Tooth development anomalies – this term often refers to any irregularities concerning the dental and jaw system. Sometimes such deviations are not noticeable at all, while other times they cause not only aesthetic but also physical discomfort.
To make it clearer, they can be divided into groups:
- anomalies of enamel, dentin, and tooth shape – i.e., structural disorders of teeth;
- bite anomalies: deep bite, crossbite, distal and mesial bite.
The causes of deviations in tooth and jaw anatomy can be various. Here are some of them:
- intrauterine development disorders;
- genetic predisposition;
- diseases experienced in early childhood before the final formation of the dental-jaw system;
- improper feeding methods (breastfeeding is always preferable, as it promotes proper facial skeleton development);
- traumas;
- bad habits: thumb sucking, tongue or lip sucking.
Approaching the correction of any defects should be done seriously, as teeth and jaws affect not only appearance but also quality of life. The main thing is not to cause harm.
The earlier the problem is detected, the easier it will be to fix. Correcting the bite is always simpler and more logical while the child is growing, as all dental and jaw structures are easily adjustable. Therefore, specialists recommend preventive check-ups from the moment the child gets the first tooth. Usually, this occurs at 6–8 months, but recently the norm has shifted to 12 months. If the child has no teeth by the age of one, a visit to the dentist should not be postponed.
What can orthodontics offer today?
- In primary or mixed dentition, removable appliances are most often used – so-called plates with screws.
- Fixed appliances: attached to the teeth with special material (including expanders, braces, and palatal expanders), used in both mixed and permanent dentition.
- A relatively new and increasingly popular treatment method – aligners – transparent trays that are almost invisible on teeth, cause minimal discomfort, are easy to maintain, but are not suitable for every case and are used only on permanent teeth.
Deciding which appliance is suitable, for how long, and which examinations are required must be done together with an orthodontist!
When it comes to correcting a bite, the cost of treatment is also important, as it is not quick or always simple. The price of orthodontic treatment depends on the duration, type of appliance, and complexity of the case. Sometimes preparatory measures are needed before orthodontics: treating cavities, root canals, or wisdom teeth removal.
There are many nuances, so it is difficult to predict the exact amount required for treatment. Usually, during the initial consultation, the dentist provides an approximate cost.
As for enamel development anomalies, there are even more options.
First, it is important to understand the type of anomaly before beginning treatment. There are structural anomalies (erosions, fluorosis, hypoplasia) and anatomical anomalies (peg-shaped tooth, extra cusps).
The appropriate course of action in each situation can only be determined during a dentist consultation. Some anomalies do not require treatment, such as an extra cusp, as they do not pose any cosmetic or functional defect.
