
Following are the treatments for misaligned teeth based on the type and severity of teeth misalignment.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are a popular orthodontic tool used to straighten teeth. Metal brackets and wires help shift teeth into their correct positions gradually over time.
Self-Ligating Braces
Dental alignment issues can be discreetly treated using self-ligating braces. Instead of using rubber bands to straighten teeth, they make use of clips.
Invisible Braces
These are custom-tailored clear braces that are designed to snap on over the teeth and gradually shift them into place. Clear braces are ideal for adults and teenagers since the trays are almost invisible and can be easily removed.
Jaw Surgery
To deal with severe dental misalignments, another possible line of treatment is known as orthognathic surgery, also called jaw surgery. Its purpose is to correct occlusion as well as the position of the jaws.
To sum it up, while there is a wide range of teeth straightening solutions available, it is best to consult with an expert who can assess your dental condition and evaluate if you have severe dental complications. Furthermore, they can provide recommendations for orthodontic treatments that suit your dental condition to ensure you choose the right one.
FAQs
1. What happens if the dental misalignment is not treated?
An untreated dental misalignment can lead to dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, jaw pain, difficulty speaking, and much more.
2. What are some available procedures for teeth straightening?
Teeth straightening solutions include clear aligners, metal braces, orthodontic procedures, and much more.
