When are teeth considered malaligned?
Teeth that are irregularly positioned or not straight is maloclussion. Teeth can also be sticking out and crowded.
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What causes malaligned teeth?
Malaligned teeth may be due to :
- An inherited predisposition (in your genes).
- A disproportion between size of jaws and tooth size.
- Presence of extra teeth, malformed or impacted teeth
- Early loss of milk or permanent teeth.
- Bad oral habits e.g. thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and lip biting.
Are there any complications with malaligned teeth?
Yes, malaligned teeth are associated with :
- Unattractive appearance.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Gum disease.
- Jaw joint problems.
Can malaligned teeth be corrected?
Treatment of moderate or severe crowding will improve oral health and appearance. The treatment may involve :
- Extraction of one or more teeth without the need for braces.
- Extraction of one or more teeth followed by using removable or fixed braces.
Is there a right time to start treatment?
Early treatment can encourage good dental development and simplify orthodontic treatment, if required in the future.
Where to go for orthodontic treatment?
Get a referral from a dentist or a medical doctor to see an orthodontist.
Log on to http://ohd.moh.gov.my for more information on dental facilities and directory.
Last reviewed | : | 28 August 2020 |
Writer | : | Dr. Azillah bt. Mohd Ali |
Dr. Che Noor Aini bt. Che Omar | ||
Reviewer | : | Dr. Hjh. Rashidah bt. Dato’ Hj. Burhanudin |