Introduction
Deviations from the normal position of the upper jaw teeth in relation to the lower jaw teeth are called dentition anomalies or denture anomalies. The characteristics of these malocclusions can be very different. The causes can also be different. Heredity, bad habits, premature tooth loss, injuries or, very rarely today, rickets are possible. This article is intended to give an overview of the different formations of the anomalies, their causes and therapies.
Normal bite
In general, the teeth of the upper jaw in the anterior region stand slightly above and in front of the lower teeth from canine to canine. In the posterior region, the teeth stand on each other when the mouth is closed (normal occlusion). Each tooth has 2 antagonists, i.e. it has contact with 2 teeth in the opposite jaw.
The front teeth stand with the incisal edge directly on each other. The cause of this dentition anomaly can be hereditary or a displacement of the lower incisors due to the pressure of the tongue. This malocclusion can be corrected by fixed or removable orthodontic measures.
Here the teeth do not have any contact with each other. The open bite usually occurs in the anterior region, less frequently in the posterior region. If it is not only a malocclusion of the teeth, but also a deformation of the entire facial skull, the anomaly is called a “true open bite”.
Rickets may be the cause. The orthodontic treatment is difficult and must be supplemented by surgical measures if necessary. In case of a “false open bite”, the main causes are bad childhood habits, such as long thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier.
The open bite tempts the child to breathe through the mouth. The speech can also be disturbed. The therapy is done by the orthodontist.
The upper front teeth are too low in front of the lower teeth. They are very steep and slightly inward facing, sometimes they can even reach the gums. These dentition anomalies can be hereditary or due to early loss of the lower front teeth. The therapy consists of lifting the entire dentition by the orthodontist.