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What is malocclusion?
When teeth are twisted, overlapping, or simply don’t fit together properly, this
irregularity is called malocclusion. Although it can occur at any age, malocclusion is
usually noticed when children lose primary teeth and begin to get permanent teeth.
Malocclusion can be treated at any age; in fact, one out of five orthodontic
patients is an adult.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that involves the diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of dental and facial irregularities (malocclusions). An orthodontist is a dentist
who specializes in orthodontic problems.
Why are my teeth out of position?
Usually, the size of your teeth and how they fit within your jaw is inherited.
Sometimes, though, malocclusion can be caused by habits in your youth such as finger
or thumb sucking. These and other oral habits put pressure on teeth and affect the
development of your teeth and jaws.
Crowded teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Open bite
Missing teeth that are not replace in time also cause malocclusion because
remaining teeth will often shift towards the empty space to make up for the loss.
What kinds of problems do malocclusions cause?
Teeth that are out of position are harder to clean so they’re more susceptible to
decay and periodontal (gum) disease. A poor bite puts undue stress on chewing
muscles and can cause pain or jaw problems.
How can my teeth be corrected?
There are a variety of appliances (fixed or removable) designed to gently move
teeth and jaws until they are in the desirable position.
The most common appliance is braces. Made of metal or plastic, braces include
brackets attached to the teeth, and wires that connect them. Pressure to move the teeth
is caused by adjusting the wires periodically. Elastic bands are sometimes added to
encourage more movement.
Occasionally, braces can be applied to the inside of your teeth, making them
less visible.
Do braces hurt?
When first attached or when adjusted, braces can cause temporary soreness.
After a couple of days, your teeth will get used to the change and discomfort subsides.
Some patients benefit from an analgesic orthodontic gel like Orabase®- O to soothe
minor mouth irritations sometimes caused by braces.
How long will I need them?
The length of time it takes to properly reposition your teeth with braces depends
on your age, the severity of the malocclusion, and the condition of your mouth. While
the average child takes 18 to 30 months, adults may take longer.
After braces are removed, you will wear a removable retainer for several months
to hold teeth in the proper position until they’re more secure.
When teeth don’t fit together properly, it can affect your dental and general
health as well as your appearance.
Today, an increasing number of adults are turning to appliances such as braces
for an improved bite, healthier mouth, and better looking smile.
Proper Oral Care: The key to healthy, good looking teeth.
BRUSH with a soft toothbrush, like the specially designed Colgate® PLUS Toothbrush.
Tip it at a 45° angle toward your gumline and brush gently with a short back-and-fourth
scrubbing motion. Brush just a couple of teeth at a time on the outside, inside, and on
chewing surfaces. And be sure to replace your brush every 3-4 months. To help
prevent ugly tartar build-up, use Colgate® Tartar Control Toothpaste or Gel.
FLOSS daily using about 18” of floss wrapped around your middle fingers and leaving
about two inches to work with. Gently scrape the side of each tooth away from the gum.
And, don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.
RINSE for about one minute every day with a mouthwash such as Colgate® Tartar
Control Mouthwash which effectively reduces the formation of tartar above the gumline.