recognize dental malocclusion

Hermina's friend,

In the medical world there is the term malocclusion which means a condition when the arrangement of the jawbones and teeth is not parallel or even. This condition causes messy teeth, whether they become overlapping, crooked, overbite, or other problems. Based on the 2018 National Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) report, 57.6% of Indonesian people have dental and oral health problems. Only 10.2% of them received treatment by medical dentists. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that malocclusion is the third biggest problem after cavities and problems with the supporting tissues of the teeth (gums and bones).

The result of the condition of malocclusion is that the position of the teeth in the upper and lower jaw is not ideal, so that the bite becomes less functional or disharmonious. We need to know, that teeth have several functions, including:

• Supports appearance (aesthetic)
• As a function of chewing
•  Speech function
• Improve psychosocial behavior

Signs and Symptoms of Malocclusion include:

• Misaligned teeth
• Facial features that are asymmetrical or precise
• The inside of the cheek or tongue is often toothed
•  Discomfort when chewing or biting food
• Experiencing speech disorders such as a lisp
•  Often breathes through the mouth rather than the nose

Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the teeth is one of the main factors in people who need orthodontic treatment, namely the branch of science and art of dentistry that deals with developmental abnormalities, the position of teeth and jaws, because malocclusion is related to a reduced level of self-confidence due to the position of teeth that is not ideal. For example, the upper front teeth that look forward (oblong) or the front bite that is reversed (cameh) will affect appearance and self-confidence. The occurrence of malocclusion is influenced by the relationship of the facial bones especially the bottom 1/3. The maxillary teeth are in the maxillary bones and the mandibular teeth. The relationship between the maxillary and mandibular bones which is not ideal will increase the occurrence of malocclusion.

The ideal condition of the position of the teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth can be realized by orthodontic treatment. The ideal result from a side view (front back dimension) of the upper front teeth should be 2-4 mm in front of the lower teeth and when examined from the vertical dimension the upper front teeth will cover 2-4 mm of the lower front teeth.
The cause of this malocclusion is caused by several factors, namely:
Genetic/hereditary factors, size and shape of number of teeth, bad habits (nail biting, mouth breathing, and finger sucking), cavities or missing teeth
Obtaining a diagnosis of malocclusion is accomplished by anamnesis (questions and answers from doctors and patients), clinical examination of the teeth and mouth, and supporting examinations (dental x-rays in the form of cephalometric, panoramic, and dental models). Cephalometric roentgen can help diagnose maxillary and mandibular relationships and the relationship of the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Meanwhile, a panoramic x-ray can present the condition of the teeth to see if there are teeth that don't grow, teeth with cavities, bones around the teeth that are still good or not, and so on. Usually the orthodontist will see the level of need for further treatment, including the following solutions:

1. Installing braces

2. ​​​​​​Tooth extraction

3. Operation

Malocclusion is treated by an orthodontist or dentist who holds Sp. Ort (orthodontist). Orthodontic treatment is carried out with removable appliances, fixed orthodontic appliances, and functional appliances. Removable orthodontic appliances are used for cases that are relatively easy because tooth movement is quite limited with removable appliances. Fixed appliances are used for more complex tooth movements. Fixed tools use brackets or what is often called stirrup. Proper use of braces allows the orthodontist to move the teeth vertically, horizontally and in rotation. Treatment with functional devices aims to redirect maxillary and mandibular growth. Of course, this treatment can only be done during the golden age phase, which is 11-13 years, when children are in their peak growth phase.Generally, the average orthodontic treatment is carried out for 18 months or less than 2 years. Factors that affect the time of this treatment are the severity of the case and routine control of care every month.Don't hesitate to consult a dentist directly about dental health problems and get the best solution and treatment according to your needs.