The word 'malocclusion' may sound intimidating but it simply means that your teeth are misaligned. Malocclusion leads to crooked teeth or in some cases a misaligned bite. Our Surrey orthodontist explains more, including how malocclusion can be avoided in many cases.
Malocclusion & Your Bite
Depending upon the severity of your malocclusion, this misalignment can lead to bite issues such as overbite, crowded teeth, underbite, crossbite and open bite. Malocclusion can also lead to crooked teeth that make it more difficult to chew or speak normally and can even make breathing freely more difficult.
Causes of Malocclusion
While jaw injuries may result in malocclusions, in many cases malocclusion is an inherited condition that can't really be prevented. Nonetheless, if the misalignment is detected early it can be treated before becoming more severe.
Certain habits or conditions can also contribute to the development of malocclusion. The following behaviours should be prevented or curtailed in order to help avoid problematic malocclusions from developing:
- Poor dental hygiene leading to tooth loss
- Prolonged bottle-feeding
- Frequent pacifier use after the age of 3
- Thumb sucking beyond age 3