What words come to mind when you imagine the perfect set of teeth? Brilliant white, aligned, and strong. The majority of people want their teeth to have these characteristics. Unfortunately, a lot of adults and kids are affected by a condition called malocclusion that keeps them from having the perfect smile. A common problem that affects how the top and bottom teeth connect is called malocclusion. In this blog article, we will define malocclusion and discuss how it affects your dental health. For more information about malocclusion, contact your dentist office in Aliso Viejo.
How Does Malocclusion Affect Your Dental Health?
Orthodontists and dentists refer to the relationship between the upper and lower teeth as malocclusion. The bottom molars and the rear of your upper front teeth line up in an appropriate bite so that they “occlude,” or meet, evenly. You might have malocclusion if this does not happen.
Three forms of malocclusions can be defined: underbite, crossbite, and overbite.
- Overbite: An overbite is characterized by the upper teeth extending past the lower teeth.
- Underbite: An over-protruding lower jaw that provides the look of a bulldog defines an underbite.
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth push on the inside surfaces of the lower teeth, either on the front or rear.
- Class I: When extra teeth are positioned too close to or too far apart from your upper and lower molars, regardless of their proper position.
- Class II: When your upper teeth push out and overlap your lower teeth due to a major overbite.
- Class III: When you have a severe underbite that pushes your bottom teeth forward and overlaps them with your upper teeth.
Depending on the type and severity of malocclusion, there are multiple ways in which it can affect your oral health. Tooth sensitivity is one way that malocclusion affects oral health. Your upper and lower molars may grind against one another due to malocclusion, which might harm or damage enamel. Your teeth become more sensitive to both cold and hot meals and beverages when the enamel wears off.
Furthermore, malocclusion-related harmed enamel of teeth may result in tooth decay. This is because germs can quickly erode through worn-down enamel. The growth of germs can also occur in the hard-to-reach parts of teeth that overlap. Gum disease, dental cavities, and other dental health issues can occur from this.
TMJ problems are another way that malocclusion affects your dental health. Malocclusion is often related to increased jaw tension, which may result in migraines, jaw pain, and other problems. In some cases, this can also affect your ability to bite and chew.