What is a Malocclusion?- Understanding orthodontic terms

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - May 4, 2016 - PRLog -- Has your orthodontist used the term malocclusion? It's a big word that refers to the misalignment of teeth. If you were told you have a malocclusion, that may have been followed up with an orthodontic treatment plan.

Malocclusions require orthodontic treatment to correct because they can cause serious oral health problems. Malocclusions include crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites, open bites, underbites and issues with spacing.

When your teeth are misaligned, it can make every day functions, such as eating and even speaking, more difficult. And when you have an uneven bite, the uneven pressure it places on your teeth can lead to cracking, chipping and breaking.

Malocclusions can be inherited, meaning they can be passed down from your parents or grandparents. They can also stem from bad habits, such as extended thumb sucking or pacifier use. Or, they can be caused by just bad luck - a jaw that doesn't grow exactly right, an injury, or teeth that don't erupt in the right pattern.

Malocclusions can be subtle, or more complicated and severe. Some signs that you may have a malocclusion include:

•Breathing through your mouth

•Speech problems, including a lisp

•Improper alignment of the teeth

•Biting of the inside of your cheeks or your tongue

•Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down

Orthodontists(http://www.vancouverorthodontics.com/site/home) have been specially trained to diagnose and treat malocclusions. After dental school, orthodontists go on for two or three years of additional training to learn and understand the unique relationship of the teeth, jaws, muscles and tissues of the mouth. This training gives them the skills to treat any malocclusion, no matter how severe.

There are three classes of malocclusions:

•A Class 1 malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth overlap too far over the bottom teeth. This is the most common classification, and the overbite is very slight.

•A Class 2 malocclusion is a severe overbite. The upper jaw and teeth will protrude significantly over the lower jaw and teeth.

•Class 3 malocclusions are severe underbites. The lower teeth and jaw will overlap the top teeth and jaw.

If your malocclusion is very mild, your orthodontist may not suggest treatment. But for more serious malocclusions, you may require braces, removal of teeth to relieve crowding, or another form of orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will recommend the best treatment for your individual case.

If you experience any of the symptoms of a malocclusion, schedule a consultation(http://www.vancouverorthodontics.com/site/orthdontics-con...) with an orthodontist today.