Malocclusion of teeth

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Prognathism

Teeth, adult - in the skull

Malocclusion of teeth

Dental anatomy

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Malocclusion of teeth

Alternative Names:

Crowded teeth; Misaligned teeth; Crossbite; Overbite; Underbite; Open bite

Treatment:

The goal is to correct the positioning of the teeth. Braces or other appliances may be used. Metal bands are placed around some teeth or metal, ceramic, or plastic bonds are attached to the surface of the teeth. Wires or springs apply force to the teeth.

Extraction (removal) of one or more teeth may be required if overcrowding is part of the problem. Rough or irregular teeth may be adjusted down, reshaped, and bonded or capped. Misshapen restorations and dental appliances should be repaired. Surgery may be required on rare occasions. This may include surgical reshaping to lengthen or shorten the jaw (orthognathic surgery). Wires may be used to stabilize the jaw bone, in a similar manner to the surgical stabilization of jaw fracture.

Meticulous oral hygiene and regular visits to the general dentist are vital. Plaque accumulates on orthodontic appliances and may permanently mark teeth or cause tooth decay if not properly cared for.

Retainers (appliances used to stabilize the teeth) may be required for an indefinite time to maintain the new position of the teeth.

Expectations (prognosis):

Malocclusion is easier, quicker, and less expensive to treat when it is corrected early. Treatment is most successful in children and adolescents because their bone is still soft and teeth are moved more easily. Treatment may last 6 months to 2 or more years, depending on the severity of the case.

Treatment of orthodontic disorders in adults is often successful but may require prolonged use of braces or other devices.

Complications:

Tooth decay
Discomfort during treatment
Irritation of mouth and gums (gingivitis) caused by appliances
Chewing or speaking difficulty during treatment

Calling your health care provider:

Call your orthodontist if toothache, mouth pain, or other new symptoms develop during orthodontic treatment.

Review Date: 8/12/2005
Reviewed By: Johanna Jacobs, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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