Dental occlusion or the meeting of your upper and lower teeth. If there’s a problem and your jaws don’t meet right, it’s called malocclusion or bad bite. Almost 2,000,000 Americans endure living with a bad bite. Malocclusion is usually hereditary. It can also caused by bad habits as a child such as long use of feeding bottles and pacifiers (should not be used beyond age three) or thumbsucking. But if this happens to you, orthodontists are there to help you.
The maxilla or upper jaw doesn’t move. It is part of the skull. When we are born, our maxilla is connected by soft tissues to the root of the mouth. By the time we’re seventeen years old, it has developed into one big bone. The teeth in our upper jaw are larger than those in our lower jaw. Our upper jaw and lower jaw or mandibula should fit well with each other to be able to function properly. If not, simple activities like chewing, speaking, grinding will become very difficult. It could also cause dental health problems.
Orthodontic study started a long time ago. In fact ancient Greeks and Romans have been trying to correct the bite problem in the best way they know. And each has created their own correction device. Because of this various orthodontic device has been introduced. Early orthodontist Edward Angle made three classifications for dental occlusions which until today remain to be the standard.
Class I occlusion – normal bite
Normal means the jaws fit well with each other. You have a good bite that doesn’t give you any dental or oral problem. But this does not necessarily mean that your teeth are all straight and you don’t have any missing tooth.
Class II malocclusion – true malocclusion
More commonly known as buckteeth. It is characterized by upper front teeth that are larger than the others. Teeth in the lower jaw are crowded and small. The upper jaw usually protrudes. Needless to say that people with class II malocclusion are usually subject for cruel jokes and ridicule.
Class III malocclusion
This type of malocclusion is considered to be the most difficult to treat. It is also rare with about 5% of the population. People with class III malocclusion have lower jaws that protrude and cover the upper jaw. The patient may need to undergo surgery to fix the problem.
Regardless of what type you’re in, it is still important to visit your dentist regularly. It is especially important for class IIs and class IIIs to have your teeth checked with an orthodontist who could solve your problem and give you a better quality of life.
For adults who grew up without having the chance to correct their dental problem, this is a very good time to do it. Advancement in dentistry and technology allows you to correct your teeth with the best materials and resources available.
Gone are the days when you had to go around wearing heavy metal braces just to correct your teeth. Braces now are lighter, less painful and some even invisible. Adhesives and plastic allow you a freeier, more comfortable feel. A new material used by NASA called Nitinol has been discovered as a better substitute for stainless steel. Nitinol can withstand the force applied by orthodontic devices and still keep its shape better than stainless steel. There are also new braces called lingual braces which are glued at the back of your teeth. They look invisible but is proven to be effective in closing minimal gaps.
Whatever orthodontic problem you have and whatever treatment plan you’re in, it can only be succesful with your cooperation. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions and be diligent in cleaning your teeth carefully. You as patient also have the responsibility of keeping away from food that will damage your braces. Avoid sticky and hard to chew food. Remember, home care plays a very important role in the success of your treatment.
If you are in search of a good orthodontist, type in your area in the search field and we’ll generate a list of orthodontists near you. A good bite or a beautiful smile starts with a dental visit.
