Prevalence of Malocclusion in Children & Need for

Early Orthodontic Intervention



Prevalence of malocclusion in children & need for

Early Orthodontic Intervention

Abstract

Malocclusion is a dental condition which specifies irregular, overcrowded, protruding teeth. This condition can absolutely affect a person's appearance, style of talking, how one consumes food, almost the overall personality of a person. This condition in today's era is prevailing in children. Research states that about almost 90% of school going kids have some sort of malocclusion but only ten to fifteen percent of them are in severe conditions and need a proper treatment there and then. In the research paper below we will discuss what Malocclusion is and how it is prevailing rapidly. The treatment of this condition should be done at an early age. The best is that the treatment be considered to be done around the age of 7, that is early childhood because commencing the cure at this age not only takes least time and expense but also assures the best results.  Research states that initial orthodontic assessment should definitely take place at around 7 years of age as this is the age when the upper permanent front teeth erupt.

Early evaluation provides advantage of detecting the issue through proper findings plus a timely chance for an effective treatment. It helps in guidance of a child's growth and development by protecting him from any sort of serious issues that could occur later. During this particular age an Orthodontist can analyze and evaluate the tooth structure carefully, examine growth and development of the teeth and commence treatment if needed. We shall also discuss how to prevent the condition at an early age because it is the best time to control it in order to smile elegantly all your life.

Table of Contents



Contents

Abstract2

Literature Review3

Symptoms5

Diagnosis5

Prevention6

Early Orthodontic Intervention7

The Advantages of Early Orthodontic Evaluation7

7 years of Age is the Best Time for Screening7

The Advantages of Early Treatment8

An Effective Approach8

Is a jaw surgery suitable for a child?10

References11

Literature Review

Malocclusion is an issue which is related to the architecture of the teeth as in how the upper and lower teeth fit in together when biting or chewing on any food item. Literally, the word specifies to be a bad bite. It may also be termed to as an uneven bite or overbite. This happens because the sharp points of the molars fix themselves into the channels of the opposite molar. The condition is usually inherited, which explains that it runs down throughout the families. Usually there is a difference amidst the upper and lower jaw sizes and at times also amidst the jaw and the size of tooth, which overcrowds the teeth and results in irregular bite patterns (Sirinivas, 2011).

Deviation in the structure and size of either of the upper or lower jaw may ruin its shape. Causes of malocclusion can be certain childhood habits like excessive thumb sucking, excessive use of pacifier use after the age of 3 years and most significantly an extended use of bottles to feed your child. All these factor cause ...