Sorrir, chewing, speaking—simple gestures that play a vital role in our daily lives. However, we don't always pay attention to how our teeth relate to each other until something starts to go wrong.
Dental malocclusion, often ignored for being silent at first, can hide a series of dysfunctions with a direct impact on oral and general health.
In this article, we explore the different types of occlusion, the underlying causes of dental misalignment, and the most suitable orthodontic solutions for each case.
What is Malocclusion?
Dental occlusion refers to how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed. When this fit is incorrect, it is called malocclusion. This condition can manifest in various forms: crowded teeth, spaced teeth, open bite, crossbite, or excessive overbite, among other changes.
Malocclusion can be genetic, often inherited from parents. However, environmental factors also play an important role: prolonged oral habits (such as pacifier use, thumb sucking, or mouth breathing), early tooth loss, maxillofacial trauma, or asymmetric bone growth can trigger or worsen orthodontic problems.
Classification of Malocclusion: Classes I, II, and III
The most common classification of malocclusion is Angle's classification, which distinguishes three main classes based on the relationship between the upper first molar and the lower first molar:
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Class I: In this configuration, the molar relationship is normal, but there are dental misalignments, such as crowding or rotations. It is the most common form of malocclusion and, although the bone structure is balanced, the dental positioning can compromise masticatory function and aesthetics.
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Class II: Characterized by a protrusion of the upper teeth relative to the lower teeth, resulting in an increased overbite. It is often associated with deficient or retrognathic mandibular growth. This type of malocclusion can significantly interfere with speech, chewing, and even the patient's self-esteem.
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Class III: In this case, there is an inverse relationship between the upper and lower teeth, with jaw projection (prognathism). It is a more complex condition, often of skeletal origin, and may require more comprehensive interventions, including orthognathic surgery in more severe cases.
Symptoms and Clinical Impacts
The signs and symptoms of malocclusion vary according to its severity and type, but the most common include:
- Difficulty chewing properly;
- TMJ pain or clicking when opening and closing the mouth;
- Headaches or neck pain associated with muscle imbalances;
- Abnormal tooth wear;
- Speech changes, such as lisping or pronunciation difficulties;
In the long term, untreated malocclusion can lead to more serious problems, such as temporomandibular dysfunctions, gum recession, tooth mobility, and even bone loss.
Orthodontic Approaches for Dental Correction
The treatment of malocclusion depends on its nature (dentoalveolar or skeletal), the patient's age, and the severity of the misalignment. However, modern orthodontics offers a wide range of resources for dental correction, from conventional braces to more discreet and technological techniques.
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Class I: In these cases, the intervention aims to align the teeth and correct minor deviations, often using fixed metal or aesthetic braces, clear aligners, or even removable devices in milder cases.
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Class II: Treatment may involve the use of functional orthodontic appliances in children or adolescents, taking advantage of bone growth to reorient the jaw. In adults, the use of intermaxillary elastics, extractions, or orthognathic surgery may be necessary to achieve stable results.
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Class III: Early intervention is crucial. In young patients, orthopedic appliances can redirect mandibular growth. In adult or more severe cases, the combination of orthodontics with orthognathic surgery is often the only effective solution.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
A timely orthodontic diagnosis can be crucial for treatment success. Ideally, the first orthodontic evaluation should occur around age 7, when the orthodontist can identify initial skeletal and dental deviations and, if necessary, intervene with interceptive appliances.
In adults, although bone growth is complete, orthodontics remains an effective tool for improving occlusion, as long as the supporting tissues are healthy.
In conclusion, dental malocclusion is more than an aesthetic issue: it is a condition with significant clinical implications that affect quality of life. Thus, orthodontic treatment not only corrects dental positioning but also restores functional balance and prevents future complications.
With the advancement of techniques and the personalization of treatments, it is possible to achieve effective, lasting, and comfortable results for patients of all ages. Therefore, seeking professional advice is undoubtedly the first step to a healthy and functional smile.