Malocclusion

Excerpt from "Your Child's Teeth: Helpful Tips for Parents and Caregivers", by the American Dental Association:

Malocclusion, or bad bite, is a condition in which th teeth are crowded, crooked or out of alignment, or the jaws don’t meet properly. This condition may become particularly noticeable between the ages of six and 12, when the permanent teeth are erupting. This "bad bite" may be inherited or result from events in the child’s development.

Here are some of the problems that can occur when there is a significant malocclusion:

• It’s more difficult to keep teeth and gums clean where teeth are crooked or crowded. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Malocclusion may interfere with the proper development of the jaws.
• Protruding teeth are more easily chipped or fractured.
• Some Malocclusions may interfere with eating and normal speech.
• Teeth that are out of position are more likely to wear abnormally or faster than those that are properly aligned.

Every child should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early examination and treatment may help prevent and reduce the severity of malocclusions in the permanent teeth. An early evaluation allows the dentist/orthodontist to determine when an any recommended treatment should begin. The developing occlusion should be monitored throughout eruption. Starting treatment or preventative care at the best time may reduce the overall treatment time and result in the best outcome.

Every child should receive an orthodontist evaluation by age seven.

Dentists/orthodontists try to prevent the development of malocclusions, when possible. Some preventative orthodontic treatment may be started when the primary teeth are still in place. Often effective preventative treatment is done during a child’s growth period. Different types of orthodontic appliances, including some that are removable, are used to prevent and treat malocclusions.

Orthodontic treatment may be divided into divided into distinct stages or it may be continuous over a period of many months or more. The starting age, the duration of treatment, the type of appliances used, the outcome of the treatment, and the cost of treatment depend upon the nature and the severity of the malocclusion being treated. In most cases, the cooperation of the patient – practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining scheduled appointments with the dentist – are the major factors in the success of orthodontic treatment.