Dental
Occlusion or Malocclusion is an
extremely common dental condition caused
when the biting surfaces of the teeth do
not properly fit together. The way teeth
grow out of the jaw is influenced by a
number of factors, as heredity, shape of
the jaw, and certain environmental
conditions can lead to uneven variations
in biting surface. If left untreated
these variations in jaw structure can
eventually cause problems with biting,
gum health, speech development, and the
ability to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Most dental occlusion are treated after
adult teeth begin to grow in, as the
bones and teeth are far more pliable
than those of adults. In some cases the
dentist will have to remove one or more
permanent teeth to ensure proper growth
and expansion of other teeth. Great care
is exercised to prevent future impaction
or irritation by other teeth that have
yet to erupt, so many people who have
malocclusion are required to wear a
retaining device or mouthpiece to
prevent complications.
Braces are
the most common appliances used to
correct malocclusions. While braces are
the most effective way to adjust and
reshape uneven biting surfaces, it is
critically important to maintain
exemplary oral hygiene to prevent
cavities from forming in the areas where
food can collect easily. Once in place,
these braces slowly but surely arrange
the teeth into a healthy biting
formation.
