Dental Malposition

Under good physiological conditions, teeth are harmoniously distributed across both dental arches. The teeth are thus in perfect alignment and effectively optimise chewing and swallowing.

 

Definition of dental malposition

Lack of space, or the opposite, because of too much space on the jaw, teeth are placed in a disordered way. The risks are thus multiple: poor position, overlapping, excessive gaps.
Certain teeth will also too far forward to too far back. Then the onset of one will be disturbed by the presence of another, and two teeth will become partially covered, etc.

 

The risks related to dental malposition

Abnormal tooth position causes several risks:

– Unpleasant smiles
– Disproportionate pressure when chewing: some teeth will work more than others
– Problems closing the jaws with repercussions on the entire temporomandibular joint
– Tooth weakening (risk of fracture) and abnormal tooth wear
– Speech disorders
– Imperfect dental hygiene: difficulties brushing teeth, gingivitis, or even periodontitis

 

Possible causes of dental malposition

There are multiple origins:

– A congenital origin: difference between the gene coding for the size of the teeth and the gene coding for the size of the dental arches. This can also cause disharmony between teeth and arches.
– Delayed tooth formation: the delayed appearance of permanent teeth causes insufficient space for late comers.
– Functional cause: the tooth position results from forces applied within the mouth (chewing, tongue pressure during swallowing). Disorders in these functions thus cause malposition of the teeth.

 

Solutions and treatments

There are different methods to correct abnormal dental positions, regardless of age. 

– Weaning from thumb and dummy sucking at a reasonable age
– Functional rehabilitation (swallowing, speech, breathing through the nose instead of the mouth, etc.)
– Extracting primary teeth if their prolonged presence is a disturbance
– Specific orthodontic treatments according to the age and dental malposition
– Placing veneers (mild malposition in adults)

 

Remember

Regular tooth monitoring in children makes it possible to anticipate future problems.

Do not hesitate to consult your dentist even for old malpositions.