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| Malocclusion Classification & external resources | |
| ICD-10 | K07.4 |
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| ICD-9 | 524.4 |
| MeSH | D008310 |
A malocclusion is a misalignment of teeth and/or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. The upper arch is called the maxilla and the lower is called the mandible.
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Most people have some degree of malocclusion, although it isn\'t usually serious enough to require treatment. Those who have more severe malocclusions may require orthodontic and sometimes surgical treatment (orthognathic surgery) to correct the problem. Correction of malocclusion may reduce risk of tooth decay and help relieve excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint. Orthodontic treatment is also used to align for aesthetic reasons.
Malocclusions may be coupled with skeletal disharmony of the face, where the relations between the upper and lower jaws are not appropriate. In these cases the dental problem is, most of the time, derived from the skeletal disharmony.
Malocclusions can be divided mainly into three types, depending on the sagittal relations of teeth and jaws, by Angle\'s classification method. However, there are also other conditions e.g. crowding of teeth, not directly fitting into this classification.
Many authors have tried to classify or modify Angle\'s classification. This has resulted in many subtypes.
Edward Angle, who is considered the father of modern orthodontics, was the first to classify malocclusion. He based his classifications on the relative position of the maxillary first molar.Angle\'s Classification of Malocclusion. Retrieved on 2007-10-31. According to Angle, the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar should rest on the mesiobuccal groove of the mandibular first molar. Any variations from this resulted in malocclusion types. It is also possible to have different classes of maloclusion on left and right sides.
It is estimated that approximately 18% of the United States population suffers from an over sided malocclusion, while only 11% suffer from an under malocclusion.[citation needed]
Crowding of teeth is where there is insufficient room for the normal complement of adult teeth.
Crowding of teeth is recognized as an affliction that stems in part from a modern western lifestyle. We do not know for sure whether it is due to the consistency of western diets; a result of mouthbreathing; or the result of an early loss of deciduous (milk, baby) teeth due to decay. It is also possible that Homo sapiens have evolved smaller jaws without a reduction in the number of teeth they will house happening at the same time.
Crowding of the teeth is treated with orthodontics, often with, tooth extraction, dental braces, followed by growth modification in children or jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) in adults.
"Deep bite" redirects here. For the village, see Deep Bight, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Other kind of malocclusions are due to vertical discrepancies. Long faces may lead to open bite, while short faces can be coupled to a deep bite. However, there are many other more common causes for open bites such as tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, etc, and likewise for deep bites.
Malocclusions can also be secondary to transversal skeletal discrepancy or to a skeletal asymmetry.
| Orthodontics | |
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| Diagnoses | Crossbite - Malocclusion - Open bite - Prognathism - Retrognathism |
| Appliances | Archwire - Braces - Headgear - Invisalign - Ligature - Palatal expander - Quad helix - Retainer |
| Procedures | Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment - Cantilever mechanics |
| Other specialties | Endodontology - Periodontology - Prosthodontology |
| Organisations | American Association of Orthodontists - British Orthodontic Society - Canadian Association of Orthodontists - Orthodontic National Group - Orthodontic Technicians Association |
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