What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is when teeth are not correctly aligned. There could be crowding, meaning they may overlap, or they may be in the wrong position or growing in the wrong direction. Although not typically a medical concern, their impact on smile confidence can be debilitating for some. Some severe malocclusions can affect your ability to eat and speak properly.
What causes malocclusion?
Genetics and ethnicity play a key factor, yet habits like thumb-sucking, early loss of baby teeth and trauma can cause malocclusions. Regular dental care and addressing habits can help with alignment during development.
How to treat malocclusions?
It is important that you visit your dentist for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan. You may be recommended to see a specialist orthodontist.
Orthodontic treatment involves the use of appliances to correct malocclusions. These can be removable (such as clear aligners, arch expanders, twinblock), or fixed (stainless steel or nickel-titanium wires are fixed to metal/ceramic brackets bonded to teeth).