Today we want to explain exactly what a malocclusion is, which is nothing more than what happens when our bite is not properly aligned.
A malocclusion is a fairly common problem and we need orthodontics to correct it.
The consequences of a malocclusion
Having a malocclusion can have negative consequences for the patient, which we will now go through:
- The patient will be more susceptible to trauma. That means that, because of the malocclusion, the teeth take strain and are liable to break or lose their original shape.
- Greater tooth sensitivity. Poorly positioned teeth mean excessive friction between them speeds up wear, causing greater sensitivity to cold and heat.
- A higher risk of gum disease and decay. When we have a malocclusion there are hard-to-reach areas between our teeth, which means we cannot clean all of them properly. Bacteria build up, and that can cause decay and gum problems that will only get worse if we do not deal with the root of the problem, which is nothing other than the malocclusion.
- A higher risk of TMJ problems. You see, the lower jaw articulates with the base of the skull. For that joint to work properly we have a disc between the jawbone and the base of the skull. When we are in good health that disc lets the jaw work correctly without any symptoms. When we have a malocclusion the joint starts to deteriorate, leading to the dreaded TMJ problems.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you should see your dentist so they can deal with your dental problem right away and keep your malocclusion from causing bigger problems.
