Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth)

There are many reasons why teeth can be misaligned. Some people have a mouth too small for the size of their teeth. The relation between the arches can also be incorrect.
 

Causes:

 

• Heredity;
• Premature loss of baby teeth;
• Trauma to the face;
• Bad habits, such as thumb sucking.

Symptoms:

 

• Chewing problems;
• Teeth are harder to brush thoroughly;
• Stress on the teeth, jaws, or facial muscles;
• Teeth misalignment;
• Abnormal facial appearance;
• Speech problems.

Complications:

If not treated, a cavity formed by decay grows to reach the pulp and eventually destroys the tooth structure creating an infection which in turn causes an abscess.
 

Treatments:

An orthodontic examination should be performed to determine proper treatment.
 

Prevention:

Since this problem is mostly hereditary little can be done for prevention. Although if treated in its early stages, the outcome can be much more favorable.