| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Malocclusion of teeth |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Crowded teeth; Misaligned teeth; Crossbite; Overbite; Underbite; Open bite |
| Treatment: |
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The goal is to correct the positioning of the teeth. Braces or other appliances may be used. Metal bands are placed around some teeth or metal, ceramic, or plastic bonds are attached to the surface of the teeth. Wires or springs apply force to the teeth. Extraction (removal) of one or more teeth may be required if overcrowding is part of the problem. Rough or irregular teeth may be adjusted down, reshaped, and bonded or capped. Misshapen restorations and dental appliances should be repaired. Surgery may be required on rare occasions. This may include surgical reshaping to lengthen or shorten the jaw (orthognathic surgery). Wires may be used to stabilize the jaw bone, in a similar manner to the surgical stabilization of jaw fracture. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Malocclusion is easier, quicker, and less expensive to treat when it is corrected early. Treatment is most successful in children and adolescents because their bone is still soft and teeth are moved more easily. Treatment may last 6 months to 2 or more years, depending on the severity of the case. Treatment of orthodontic disorders in adults is often successful but may require prolonged use of braces or other devices. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your orthodontist if toothache, mouth pain, or other new symptoms develop during orthodontic treatment. |
Prognathism |
Teeth, adult - in the skull |
Malocclusion of teeth |
Dental anatomy |
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