1- Class I Malocclusion: The bite good, functional normal, though individual teeth may be, rotated, crooked, crowded, or have gaps.
2- Class II Malocclusion: More or less like protrusion of upper teeth when it significantly overlap the lower teeth, creating an overbite.
3- Class III Malocclusion: The lower teeth extend or press forward beyond the maxillary dentition, causing an underbite.
It is very important to know whether a malocclusion is of skeletal or dental origin as this helps in diagnosis and treatment methodology.
"Skeletal malocclusion is rooted in the structural misalignment of the jaws rather than the positioning of the teeth themselves. This discrepancy can be due to the size, shape, or position of the upper and lower jaws. Genetic factors often play a substantial role in skeletal malocclusion, though it can also result from developmental issues, trauma, or congenital conditions."source
Types of Skeletal Malocclusions
Skeletal malocclusion examples:
Class II Malocclusion (Retrognathism): The upper jaw points forward covering up and more conspicuous with respect to the lower jaw, eventually causing an overbite.
Class III Malocclusion (Prognathism): The lower jaw protrudes exceeding the maxillary jaw, leading to a clearly visible underbite.
Open Bite and Crossbite: These are mostly caused by badly occluded jaw structure which can have severe impact on how the teeth meet and function.
Diagnosing Skeletal Malocclusion
Correct findings of skeletal malocclusion needs a detailed investigation of the jaw structure and its contact. Majorly used tools include:
Cephalometric X-rays: These gives side view of the skull in most cases, giving room for an in-depth analysis of jaw structures as well as patterns.
3D Imaging and CT Scans: This provides more clearer and precise information on bone structure and symmetry.
Physical Examination: An in-depth analysis can expose discrepancies in the jaw’s size and underdeveloped structures causing malocclusions
Treatment Approaches for Skeletal Malocclusion
The correction of malocclusion of skeletal origin may include orthodontics, surgical intervention, or both, taking into consideration the patient’s age and severity of the malocclusion:
Growth Modification Appliances: For patients with progressive growth, modification appliances can direct and guides the growth, especially in Class II and Class III cases though it might some moments.
Orthognathic Surgery: This is usually employed for a now growing adult patients or in severe cases with no growth progression, especially in the correction of structural imbalance.
Orthodontic treatment can be employed following surgery if the case warrants.
That's as regards malocclusions for this post, more would be better discussed at length in the subsequent posts and happy reading.
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