Malocclusion: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

The term "malocclusion" refers to one of the most prevalent dental issues. Also known as ‘bad bites’. In this case, the affected person cannot align the upper and lower teeth perfectly while closed mouth. It mainly occurs due to crooked or crowded teeth. Braces and other therapies can be used to treat it.

The disorder is distinctly divided into three different Malocclusions classes, namely-

• Class 1 malocclusions- 50-60% of young people between the ages of 6 and 17 experience this type of malocclusion. In this situation, the molars fit together properly, but the other teeth are not in good alignment. For example, the anterior teeth overlap, the upper or lower incisors and canines crowd, the maxillary incisors protrude, there are spaces between the teeth, there is an anterior or posterior crossbite, and there isn't enough room for the posterior teeth, canines, and/or premolars to grow normally.
• Class 2 malocclusions- The form of the face and mouth are also affected when the upper molars are positioned incorrectly in relation to their lower counterparts, either backwards or forwards. Lips can be positioned incorrectly so that the lower lip sits behind the upper incisors and canines and a chin is in front of the upper lip, or vice versa. Class 2 malocclusions can frequently be corrected together with the smile.
• Class 3 malocclusions- This category contains the rarest cases, especially when the lower molars are protruding excessively in comparison to the upper molars. Prognathia (advanced lower jaw) is what it is when the upper jaw is receding or the chin is too far forward. Inverted occlusion, also known as a global inverted bite, is a malocclusion in which all of the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. A dental imbalance can cause postural issues (neck ache, back pain, tinnitus), as well as severely impair chewing, prematurely wear down the teeth, and ruin the smile.

Malocclusion is frequently an inherited condition. It can therefore be passed on from one generation to the next.

The structure and shape of your jaw may alter as a result of certain disorders or behaviours. They consist of:

• Frequent pacifier use after the age of three
• Thumb sucking
• Injuries to the mouth or jaw
• Tumours in the mouth or jaw
• Abnormally shaped or impacted teeth
• Dental procedure that leads to poor dental fillings
• Allergies or growing adenoids or tonsils may cause airway blockage (mouth breathing).
• Crowns, or braces

The severity of the disorder's symptoms will depend on how malocclusion is classified. TThe following are typical malocclusion symptoms:

• Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose
• Frequently biting your inner cheeks or tongue
• Experiencing discomfort when chewing or biting
• Improper alignment of your teeth
• Changes in the appearance of your face

Malocclusion treatment involves the following procedures-

• Fixed multibracket braces- brackets connected with the help of a wire are attached to each tooth. It is changed regularly to align the teeth properly.
• Invisalign- these are transparent and can be removed easily. It mostly works the same as the braces do.
• Removable devices- these include retainers and headgear. They align the teeth in the right position and allow the jaw bone to grow properly.

People having misaligned teeth and due to which are facing severe issues including chewing and biting food, speech difficulty, underbite, overbite, mouth breathing, etc. must go for the treatment. As malocclusion affect physical as well as mental so it requires medical intervention immediately.

Anyone who has a normal occlusion or is allergic to drugs like anaesthesia that may be used during surgery is unable to get therapy for malocclusions.

Some of the common side effects of malocclusions are-

• Appearance discrimination
• Jaw muscle disharmony
• Difficulty in mastication
• Periodontal disease
• Difficulty in swallowing

Post-treatment guidelines help to smoothen the recovery period. Therefore, some post-treatment guidelines of Malocclusion given by doctors, include-

• Taking medications on time
• Having soft and light meals
• Tighten your braces on time
• Be regular on follow-ups
• Avoid pressure on teeth

While minor concerns with tooth crowding or spacing may be resolved by your professional orthodontist within 6-8 months, more complicated issues with the bite may take up to 12-18 months.

Depending on your dental health, the cost may range from 18000 to 60000.

Yes, the results of Malocclusions treatment are permanent but it really takes a longer time. It may take several years to achieve desirable results.

Patients having malocclusions always suffer problems like biting or chewing their foods due to the misalignment of their teeth. Malocclusions cause severe issues including gum disease, cavities, low self-esteem, anxiety, etc. The patient must take proper Malocclusion treatment to tackle these problems.

Both toddlers and adults who have malocclusions of the teeth can often have them fixed by a dentist.

Early dental care can assist shorten the length of the procedure and may result in longer-term dental cost savings. Adults can also achieve success. Adult treatment will, however, typically take longer and may cost more money. The better the outcome, the earlier you treat a malocclusion.