Malocclusion

Published on 27/03/2015 by admin

Filed under Pediatrics

Last modified 27/03/2015

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Chapter 301 Malocclusion

The oral cavity is essentially a masticatory instrument. The purpose of the anterior teeth is to bite off portions of large amounts of food. The posterior teeth reduce foodstuff to a soft, moist bolus. The cheeks and tongue force the food onto the areas of tooth contact. Establishing a proper relationship between the mandibular and maxillary teeth is important for physiologic and cosmetic reasons.

Variations in Growth Patterns

Growth patterns are classified into 3 main types of occlusion, determined when the jaws are closed and the teeth are held together (Fig. 301-1). According to the Angle Classification of Malocclusion, in class I occlusion (normal), the cusps of the posterior mandibular teeth interdigitate ahead of and inside the corresponding cusps of the opposing maxillary teeth. This relationship provides a normal facial profile.

In class II malocclusion,