Class III malocclusion, also known as underbite, is a misalignment where the lower teeth are more prominent than the upper teeth. It can be caused by genetics or environmental factors and can be treated with braces, retainers, or surgery depending on the severity.
A class III malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth that results in a situation where the lower teeth are more prominent than the teeth in the upper jaw. This condition is also known as underbite and is much less common than other types of malocclusions where the upper teeth are more prominent. Patients can develop a class III malocclusion for a number of different reasons and it can be accompanied by complications such as tooth crowding or abnormal tooth spacing.
Malocclusions in general are variations in the formation and arrangement of the teeth and jaws that cause the teeth to become misaligned. Many people have minor malocclusions that don’t require treatment. Some people develop more serious misalignments that can lead to dental and other problems and require corrective measures. It is also possible to correct a malocclusion for aesthetic reasons. Some dentists divide malocclusions into classes by type for convenience.
In the case of a class III malocclusion, one reason is genetics. Environmental factors such as thumb sucking may also play a role. Sometimes the jaw, or lower jaw, is larger or longer than usual, and in other cases, the jaw or upper jaw is shortened. When a dentist identifies an underbite in a patient, X-rays and physical exams are used to learn more about what is causing the malocclusion so a treatment plan can be developed.
For mild cases, a wait-and-see approach can be taken. If the patient has habits that could contribute to the malocclusion, counseling can be provided to help the patient stop the behavior. A retainer may also be used in an attempt to correct a class III malocclusion, to see if teeth can be pulled into alignment with periodic retainer wear. The next, more aggressive treatment option is braces that are fitted to the teeth and adjusted over time to align the teeth.
A patient with severe class III malocclusion may require surgery. It may also be necessary to wear braces or retainers in conjunction with surgery, depending on the individual patient’s situation. Once the malocclusion is corrected, the patient should be able to eat and drink normally. Any complications caused by the bite, such as abnormal tooth wear, should also resolve with treatment.
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