Malposition of teeth refers to improper positioning of teeth in the alveolar process of the maxilla or the mandible, with respect to other teeth as well as the overall positioning of the teeth in the jaw bone.
Most of us do not have perfectly straight teeth or ideal occlusion (bite). Crowding of teeth is very common in the general population. Malposition of teeth refers to a condition where teeth have erupted or shifted into a position that is not their ideal in the dental arch with respect to other teeth, and the upper and lower jaws. Usually patients refer to malposition of teeth as crooked teeth. This can include any form of abnormality such as crowding, spacing between the teeth, rotation, and tilting of teeth. These conditions can be caused by early or delayed eruption of teeth, impaction of a tooth, early or delayed growth of the upper or lower jaw, early loss of a tooth or teeth without placement of a space maintainer, and parafunctional habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. It can also be the result of a natural eruption pattern, which is controlled by genetics. Treatment consists of straightening the teeth, and bringing them into proper occlusion with the opposing arch through comprehensive orthodontic treatment. This is usually accomplished with braces, oral appliances, or clear aligners.
It is important to mention that comprehensive orthodontic treatment is the most common form of treatment completed at an orthodontic office. Depending on the complexity of the case, surgical intervention may be part of the treatment plan. Orthognathic surgery is performed as an adjunct to comprehensive orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion due to deficiency of the jaws. Surgery can improve treatment outcomes in cases of severe jaw discrepancy. For example, a normal sized upper jaw and a smaller than normal, or deficient lower jaw. This condition will make it difficult for your teeth to come together in a proper manner. The opposite can also occur where the upper jaw or maxilla is deficient as compared to the lower jaw. These type of cases, if dealt with early, can potentially be corrected with the use of orthodontic intraoral and extraoral appliances. With more severe malocclusion cases, if the condition persists after growth of bones has completed, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the discrepancy. Discussion about surgical treatment should be reserved for your orthodontist after a complete comprehensive examination has been completed. Your orthodontist will present you with your options and recommendations for treatment.