Malocclusion is a frightening-sounding word, but don't worry. It is the term for bite issues in both children and in adults. Unfamiliar with the term? Here is some information about the different kinds of malocclusion that occur in children and treatment options.
What Is Malocclusion Exactly?
In a perfect human jaw, your upper and lower teeth meet each other perfectly. Each tooth lines up with its partner, and your top teeth come down at a perfect angle over your lower teeth. While this sounds great, only 25% of all adults have teeth this perfect. Everyone else has some degree of malocclusion, which is when your teeth don't meet exactly right when your mouth is closed. Malocclusion can be one of three types.
What Are the Three Types of Malocclusion?
There are three types of malocclusion. The most common form of malocclusion is an overbite, which is when your top teeth come down too far over your lower teeth. People can also have underbites, which happen when your top teeth come down behind your lower teeth. Crossbites occur when the top and bottom teeth don't meet at all or when they don't align correctly.
Treatments for Malocclusion
The best way to treat malocclusion is not to let it get started. If your child sucks their thumb or a pacifier, it is best to help them break the habit before their permanent teeth start to come in- which is usually around the age of 6. That way, the chances of them developing a malocclusion are much smaller.
What if your child already has a malocclusion? There are a variety of treatments. If the malocclusion is slight, dental practitioners may be able to fix it through expanders, which gradually enlarge a child's upper or lower jaw. Your child may also need braces or a retainer to fix their bite. If you're worried your child may have a malocclusion, you may need to consult with a dentist.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67101 ^ (316) 202-9629 ^ tinyteethwichita.com ^ 10/3/2024 ^ Related Phrases: Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS ^
Malocclusion is a frightening-sounding word, but don't worry. It is the term for bite issues in both children and in adults. Unfamiliar with the term? Here is some information about the different kinds of malocclusion that occur in children and treatment options.