Deformations of the teeth and jaw are not isolated cases, but a serious problem. They cause visual impairment and also often favor gingivitis (periodontitis) and tooth decay. Inflammation of the mucous membrane is also possible due to a malposition. In addition, dental and jaw deformities can affect biting, chewing and even talking.
The following sections address the common causes, types, and treatment options for dental and jaw malformations.
Misalignments of the teeth and the jaw are either innate or acquired. Occasionally, a combination of acquired and congenital causes occurs. The most common congenital malocclusions include displaced, supernumerary or subordinate teeth. Too small or too big teeth as well as too small or too big jaws can cause problems.
Malocclusions are often acquired through various causes: thumb sucking and sucking on pacifiers and bottles are often the cause of a so-called "open bite", in which the lower and upper rows of teeth are not completely on each other. Other factors include sucking or biting the lips. Even if, for example, when swallowing the tongue between the rows of teeth is inserted as well as further malfunction of the tongue can lead to misalignment of the teeth. Another risk factor is premature loss of the deciduous teeth. If the neighboring deciduous teeth migrate into the resulting gap, it removes the necessary space from the second teeth.
There are a number of signs that indicating malpositions of the teeth or jaw:
• A visible malfunction such as protruding incisors
• A painful temporomandibular joint
• Chewing problems
• Teeth growing crooked due to crowding
• Headache and snoring
• Lisp or other speech defects
The orthodontist or dentist often recognizes early signs at first glance at the patient's mouth. Warnings for the dentist are malocclusions, too early or very late tooth eruption or conspicuous jaw malpositions. To determine the extent of the problem, a more accurate diagnosis through special examinations and surveys is necessary. A good picture of the misalignments allow, for example, impressions of the lower and upper jaw and the creation of a denture model. A panoramic X-ray shows if there are any displaced tooth germs. These are not fully developed and not yet broken teeth. It also shows if all teeth are properly formed or are correct.
Further information is provided by a cephalometric image of the skull showing the entire facial skull from the side. This allows the shape, size and direction of growth of the jaw to be determined. It also shows in which position the chin is located and whether the incisors are properly aligned.
The earlier tooth and jaw malformations are detected, the better they can be treated. But not every deformity must be treated by the orthodontist or dentist. An intervention is only necessary if the malposition is clear and the prognosis is poor: If it is therefore to be expected that in the future the dental health, the primary function as well as the aesthetics will increasingly suffer from the deformity. The jaw can be treated, for example, with a brace that straightens the malposition of the jaw. Jaw malpositions can also be surgically repaired, which is usually an option only in adult patients with severe deformities.
Small, optically disturbing gaps in the teeth or minor misaligned teeth can also be corrected with veneers. These are wafer-thin ceramic shells, which are stuck by the dentist as a long-term solution to the teeth. Previously, the tooth must usually be sanded, which adds to the natural enamel.
