Malocclusion simply means that there is a misalignment of the teeth, resulting in crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Today our orthodontists in the Greater Vancouver area explain more about malocclusion and how this dental issue can lead to a number of serious oral health issues.
Types Of Malocclusion
There are a number of different types of malocclusions, including overbite, crowded teeth, underbite, crossbite and open bite.
Tooth misalignment can lead to difficulties chewing correctly, as well as inhibiting the patient’s ability to breathe and speak normally.
Causes of Malocclusion
Malocclusion is most often an inherited condition, meaning that in many cases it can’t really be prevented. Nonetheless, if it's caught early, it can be treated in order to prevent the problem from becoming more severe over time.
In other cases, malocclusion can result from certain habits or conditions that could possibly be prevented or curtailed. By dealing with the following issues early, in many cases malocclusion can be avoided.
- Injuries to jaw resulting in misalignment
- Frequent pacifier use past three years of age
- Thumb sucking past three years of age
- Poor dental hygiene practices resulting in tooth loss
- Prolonged bottle feeding
If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth, or your child's, contact our Vancouver orthodontists to discuss treatment options. Phase One Orthodontic Treatment for children aged 7 - 10 can often help to prevent the need for more invasive treatments later in life.