Treatment of malocclusion

A malocclusion can lead to an alteration of the normal functioning and relationship between arches and also, and not least, to an aesthetic alteration with fatal consequences.

The indication of a treatment plan requires a correct assessment of the dental arches and teeth. On many occasions, not only a dental movement is intended, but surgery (orthognathic surgery) must be used to correct the malocclusion. It should never lose sight of the fact that the final result must show a correct dental alignment but also aesthetically beautiful.

Alterations in the normal development of teeth (eg agenesis, supernumerary teeth, enamel defects, alterations in shape, alterations in position) are often detected in routine dental check-ups. Hence the great importance of regular dental check-ups from childhood.

From an orthodontic point of view, all dental anomalies, whether of number, shape or position, are especially interesting. It is not unusual to observe the presence of two or more of these anomalies simultaneously and affecting one or more teeth.

For the correction of malocclusions we have different types of appliances. We will call a removable appliance that which can be easily removed from the mouth by the patient himself and can be used intermittently. It is usually used for correction to obtain simple dental movements. Within this large group of devices we will mention active plates, passive plates and functional devices. Let's not forget that this type of device needs the full collaboration of the patient to be effective.

The other large group is made up of the multibrackets fixed appliances complemented, sometimes with full arches and intermaxillary elastics. This type of appliance is usually reserved for the correction of malocclusions for the mixed and permanent dentition.

Let us not forget that after orthodontic correction, the so-called space maintainer may be necessary to prevent the recurrence of some dental malpositions.

The surgical treatment option or orthognathic surgery is reserved for complicated cases of bone discrepancy between the two arches.