Malocclusion of the Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Tucson, AZ

Do you ever notice your teeth don’t quite align? If you have jaw pain or catch yourself biting your cheek when you didn’t mean to, you might have malocclusion. These may be signs of a bigger dental problem described as “crooked teeth” or a “bad bite.” However, many individuals think that malocclusion only affects the smile and the aesthetics of the teeth. Its effects reach far beyond how a smile looks and may affect oral health, speech, and even well-being. 

Delaying the treatment only makes the condition worse. That’s why you need to know the causes of these issues to avoid them and the signs to identify them. It’s best to visit your dentist for routine dental care to diagnose your condition under expert guidance. Find out all you need to know about malocclusion, including symptoms, reasons, and diagnosis, to keep your smile healthy. 

What Exactly is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion is when your teeth don’t line up properly. It can happen in different ways, from mild crowding to bigger jaw issues. Normally, when you bite down, your upper teeth slightly overlap your lower ones, and your molars fit perfectly together in the grooves. If this harmony gets disrupted, it leads to malocclusion, which can vary quite a bit.

The Roots of Malocclusion: What Causes a Bad Bite?

At first, you need to understand the causes of malocclusion. There is a wide range of reasons that can involve both genetic factors and environmental influences. All those childhood habits play a vital role in the first step towards prevention or effective treatment.

Genetic Influence

There could be many reasons that influence malocclusion, and some of them can be hereditary. If your other family members have it, then there is a high chance that you are also going to get it. Here are the factors caused by genetics: 

Jaw Size and Shape

The size and shape of your jaws are often passed down through your genes. If one jaw happens to be a bit bigger or smaller than the other, it can happen. Apart from that, if they aren’t positioned quite right, it might cause an uneven bite.

Tooth Size and Number

Other hereditary factors work here, such as the size and number of teeth you have. 

If you have large teeth in a small jaw or small teeth in a big jaw, it can lead to overcrowding or gaps. Some people might also be born with extra teeth, known as supernumerary, or missing teeth. This generic issue is called hypodontia, and both of these can affect how their teeth align.

Inherited Bite Patterns

It can also happen due to its bite-related issues. Some bite patterns cause this, like an overbite where the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones more than usual. Another scenario is an underbite where the lower front teeth stick out beyond the upper ones.

Environmental and Behavioral Factors

Other issues are inherited problems, and for those, there is nothing you can do about them. While genetics provides the basic foundation, many outside factors can play a big role in how malocclusion develops or worsens. Understanding these influences can help us find better ways to manage and treat them. Here is the list of those habits: 

Thumb Sucking or Finger Sucking

When thumb or finger sucking continues beyond the age of 4-5, it can put pressure on the growing jaws and teeth. This might sometimes cause an open bite, where the front teeth don’t meet, or cause the front teeth to flare out. It’s a common concern, but there are ways to help address it if needed. 

Premature Loss of Primary Teeth

It can happen if your baby’s teeth come out too early because of decay or injury. This can lead to the permanent teeth becoming crooked or in the wrong spots. This happens because the space meant for these teeth gets lost or is filled by neighboring teeth shifting out of place.

Poor Dental Hygiene Leading to Tooth Loss

Untreated cavities and gum disease can lead to tooth loss later in life. If you lose your teeth, it might cause your remaining teeth to drift and shift, potentially disrupting your bite. Taking good care of your oral health can help keep your smile healthy and comfortable for years to come.

Recognizing the Signs: Common Symptoms of Malocclusion

The symptoms of malocclusion can differ quite a bit depending on the type and complexity of the bite problem. For some people, it might mainly affect how they look. On the other hand, for others, it can cause real discomfort and make daily activities more difficult. Here are the signs you should look for if you think you have malocclusion 

• The upper teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. 
• The lower front teeth extend beyond the upper front teeth.
• The upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
• When the mouth is closed, there is a gap between the biting surfaces of the teeth.
• The upper front teeth stick out excessively.
• You have an improper bite that can make it hard to chew or grind food properly.
• You have to face speech difficulties such as lisping or other issues. 
• Many times, you unintentionally bite your cheek and tongue.
• You found that the tooth enamel wears out without any proper reason. 
• There is a constant pain in your jaw, and you hear clicking and popping sounds from your jaw. 
• Apart from jaw pain, you also have neck pain and headaches. 
• Your tooth suddenly becomes sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. 

Diagnosing Malocclusion: The Role of Dental X-rays

This is a systematic process that your local dentist will carefully undertake. An important step in this process involves professional routine oral care that includes dental X-rays. Those are incredibly helpful in revealing the structures beneath the surface that we can’t see just by looking. That’s why most dental practitioners recommend never missing regular visits from childhood to adulthood. 

Taking the Next Step with Us 

If you think you might have malocclusion, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with a dental professional. In case you detect the signs and get early intervention, it can stop bigger issues from developing. It can also make treatment simpler and more successful. So, do not waste any more time and visit us for your routine dental checkup at Dehnert Dental.