Malocclusion is an incorrect arrangement of the teeth of the upper jaw in relation to the teeth of the lower jaw, as a result of which a person has aesthetic disorders, as well as disorders of the dentition and other systems.
Malocclusion can form for various reasons, but fortunately, modern dentistry can correct this defect in many cases.
The consequences of deformities of the temporary occlusion
Most parents do not pay attention to the deformed bite of their child, as they believe that after the change of milk teeth with permanent teeth, the problem will disappear by itself. However, it is not.
The location of the teeth in children under 6 years of age is of great importance, since during this period there is an active growth and formation of the jaw. Therefore, not closing the upper and lower teeth can lead to serious defects during formation. If violations occur at this age, then they, as a rule, are irreversible, that is, it will be very difficult to correct them, and sometimes even impossible.
The consequences of deformities of mixed dentition
The change of teeth in a child occurs at the age of 6-12 years. At this time, also few people pay attention to bite. And this is not surprising, because even many dentists recommend carrying out a correction when all the teeth change, because a person will continue to live with these teeth.
However, the correction at this stage contributes to easy teething, so that a person can avoid many problems in the future. Therefore, it is not recommended to delay treatment, but seek medical help as soon as possible.
Consequences of permanent occlusion deformities
The most serious consequences are precisely the deformations of the permanent bite. However, people let the problem run its course for various reasons. Many do not even notice it, because the deformation of the bite does not interfere with chewing food (the human jaw tends to adapt to any bite). Some people do not want to go to the dentist, and are treated, they consider malocclusion to be an exclusively aesthetic defect. However, you need to be aware that ignoring the problem can lead to the following problems in the future:
- Periodontitis is a disease in which periodontal tissues become inflamed and the structure of the alveolar process of the jaw is destroyed. This is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in old age. With periodontitis, the amount of bone tissue of the teeth decreases, disturbances occur in the musculoskeletal apparatus, the tooth roots are exposed, and the teeth begin to stagger. In addition, gum bleeding occurs, an unpleasant odor appears from the oral cavity , and with prolonged absence of treatment, abscesses may appear in the mouth. How malocclusion is associated with the development of periodontitis? On improperly located teeth, plaque accumulates very quickly, and it is almost impossible to completely clean it. As a result, caries, tartar , and periodontitis develop on the teeth. If a person is faced with this problem, then he needs to see a dentist as soon as possible, cure the disease, and only after that start correcting the bite. Please note that it is impossible to treat teeth on which braces are already installed;
- Bruxism is a disorder in which a person grinds their teeth while sleeping. It is the wrong bite in many cases that is the cause of bruxism . Patients in this case often feel a headache and pain in the jaw area in the morning. This complication is not dangerous, but unpleasant and, if left untreated, can harm the teeth;
- Digestive disorders . They can occur as a result of the fact that the food is badly chewed and an additional burden falls on the digestive organs;
- Too much stress on individual teeth . In a healthy person, when chewing, the load on the teeth should be distributed evenly. With an incorrect bite, some teeth practically do not receive a load, while the load on other teeth becomes too large. This damages both one and the other teeth. If this problem is not solved in time, the patient is threatened with early tooth loss;
- Difficulties with prosthetics . If the bite is not corrected, then over time a part of the teeth may fall out. In this situation, the dentist may suggest prosthetics. However, a deformed bite can interfere with this procedure.
People with malocclusion often have depression, because it can negatively affect the appearance of a person. With serious violations, not only a smile can become unattractive, but the entire profile. Such people are ashamed to smile, because their upper lip may be raised too much, their gums or teeth of the lower row protrude. In addition, in the life of people with malocclusion, there are many restrictions. People with a deformed bite will never be able to do some sports, such as diving. All of this can lead to lower self-esteem over time. These people avoid communication, which can lead to depression, which is no easier to treat than malocclusion.