Causes and Factors of Malocclusion - Malocclusion is multifactorial, with genetic and environmental influences. - Skeletal factors, such as the size and position of the upper and lower jaws, can contribute to malocclusion. - Muscle factors, including habits like finger sucking and tongue thrusting, can impact the alignment of teeth. - Dental factors, such as tooth size and abnormal eruption, can also cause malocclusion. - Oral habits and pressure can play a role in the development of malocclusion. - Habits like mouth breathing, finger sucking, and nail biting can influence the development of the face and dental arches. - Pacifier sucking habits are correlated with otitis media. - Dental caries, periapical inflammation, and tooth loss in primary dentition can affect the eruption of permanent teeth. - Abnormal posture, deglutition disorders, and other habits can also impact dental development. - Malocclusion can be influenced by oral habits and pressure.

Types and Classification of Malocclusion - Malocclusions can be classified based on the sagittal relations of teeth and jaws. - Angle's classification system is commonly used, but there are also other conditions that do not fit directly into this classification. - Types of malocclusion include deep bite, open bite, and overbite. - A deep bite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, affecting appearance and causing tissue trauma. - An open bite is characterised by a lack of overlap and occlusion between the upper and lower incisors. - Edward Angle is considered the father of modern orthodontics. - Angle classified malocclusion based on the position of the maxillary first molar. - Class I (Neutrocclusion) is when the molar relationship is normal but other teeth have problems. - Class II (Distocclusion) is when the upper first molar is anterior to the lower first molar. - Class III (Mesiocclusion) is when the upper molars are placed posteriorly to the lower molars. - Modifications to Angle's classification have been suggested by Martin Dewey and Benno Lischer. - Alternative systems have been proposed by Simon, Jacob A. Salzmann, and James L. Ackerman and William R. Proffit. - Angles classification remains popular due to its simplicity and clarity. - Besides the molar relationship, malocclusion is also classified based on incisor relationship. - Class I is when the lower incisors occlude with or lie immediately below the upper central incisors. - Class II has two divisions: Division 1 with proclined upper central incisors and increased overjet, and Division 2 with retroclined upper central incisors. - Class III is when the lower incisors lie anterior to the upper incisors and the overjet is reduced or reversed. - Class I is when the mesial slope of the upper canine coincides with the distal slope of the lower canine. - Class II is when the mesial slope of the upper canine is ahead of the distal slope of the lower canine. - Class III is when the mesial slope of the upper canine is behind the distal slope of the lower canine.

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Malocclusion - Malocclusion is a common finding, but not always serious enough to require treatment. - Severe malocclusions may require orthodontic or surgical treatment to correct craniofacial anomalies. - Symptoms of malocclusion can include tooth decay, periodontal disease, trauma to anterior teeth, difficulty with mastication, speech impairment, tooth impaction, and psychosocial wellbeing issues. - Malocclusions may be coupled with skeletal disharmony, affecting face shape, aesthetics, and function. - Orthognathic surgery may be necessary for treating skeletal malocclusions. - Treated with orthodontics, tooth extraction, clear aligners, dental braces, or jaw surgery. - Surgery may be required in rare cases. - Wires, plates, or screws may be used to secure the jawbone. - Most people have minor crowding that doesn't require treatment. - Crowding can be an indication for intervention in severe cases. - Corrective treatments include fixed or removable appliances. - No robust evidence for treatment success. - May or may not require surgical intervention. - Open bite difficult to treat due to multifactorial causes. - Thorough initial assessment crucial for diagnosis and treatment plan. - Treatment includes behavior changes, appliances, and surgery. - Orthodontics used for children to compensate for continued growth. - Malocclusion may resolve on its own or with habit deterrent appliances. - ITSD is a common issue among orthodontic patients, with a prevalence ranging from 17% to 30%. - Identifying ITSD before treatment allows for a treatment plan that considers the tooth size discrepancy. - ITSD corrective treatment options include interproximal wear, crowns and resins, or extractions. - The Bolton analysis is the most commonly used method to determine ITSD. - According to Bolton's formula, a correct occlusion requires adequate proportionality of tooth sizes. - Severe malocclusions may require corrective jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery. - Approximately 5% of the general population undergoes corrective jaw surgery as part of their treatment. - Corrective jaw surgery aims to improve the alignment of the jaws and correct skeletal discrepancies. - Orthognathic surgery can improve both functional and aesthetic aspects of malocclusions. - The decision to undergo corrective jaw surgery is made based on the severity and impact of the malocclusion.

Primary and Secondary Dentition - Malocclusion can occur in both primary and secondary dentition. - In primary dentition, malocclusion can be caused by underdevelopment or overdevelopment of dentoalveolar tissue, cleft lip and palate, overcrowding, and abnormal tooth growth. - In secondary dentition, malocclusion can be caused by periodontal disease, overeruption of teeth, and premature or congenital loss of