Malocclusion in Children

Introduction to Malocclusion in Children

Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth and/or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. It is a common developmental condition in children, affecting both primary and permanent dentition.

Key points:

  • Prevalence: Affects approximately 50-70% of children
  • Can involve teeth, jaws, or both
  • May impact aesthetics, function, and oral health
  • Often requires orthodontic intervention
  • Early detection and management are crucial for optimal outcomes


Malocclusion in Children
  • Q1: What is malocclusion?
    A: Misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches.
  • Q2: What are the three main classes of malocclusion according to Angle's classification?
    A: Class I (neutrocclusion), Class II (distocclusion), and Class III (mesiocclusion).
  • Q3: What is an overbite?
    A: Vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
  • Q4: What is an overjet?
    A: Horizontal projection of the upper front teeth beyond the lower front teeth.
  • Q5: What is crossbite?
    A: A condition where upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, rather than outside.
  • Q6: What is an open bite?
    A: A vertical gap between the upper and lower front or back teeth when the back teeth are closed.
  • Q7: What is the most common cause of malocclusion in children?
    A: Genetics (inherited jaw and tooth size/shape).
  • Q8: Which habit can contribute to the development of an open bite in children?
    A: Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use.
  • Q9: What is the term for crowding of teeth due to insufficient space in the dental arch?
    A: Dental crowding.
  • Q10: At what age should a child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
    A: Around 7 years old, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
  • Q11: What is the purpose of early orthodontic intervention in children?
    A: To guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
  • Q12: What is a functional appliance in orthodontics?
    A: A removable or fixed appliance designed to modify the growth of the jaws in children.
  • Q13: What is the name of the device used to create more space in the upper dental arch?
    A: Palatal expander.
  • Q14: What is the term for the loss of primary teeth before their natural time of exfoliation?
    A: Premature tooth loss.
  • Q15: How can premature loss of primary teeth affect occlusion?
    A: It can lead to drifting of adjacent teeth, causing space loss and malocclusion.
  • Q16: What is a space maintainer?
    A: A dental device used to keep space open for permanent teeth after premature loss of primary teeth.
  • Q17: What is the most common type of malocclusion?
    A: Class I malocclusion (neutrocclusion).
  • Q18: What is the term for protruding upper front teeth?
    A: Buck teeth or proclined incisors.
  • Q19: What is the name of the imaginary line that divides the face into right and left halves?
    A: Midline.
  • Q20: What is a diastema?
    A: A space or gap between two teeth, most commonly the upper front teeth.
  • Q21: What is the term for teeth that have not erupted into the mouth at their expected time?
    A: Impacted teeth.
  • Q22: Which permanent teeth are most commonly impacted, after wisdom teeth?
    A: Maxillary canines (upper eye teeth).
  • Q23: What is the purpose of orthodontic elastics (rubber bands)?
    A: To apply forces that help align teeth and correct jaw relationships.
  • Q24: What is the term for the removal of permanent teeth to create space during orthodontic treatment?
    A: Therapeutic extraction.
  • Q25: What is the name of the device used after braces to maintain tooth position?
    A: Retainer.
  • Q26: What is the difference between fixed and removable orthodontic appliances?
    A: Fixed appliances are bonded to teeth and can't be removed by the patient, while removable appliances can be taken out.
  • Q27: What is the term for the forward positioning of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw?
    A: Mandibular prognathism.
  • Q28: What is cephalometric analysis used for in orthodontics?
    A: To assess skeletal and dental relationships and plan treatment.
  • Q29: What is the name of the clear, removable aligners used as an alternative to traditional braces?
    A: Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign).
  • Q30: What potential health problems can severe malocclusion cause?
    A: Difficulty in chewing and speaking, increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, jaw pain, and self-esteem issues.


Disclaimer

The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.





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