Are Most Orthodontic Problems Inherited?
Something is pleasing to the eyes about a white, clean, perfectly aligned set of teeth. Flip open a magazine, turn on the TV or go to the movies, and you’ll be inundated with picture-perfect smiles. But it’s not everyone’s teeth are like that from the start; many adults and kids suffer from malocclusion. But what are its causes, and when does one know they need orthodontics treatment? Read this article to get answers.
What is Malocclusion?
This is a bite that doesn’t align properly from the front to back. It’s characterized as having a poor bite or crooked teeth. Usually, the front teeth align just in front of the lower teeth. The teeth found down each side of the mouth also align for an even bite. But few people have a perfect bite, even with orthodontic treatments such as braces.
Understanding Malocclusion
Malocclusion is considered a cosmetic problem and isn’t usually bad for your health. However, you might not like the appearance of your teeth if they are misaligned or crooked, even if it doesn’t cause you harm.
But if the teeth are overly crowded without any space between the surfaces, one might experience tooth loss or tooth decay. Malocclusion negatively impacts one’s ability to speak or eat in severe cases. Malocclusion can be characterized by having:
- An underbite: The lower teeth stick out over the upper teeth
- An open bite: the front teeth don’t meet when one closes their jaw as far as they can
- An overbite: The top front sticks out past the lower teeth
- A crossbite: The top teeth fit behind the bottom teeth
Causes of Malocclusion
Malocclusion occurs for a variety of reasons. However, almost all these disorders can be treated and prevented. The most common causes of malocclusion are discussed below.
Most malocclusion problems are hereditary, so the big tooth is inherited from the father and the small jaw from the mother, resulting in crowded and misaligned teeth. Also, the small teeth are inherited from the mother, and the large jaw from the father leads to spaced teeth.
The most common hereditary jaw problem is the mandibular prognathism which passes through generations. In addition, certain genetic mutations during the early stages of fetal development may lead to various orthodontic problems or dental malformations. Some of these orthodontic problems are caused by environmental factors.
Pregnant mothers taking certain medicines and being exposed to certain chemicals or X-rays may impair the development of the dental system. Also, alcohol consumption or smoking during pregnancy increases the likelihood of these dental problems.
Habits such as finger sucking, mouth breathing, nail and lip sucking, and tongue sucking also cause malocclusion. All babies suck fingers, but the problem occurs when the habit continues up to an older age. Therefore, children over five years of age who are still sucking fingers are encouraged to leave the habit.
The orthodontics in Oxnard, CA, helps to quit the habit. Impacts to the neck, jaw, and TMJ of children or falling with the chin while running or walking can also be causes of malocclusion. These traumas cause small fractures in TMJ that are usually visible. Because there is no specific treatment, it alters TMJ development and results in facial distortion in infants.
As an essential point for parents, kids should be visited by an orthodontist after a trauma to the teeth and face associated with teeth breakage. In addition, when facial distortion is diagnosed, an orthodontist helps prevents further distortion.
When Do You Need Orthodontic Treatments?
There are several reasons why one would benefit from orthodontic treatment:
Bite problems: Crowding, crossbite, overbite, and underbite are all issues that can be fixed through orthodontics.
Breathing issues: When one breathes through their mouth, especially while sleeping, it might lead to sleep apnea. Orthodontic treatments for adults and children help with your breathing problems if they are caused by teeth positioning.
Extra teeth: Some people have a different tooth that pushes the other teeth out of alignment. Smile orthodontics helps fix your smile by returning the teeth to their proper place. However, an extra tooth must be pulled before braces can be fitted.
Spacing: If one has a large gap between their front teeth, orthodontic treatments at Dentistry by Sea Bridge help push it closed, providing them with a healthier smile.