Dental Conditions

Occlusion

The way the maxillary and mandibular teeth fit together when the jaws are closed, as when biting

Class I Occlusion

Normal dental arch relationship, with the upper teeth extending over lower teeth

Malocclusion

The arches of maxillary and mandibular teeth do not close together normally during biting

Moyer’s Classification of Etiology of Malocclusion

Factors like heredity, neuromuscular system, trauma, and habits contributing to malocclusion

Prevalence and Incidence

Nearly 3.5 billion people affected by oral diseases, with 2 billion suffering from caries of permanent teeth

Class I Malocclusion

Overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, often due to prolonged bottle use or thumb sucking

Class II Malocclusion

Maxilla protrudes compared to the mandible, leading to upper front teeth biting into the gums

Class III Malocclusion

Lower front teeth positioned far forward than upper front teeth, known as anterior crossbite

Overcrowding

Lack of space due to overlapping or crooked teeth, impacting the eruption of permanent teeth

Open Bite

Formation of an opening when upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, affecting speech sounds

Overjet

Top front teeth extend beyond lower front teeth horizontally, impacting chewing and speech

Crossbite

Upper front teeth biting inside lower teeth on either or both sides of the jaw

Diastema

Space between adjacent teeth, usually front teeth, resolved by dental procedures

Missing tooth

Condition occurring due to trauma or improper tooth development, known as hypodontia

Impacted tooth

Tooth unable to erupt naturally, requiring extraction or exposure for treatment

Signs, Symptoms, and Pathomechanics

Include misaligned teeth, discomfort when biting, speech problems, and facial structure changes

Orthodontics

Correction of malocclusions using braces or retainers, sometimes requiring orthognathic surgery

Prosthodontics

Provision of prostheses like dentures for replacing soft or hard tissues in the mouth

Implication of Dental Conditions on Communication and Swallowing

Affect articulation, feeding, chewing, and psychosocial aspects like self-consciousness

Healthcare Professionals Involved in Dental Conditions Management

General dentist, orthodontist, periodontist, and other specialists in oral health care.