Why do we have malocclusion?

Malocclusion is another name for having a bad bite. This common dental problem affects a sizable section of the population. Malocclusion occurs when your upper and lower teeth do not align when you close your mouth. At Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics, we specialize in addressing various dental issues, including malocclusion. Visit us today to learn more about the treatment options at your disposal.

Our modern lifestyle encompasses a diet that is replete with packaged and processed foods, refined sugars and highly adulterated staples that are a far cry from our ancestoral diet. The result is exposure to foreign chemicals, additives and excess sugar which have multiple negative effects on health. The allergic and/or inflammatory reaction to this diet produces nasal congestion.

One of the most common findings among our children is a significant lack of nasal breathing. Congested, inflamed and non functional nasal tissues create a shift to mouth breathing in a child with a rapidly growing face. Studies have shown that the majority of 6yr olds do not nasally breath consistently. We are all meant to be obligate nasal breathers. The result is a corruption of the genetic expression of facial growth as intended and a corruption via a gene environment influence. This is the main etiology of altered jaw growth which precipitates crowding and deficient jaws. Dr. Buck believes the earlier he can screen children for breathing problems and evaluate whether the jaws are growing properly, the better the opportunity to correct and re-establish proper growth leading to fully developed jaws, straight teeth and facial beauty.

Malocclusion is not a disease or health condition; it is a dental problem that arises when the front teeth do not align in front of the lower teeth. Having teeth that do not align when you bite will not affect your overall body or overall dental health. More often than not, malocclusion is a cosmetic problem because it affects the appearance of your smile.

In rare circumstances, malocclusion becomes a major issue when it negatively affects your speech and ability to eat properly. Some severe cases of malocclusion can result in protruding teeth, crooked teeth, and crowded teeth. Misaligned teeth can promote the occurrence of gum problems and even periodontal disease.

Additionally, our modern lifestyle encompasses a diet that is replete with packaged and processed foods, refined sugars, and highly adulterated staples that are a far cry from our ancestral diet. The result is exposure to foreign chemicals, additives, and excess sugar which have multiple negative effects on health. The allergic and/or inflammatory reaction to this diet produces nasal congestion.

One of the most common findings among our children is a significant lack of nasal breathing. Congested, inflamed, and non-functional nasal tissues create a shift to mouth breathing in a child with a rapidly growing face. Studies have shown that the majority of 6-year-olds do not nasal breathe consistently. We are all meant to be obligate nasal breathers. The result is a corruption of the genetic expression of facial growth as intended and a corruption via a gene-environment influence. This is the main etiology of altered jaw growth which precipitates crowding and deficient jaws. Dr. Buck believes the earlier he can screen children for breathing problems and evaluate whether the jaws are growing properly, the better the opportunity to correct and re-establish proper growth leading to fully developed jaws, straight teeth, and facial beauty.

Malocclusion is considered hereditary and is sometimes passed down through generations. Members of a family can exhibit various versions of malocclusion because of its presence in the genetics of the family.

If there is a significant difference between the upper and the lower jaws, you can exhibit malocclusion. Malocclusion also occurs when there is a difference between the size of your jaws and the size of your teeth, which causes tooth overcrowding or abnormal bite patterns.

People born with congenital disabilities, such as cleft lip and palate, can also exhibit malocclusion. These disabilities affect the shape of the jaws, which in turn affects the alignment of the teeth. Reconstructive surgery by an OMS surgeon is typically the first step in resolving malocclusion due to birth defects.

Some children tend to develop certain habits from a very young age, which eventually affect the alignment of their teeth. Some of these habits include thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, prolonged use of the bottle, and using the pacifier beyond age three.

Sometimes, the teeth themselves and their nature cause malocclusion. For example, having extra teeth, impacted teeth, or teeth that are shaped abnormally are three common ways teeth-related characteristics cause malocclusion.

Some dental procedures, such as fillings, appliances, braces, crowns, and retainers, can cause malocclusion when they are ill-fitting. In this case, a thorough exam and treatment plan are necessary to rectify the problem.

At our practice, we can detect malocclusion during a routine dental exam, especially when X-rays are taken to check for alignment complications. If our orthodontist detects malocclusion, it could be any of these three major types:

The first major type of malocclusion is the underbite. An underbite is a condition where teeth from the lower jaw appear in front of the teeth from the upper jaw when your mouth is in a bite position. We recommend commencing treatment immediately when your teeth align in this manner because the condition poses a significant threat to the incisors and molars of your upper jaw. The treatment process involves pushing the teeth from the lower jaw behind until they can align perfectly with the teeth from the upper jaw.

Overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the teeth from the lower and upper jaw overlap when you put them in a bite position. The area between the teeth from either side of the jaw has a space of about 3 to 5 mm.

The crossbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the occlusal surface of the teeth is irregular and where the bite lines up. Often, the crossbite affects one or both jaws.

Treating malocclusion is significantly beneficial for your general well-being. For instance, your teeth will be properly aligned, making them easier for you to clean. In the long run, you will decrease the risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases. Treating malocclusion can also eliminate the strain on your teeth, jaws, and muscles, lessening the risk of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) or tooth breakage.

Many types of malocclusions are not preventable, especially those that are hereditary. However, some types caused by thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting are preventable. Still, finding and treating the problem early enough improves the chances of successfully eliminating the alignment problem.

Malocclusion is a dental problem that does not affect general health, but it does affect your smile. Visit us at Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics today to find the best aesthetic solutions available. Contact us at 206-316-8286 to schedule your appointment today.