Disease Description (Causes and Symptoms)

Definition summary: A condition in which the alignment or occlusion of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws falls outside the normal range (malocclusion). This includes excessive protrusion of the upper jaw (prognathism), retrusion or protrusion of the lower jaw, and crooked or misaligned teeth.
Main causes: Genetic factors (tooth size and jawbone size) and acquired factors (premature loss of primary teeth, tooth loss due to cavities, incorrect mouth-breathing habits, and oral habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting).
Pathophysiology: An imbalance in jawbone growth or abnormal tooth positioning causes a mismatch in the occlusal relationship between the upper and lower jaws, resulting in problems with chewing, pronunciation, and appearance. When malocclusion causes an imbalance in localized forces, the risk of periodontal disease, tooth wear, and tooth damage increases.
Main symptoms: Difficulty chewing, changes in facial shape (possible facial asymmetry), speech abnormalities, difficulty closing the lips, and increased susceptibility to cavities and periodontal disease due to difficulty maintaining oral hygiene.

Treatment Methods

Standard treatment
- Growing children and adolescents: Early preventive and orthodontic treatment (orthodontic appliances and correction of harmful oral habits), along with cavity treatment and primary-tooth management to maintain the normal sequence of permanent tooth eruption.
- Adults: Many cases can be treated with orthodontic treatment (fixed or removable appliances), but if the skeletal abnormality is severe, orthognathic surgery may be necessary together with orthodontic treatment.
Medications and adjunctive treatment
- There is no direct medication treatment. If pain or inflammation is present, analgesic anti-inflammatory medication or local periodontal treatment may be provided according to the symptoms.
Lifestyle management
- Correct harmful habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing at an early stage.
- Prevent tooth loss through cavity treatment and thorough oral hygiene (toothbrushing, interdental brushes, etc.).
Precautions
- Timely intervention is necessary through observation during the growth period (excessive delay may increase the likelihood that surgery will be needed).
- Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment may worsen cavities and periodontal disease.
Risk of complications
- If left untreated, reduced chewing function, increased chronic periodontitis and cavities, worsening jaw and facial developmental abnormalities, and, in severe cases, an increased likelihood that surgery will be needed may occur.

Items and information to prepare
- List of medications currently being taken (prescription medications, OTC medications, and supplements) and allergy information
- Previous dental treatment records (cavity treatment, tooth extraction, and whether previous orthodontic treatment was received)
- Recent radiographic examination results or photographs (if available, bring them)
- Record of symptom changes: when they began and how they have changed (photos or notes are recommended)
- Presence of oral habits: whether and how often thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing occurs
- Eating habits (such as the frequency of consuming sweet foods) and oral hygiene habits
Items the doctor may ask about during the visit (examples)
- When the symptoms began and how quickly they have progressed
- Whether there are problems with chewing, pronunciation, or during sleep (snoring or sleeping with the mouth open)
- Family history (malocclusion or jawbone abnormalities)

How long is the expected treatment period with this treatment?
What side effects or discomfort can occur with the orthodontic appliance?
Given my current condition, can it be resolved with orthodontic treatment alone, or is surgery likely to be necessary?
What oral hygiene practices or dietary restrictions should I follow during and after treatment?

Considering my (or my child’s) growth pattern, how likely is it that the condition can be resolved with orthodontic treatment alone?
Specifically, by what age and using what methods should habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting be corrected to be effective?