Malocclusion, also known as dental misalignment, is characterized by crooked, overlapping, or twisted teeth. These problems are very common in children but entirely treatable by orthodontists. If you’ve noticed that your little one has this condition, here are answers to a few questions you might have about its causes and solutions.

Common Questions About Misaligned Teeth

What are the types of misalignment?

One of the most common types of malocclusion is overcrowding, which is caused by a lack of space in the mouth.

Some children develop overbites, in which the top teeth overlap with the bottom ones. Underbites are the opposite, with the bottom teeth overlapping the top ones.

Children may also have teeth that become impacted and don’t emerge correctly from the gums.

What are the consequences?

Irregular teeth alignment can cause speech difficulties, like a lisp or whistling sound when speaking. Improperly aligned upper and lower teeth may also lead a child to bite and hurt their cheeks, lips, and tongue when chewing. Over time, these problems could contribute to jaw pain and chronic headaches.

Misaligned teeth also trap more food particles in the mouth, which can cause bad breath. Food particles that linger also attract bacteria that turns to tartar, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

What causes this?

Malocclusion is often inherited, but some factors may alter the jaw’s shape during development. For example, thumb sucking, injuries, or pacifier use after the age of three can shift the teeth.

What tests will the orthodontist conduct?

They will take X-rays of your child’s jaw to determine the best solution, such as braces or removable retainers. X-rays allow them to see the position of the roots and any teeth that haven’t yet emerged.

They may also take impressions of the child’s mouth to produce a replica that helps them visualize the extent of the misalignment.

If you want effective treatments for your child’s misaligned teeth, rely on Robert A. Klement, DDS and his team in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. For more than three decades, this orthodontist has been providing a range of oral care procedures to create beautiful smiles. He fits patients of all ages with metal, ceramic, and lingual braces, as well as clear aligners. Learn more about his orthodontic solutions online or call (715) 421-3030 to schedule an appointment.