Teeth Malocclusion
Malocclusion is suffered by a large number of people all over the world. This disarrangement of teeth may cause their top jaw to touch the bottom jaw improperly when they occlude, resulting in a poor bite. The primary cause of this problem is usually uneven teeth or jaw shape or sizes.
While this may initially be a cosmetic problem because of the unattractiveness of the teeth, there is also severe malocclusion that causes speech problems and mastication (chewing) issues. In dire situations as these, people then start consulting good orthodontists in Singapore for dental braces treatment to correct the malocclusion.
Common Malocclusion Names
Malocclusions are a general term encompassing a variety of different teeth issues. Some of the more specific terms are:
- Overbite – this refers to a malocclusion when the upper teeth/jaw covers the lower teeth/jaw excessively when the mouth is closed.
- Underbite – a malocclusion where the lower teeth/jaw cover the upper teeth/jaw when the mouth is closed.
- Crossbite – a lateral misalignment of the dental arches where teeth have an improper buccal or lingual position in relation to its corresponding opposite teeth.
- Open Bite –a type of ‘bad bite’, this malocclusion happens when both the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the jaws are closed.
- Crowded Teeth – this is a malocclusion formed when there is insufficient space in the gum area for teeth to grow properly, resulting in bunching up and overlapping of teeth.
Main Causes of Malocclusion
The primary cause of malocclusion is heredity. However, there are some habits and innate conditions that can cause a structural change in the jaw, which causes crooked teeth and other malocclusions. Some common habits and conditions are:
- Prolonged usage of baby bottle or pacifier after the age of three in young children.
- Habitual thumb-sucking may affect the alignment of the anterior teeth during its growth period.
- Impaction of teeth such as impacted wisdom teeth or canine teeth is a common cause of malocclusion. Malocclusion may also persist even after the wisdom tooth has been removed.
- Traumatic or severe injuries to the jaw may cause misalignment and malocclusion of the teeth.
- Having tumours of the jaw or mouth. Tumours that grow in the jaw or mouth may cause a bad malocclusion if not treated, as the growth will likely apply pressure in the mouth.
Using Dental Braces to treat Malocclusions
As malocclusions are an orthodontic issue, the common treatment that is sought to rectify them is dental braces. There are a variety of braces types, like conventional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and also Invisalign braces in Singapore.
In children and teenagers, certain teeth may need to be extracted to create space before a set of braces can be applied, and this is also considered a part of the braces treatment package and braces cost in Singapore. The braces will adjust and straighten out misaligned bites into their desired position for both health and aesthetic reasons.
Common Braces Types
- Metal Braces
These are the oldest, sturdiest, and most reliable form of braces that are recommended for severe malocclusion. Made from stainless steel, the brackets and archwires are periodically adjusted by a good orthodontist in Singapore throughout the treatment to apply pressure to the teeth to guide them to their correct alignment.
- Ceramic Braces
Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces in Singapore have brackets made from ceramic compound. They are more popular than metal braces because they are tooth-coloured and don’t leave stains on the teeth. While they’re as strong as metal braces, ceramic braces require more treatment time to complete.
- Lingual Braces
This special set of dental braces are similar in functionality and structure to metal braces with one major attractive reason; lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, making them essentially invisible. These braces are often chosen by adults who cannot compromise on their appearance.
- Invisalign Clear Aligners
Also known as clear braces, Invisalign braces in Singapore are customised specifically to fit an individual patient’s teeth. The clear aligners are designed to fit snugly to the patient’s teeth, and the patient is required to visit the orthodontist every one to two weeks to get a new set of clear aligners fitted.
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506