What are Maligned Teeth or Malocclusion?
Maligned teeth, or malocclusion, refers to a condition in which the teeth are crooked, crowded, have gaps, or have a serious overbite or underbite, according to Medline Plus. Few people are born with perfectly aligned teeth and some have to get treatment to correct the maligned conditions to better facilitate their oral health.
What Causes Maligned Teeth?
Maligned teeth are often hereditary, but can sometimes be caused or made worse by behavior in childhood, most likely thumb sucking. Impacted and extra teeth can also be a cause of the condition. The condition can also be caused by an injury or a tumor of the mouth or jaw.
What are the Consequences of Maligned Teeth?
Maligned teeth can cause difficulty in chewing food and keeping the teeth clean with consequences down the line for oral health. A person with a severe case may find difficulty speaking such as developing a lisp. Some individuals with maligned teeth can also become mouth breathers which can affect sleep as well.
What is the Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is a method of dealing with maligned teeth or malocclusion that is a bit different than the wires and braces treatment that your orthodontist traditionally uses.
You will have an initial consultation with an Invisalign provider where you have the opportunity to ask questions about the process and its cost. The medical provider will be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
He or she will take x-rays of your teeth, along with pictures and impressions, to create a 3D image. The doctor will be able to develop a customized treatment plan and determine how your teeth need to move to create an alignment.
A customized set of plastic aligners will be created that you will wear during the day except when you eat and brush your teeth. These aligners are transparent and are more comfortable to wear than the traditional wires and braces. Every few weeks, you will swap out the old aligners for a new pair as your teeth gradually move. The process takes about a year for adults and as long as braces would for teenagers.
Getting Invisalign Treatment
If you suffer from maligned teeth, contact Premier Dental of South Orange County, Dr. Marian Bradford in Aliso Viejo, CA. Dr. Bradford will be able to evaluate your condition and determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign.