This common dental problem, also called malocclusion, can be fixed with orthodontic treatment or braces.

“There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment; adults can benefit from it too,” says Dr Ivan Lim Kuen Fui, Senior Consultant & Head, Orthodontics Department, National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS), a member of the SingHealth group.

Malocclusion: Causes​​​​

Malocclusion is often inherited. Other causes include the following:

• Abnormally shaped or impacted teeth
• Misaligned or malformed jaw
• Cleft lip and palate
• Prolonged use of a pacifier or feeding bottle in childhood
• Thumb sucking, sucking finger or lower lip, tongue thrusting in childhood
• Breathing through the mouth in childhood
• Injuries that result in the misalignment of the jaw
• Improper dental restorative procedures in childhood
• Gingivitis (gum disease)
• Early loss of milk teeth

“A misaligned or malformed jaw can also cause a misaligned bite. They can occur in any or all three dimensions. Generally it can express as protruding jaws, a lower jaw slanted to one side or an open bite,” says Dr Lim.

Why should malocclusion be fixed?

Misaligned teeth is associated with psychological and physical problems. Misaligned teeth can:

• Lead to self-consciousness and poor self-esteem
• Affect a person’s speech, e.g. can cause a lisp
• Interfere with proper chewing of food during meals
• Cause difficulties with proper brushing and flossing, increasing the risk of bacterial infection, tooth decay and gingivitis

“Dental health is the most important reason to have braces made as poorly aligned or misaligned teeth are difficult to keep clean,” says Dr Lim.

Diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion

Misaligned teeth are diagnosed and treated by an orthodontist, a specialist in the correction of malocclusion. The orthodontist will take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to determine the extent of the problem and the appropriate treatment option.

In mild cases of misaligned teeth, treatment might be prosthodontic in nature, involving tooth veneers, crowns, bridges or dentures. In the majority of cases, however, orthodontic treatment involving braces is required.

“There are many different types of braces, each suited to a particular type of problem. The best type of brace for you will be advised by the orthodontist depending on your teeth and your personal needs,” says Dr Lim.

Click on page 2 to learn more about the different types of braces to correct ​malocclusion​.​

​Ref: R14