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What is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion means having crooked teeth or a "poor bite."
Orthodontic treatment can correct the way teeth and jaws line up. Dentists who are specially trained to correct malocclusion are called orthodontists. They use a variety of treatment tools and techniques (including braces ) to move teeth, and sometimes the jaw, into the right places
How is Malocclusion Diagnosed?
A dentist usually checks for malocclusion in children during regular dental visits. If the jaw or teeth are out of line, the dentist may suggest a visit to an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a checkup with an orthodontist by age 7.
An orthodontist will:
Ask questions about your or your child's past health problems.
Check the mouth and teeth.
Take X-rays of the face and teeth.
Take photographs of the face and teeth.
Make a plaster model of the teeth.
Start your child’s trips to the dentist at age 12 months. This will help your child get used to seeing a dentist. It will also catch any early problems. Keep up with regular dental checkups 2 times a year.
How is it treated?
Dr. Khoe and his professional staff and orthodontist look forward to treating any and all malocclusion diagnosed.
In children and teens, the first step in treatment may be to take out certain teeth to make room for teeth that may still grow in.
The next step is to attach braces to teeth to straighten out the bite . In addition to straightening teeth, braces can help move a child’s jaw into the right position.
Teeth tend to move forward as you age, even after treatment with braces. Retainers are devices you wear in your mouth to keep your teeth from moving. Some people need to use retainers for many years after treatment.
Adults can successfully straighten their teeth with braces. But the only way to straighten an adult’s jaw is with surgery.