When working with Calgary orthodontists to correct your or your child’s tooth problems, you’ll probably hear the word “malocclusion” fairly often. In fact, pretty much every issue that Calgary orthodontists deal with fits into the category of malocclusions. It’s a broad term that has many applications, with some malocclusions being serious and others being insignificant enough not to warrant treatment. Most Calgary orthodontists will be fully willing to discuss the nature of this term with you, but if you want to be well prepared before heading to your appointment, he’s a simple primer.
What is a malocclusion?
The word comes from the Latin roots mal, meaning “bad,” and occludere, meaning “to close.” Thus, a malocclusion is essentially a “bad closure.” In practical terms, malocclusions are what happens when one’s jaw is so misaligned that it doesn’t close properly. This can result in any number of specific orthodontic issues, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, or crowding. Some such issues are not serious enough to be treated by Calgary orthodontists—and in fact, nearly everyone has some level of malocclusion. However, other malocclusions can be quite serious, leading to tooth and gum decay, as well as difficulty chewing food.
How do malocclusions develop?
Many factors may contribute to the development of a malocclusion. Genetics tend to play a large role, especially when one is predisposed to having a narrow or wide jaw. Habits and environmental factors can also be significant. For example, children who suck their thumbs or fingers, have bad chewing habits, or regularly sleep in jaw-contorting positions are sometimes at higher risk for developing malocclusions. Malocclusions can develop at any stage of life, but they most commonly occur in young children whose jaws are still developing.
How do Calgary orthodontists diagnose malocclusions?
Many types of malocclusions can be diagnosed on sight. In fact, non-orthodontic dentists can usually make fairly accurate assessments of the type and severity of a malocclusion. In this case, he or she will refer the patient to an orthodontist for a more accurate diagnosis. Then, Calgary orthodontists use a range of tactics, including X-rays and plaster impressions, to assess exactly what the issue is.
How do Calgary orthodontists treat malocclusions?
There are three main categories of orthodontic treatment:
- Surgery: In some cases, the orthodontist may need to perform a one-time operation to fix a malocclusion.
- Removable mouth appliances: Also known as retainers, these appliances are made of plastic and wires, and they use soft pressure to help correct a bite over time.
- Fixed mouth appliances: Braces, used to push the jaw into a normal alignment over a period of months or years, are the most common type of fixed mouth appliance.
How can malocclusions be prevented?
Orthodontics is by nature a preventative field. In some cases, if a child is brought in for a consultation at a very early age, Calgary orthodontists can catch a malocclusion before it even develops. It’s also a good idea for parents to enforce good orthodontic practices in the home. Children should be made to follow all the best dental hygiene practices, and they should be discouraged from sucking their thumbs or fingers.
