Malocclusion – Bite Problems
An In-Depth Discussion & FAQ
What do we mean when we say that the skeletal system is not in harmony with the alignment of the teeth?
Figure 1 depicts a simplified representation of the part of the skeletal system that we’re talking about, including the skull as well as the upper and lower jaws and how they relate to each other. Notice the depression in the skull in front of the “ear hole”(at right arrow). Note also how the upper end of the lower jawbone fits into this depression. This represents very well what we find in actual anatomic studies. In fact, all of the muscles that close the jaws pull upward on the lower jaw so that the bony head of the lower jaw is directed precisely into this depression. In this first example, the teeth “mesh” together when the jawbone is fully seated in the “socket.” This system is in good occlusion because the skeletal system and the alignment of the teeth are in harmony (the unbroken pink line at the right arrow indicates that the jawbone is fully seated in the socket).
Figure 1
Figures 2 and 3 represent a malocclusion. Interestingly, they actually represent the same malocclusion, because since the skeletal system and alignment of the teeth are not in harmony, it takes two pictures to show it: either the jawbone is in the socket or the teeth are meshing together, but both can’t happen at the same time.
Figure 2
Notice how in Figure 2, the jawbone is seated in the socket, but the teeth do not mesh together. The teeth hit on hard, inclined surfaces so that when the teeth are clenched together; the jawbone is pulled forward in the socket (as indicated by the “broken” pink line at the right arrow in Figure 3 below). This is a system that is out of balance and over time we would expect to see signs and/or symptoms of this imbalance in one or more parts of the system.
Figure 3
It is interesting that most people that have a malocclusion are unaware of it until it either gets so bad as to cause serious problems or they are diagnosed in the early stages, when correction can be less complicated and generally less expensive. But like some other conditions (such as diabetes and high blood pressure), it is usually not uncomfortable, making early detection of paramount importance for those who value dental fitness.
In conclusion, malocclusion can be treated very successfully and is best treated early, before harmful changes occur. If you exhibit any of the signs mentioned earlier in this report, ask your dentist to examine you for a malocclusion or refer you to someone trained in the diagnosis and treatment of occlusal disorders. If you don’t have a dentist, give our office a call at (813) 908-2444. Since we are committed to the complete dental fitness of our patients, an occlusal screening exam is a normal part of our routine comprehensive examination.