Misaligned teeth can not only be visually noticeable, but can also have consequences for your health. It is therefore highly recommended that you consult a specialist if you have misaligned teeth. Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for malocclusions.
Various misalignments of the teeth are summarized under the collective term "malocclusion". This means that one or more teeth are outside the ideal dental arch shape.
In the case of malocclusion, the teeth are either crooked or have not grown in the right place. Both the teeth of the upper and lower jaw can be affected.
Severe misalignment is considered an aesthetic defect. They can also have serious health consequences. In medical terminology, malocclusion is referred to as dentoalveolar dysgnathia.
Misaligned teeth are usually easily recognizable at first glance.
This young man has misaligned teeth © Konstantin Aksenov | AdobeStock
The following malocclusions are particularly common:
An overbite is a particularly common form of malocclusion; it is also commonly referred to as "buck teeth". In an overbite, the upper jaw is too large in relation to the lower jaw. The distance between the upper and lower incisors is then too large and conspicuous, so that the normal closure of the mouth is disturbed. A distance of between two and ten millimeters is normal.
A crossbite is when the posterior teeth do not bite together correctly.
In an open bite, on the other hand, either the incisors or the posterior teeth do not meet correctly. There is a clearly visible gap between the teeth.
With a deep bite, the upper incisors cover the lower row of teeth too much when biting together.
A crowding of the teeth is also very common. This is a cause for concern as it makes cleaning the teeth much more difficult. If the spaces between the teeth are too narrow, it is difficult to get between them with a toothbrush and plaque cannot be removed effectively.
Three-dimensional representation of crooked teeth due to lack of space © Alexandr Mitiuc | AdobeStock
Misaligned teeth can cause various problems, such as discomfort
If the incisors are slightly tilted, for example, affected patients can have considerable problems biting down. In this case, it makes sense to have the misalignment corrected.
Significantly misaligned teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. The reason: if the teeth are crooked, it is difficult to reach the spaces between them with a toothbrush or dental floss. It is all the more important for these patients to have their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
If the teeth do not bite together correctly, this can lead to further illnesses. Many patients report tension in the jaw and neck muscles. This in turn can be the trigger for tinnitus or migraines.
Severe misaligned teeth should therefore be corrected to prevent secondary diseases. Otherwise, misaligned teeth are a purely cosmetic problem and treatment is not absolutely necessary.
There are many causes of misaligned teeth. They can be hereditary or hormonal.
An overproduction of growth hormone, for example, can lead to misaligned teeth. Untreated gaps between teeth are another reason for misaligned teeth. If a tooth has been extracted and the gap has not been filled with a dental prosthesis such as a crown, the adjacent teeth can shift.
Continue to ensure a healthy and balanced diet: a chronic lack of essential vitamins can disrupt bone formation and thus also cause misaligned teeth.
Parents should also be vigilant and take a close look at their children's behavior. Thumb-sucking, for example, can promote an open bite.
The dentist is the first point of contact for malocclusions. They often refer the patient to an orthodontist.
Modern practices carry out a 3D scan of the teeth and recognize misaligned teeth immediately. The orthodontist decides which treatment method is suitable for you on a case-by-case basis. An individual treatment plan is drawn up for each patient.
In most cases, misaligned teeth are corrected with the help of braces. A distinction is made between loose and fixed braces.
Loose braces have the advantage that they can be removed for oral hygiene.
The most popular and effective form of treatment at the moment is aligner braces. They have the major advantage that they are suitable for most malocclusions and are quite inconspicuous.
Aligner splint for the treatment of misaligned teeth in adults © REDPIXEL | AdobeStock
Whether health insurance covers the costs of treatment depends on how the misalignment is classified. Orthodontists are required to classify malocclusions into so-called indication groups. The health insurance company contributes to the costs from group 3 onwards. However, this system only applies to children.
Adults and those with statutory health insurance generally have to cover the costs of treatment themselves.
As a general rule, the earlier you start treatment for misaligned teeth, the better the prognosis. If braces are fitted as a child, there is a good chance that the misaligned teeth can be completely corrected.
However, malocclusions can also be corrected in adults. The first choice is usually the aligner splint, which has to be worn for an average of six months.
Of course, the duration of wearing varies from patient to patient and depends on how severe the malocclusion is.
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