Distal occlusion is a serious disorder, which, in the absence of proper therapy, can lead to various dental diseases. First of all, there are various kinds of problems with breathing, chewing. Such a violation causes many problems, which is why timely treatment in a dental clinic is required.
Distal bite - a violation of the location of the jaw, in which the upper slightly protrudes above the lower. The degree of violation can be different, it all depends on the structure of the skull and the characteristics of the course of the pathology. The problem begins to develop from early childhood. Along with the displacement of the jaw, there is a violation of the ratio of the dentition. As a result, abrasion of tooth enamel occurs.
Features of violation
Distal occlusion is characterized by the fact that there is an asymmetrical arrangement of the upper and lower dentition. Such a deviation causes many problems for the patient, and also leads to impaired speech function.
After closing the jaw, part of the front upper teeth overlaps the line of the lower ones, whichmanifests itself in the form of a strong protrusion of the jaw. Such a violation is accompanied by such characteristic features:
- different jaw sizes;
- short upper lip in small sizes;
- unusual location of the lower lip;
- unnaturally bulging face;
- retracted chin;
- half open mouth.
Distal occlusion can develop against the background of other pathologies, which is why treatment is preceded by a long study of facial symmetry features in order to understand what kind of result should be obtained after therapy.
Main species
By the nature of occurrence, distal malocclusion can occur as a result of overdevelopment of the maxilla and underdevelopment of the mandible. Regardless of the features of the pathology, the upper jaw overlaps the lower one, however, various signs of the course of the disease appear. With a significant size of the upper jaw, its extension and non-closure of the lips are observed.
In the case of an underdeveloped lower jaw in a person, the chin is shifted back and the profile of the face is elongated. Determining the type of bite is very important for prescribing the treatment of pathology.
Before choosing a method of therapy, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the distal occlusion and its main types. Such a violation can have an alveolar and gnathic form. With the alveolar form, the jaws are located correctly, and with the gnathic form, the ratio of the jaw and teeth is incorrect.
Mistakes can be with or without the occlusion key. In the first case, the upper jaw protrudes somewhat and a gap may form. However, it is worth noting that the correct arrangement of the teeth is maintained in the lateral areas. In the case of a pathology without an occlusion key, there is a violation of the location of all teeth, as well as a displacement of the dentition.
Causes of pathology
There are several causes of overbite. Among them, it is necessary to highlight the following:
- fetal development disorder;
- artificial feeding;
- rickets;
- diseases of the nasopharynx;
- bad habits;
- too early removal of baby teeth;
- genetic predisposition.
About the 12th week of intrauterine development, the fetus begins to form a distal occlusion. This allows the baby to make normal sucking movements. As a result of such movements, it goes into normal.
Among the causes of pathology, artificial feeding can be distinguished, in which the child does not have to make any effort. As a result, the lower jaw stops growing. Most people who have had rickets have various kinds of deviations in the development of the dental system.
In some cases, children suffering from diseases of the nasopharynx may develop an overbite. These diseases include chronic adenoiditis, deviated septum and many other diseases. This happens as a resultmouth breathing, when the upper dentition loses its natural support in the form of a tongue, so the upper jaw gradually moves forward.
Main symptoms
Before you correct the distal occlusion, you must know what are the signs of the course of the disease. The characteristic symptoms of pathology can be divided into oral and facial. The main signs are changes in the proportions of the face. Specifically, symptoms include:
- Slanted chin;
- maxillary protrusion;
- shortened lower third of the face;
- deflection of the lower lip back;
- protrusion of the central upper teeth;
- sharpened chin crease;
- open mouth.
Among the intraoral and functional signs, the following are distinguished:
- malposition of posterior teeth;
- difficulty chewing food;
- problems with nasal breathing;
- pain in the temple area;
- violation of speech functions.
Other signs of the course of the disorder may be associated with the presence of comorbidities.
Diagnostics
An orthodontist deals with the treatment of dentoalveolar anomalies. The doctor initially studies the cause of the anomaly, the peculiarity of the location and development of the teeth, and then conducts a comprehensive diagnosis. A preliminary diagnosis is established after a visual examination of the patient in the presence of external signs of pathology. However, in order to determine how to treat an overbite, it is imperative to establish the cause of the disease and its type.
For the correct diagnosis, many different studies are carried out, which are divided into basic and additional. The main methods should include:
- inspection;
- manufacture and study of the jaw model;
- orthopantomography.
During the examination, the doctor assesses the presence of signs, the size of the jaw and the severity of the pathology. In addition, the doctor takes into account the size and location of the dentition, the shape of the sky, the presence of a gap and other anomalies. Then the doctor takes an impression of both jaws using a special material and makes a model in the laboratory for further examination using various tests.
Another diagnostic method is orthopantomography, which is an X-ray image. Additional diagnostic methods include:
- electromyography;
- radiography;
- teleradiography;
- rheography;
- tomography.
Only with the correct diagnosis, you can choose the most appropriate treatment that will allow you to get rid of the existing pathology very quickly.
Features of treatment
It is imperative to study the methods of treatment of distal occlusion and reviews about them before proceeding with the elimination of the anomaly. It should be noted that the success of therapy in many respects depends on individualfeatures of the development of the jaw system, the age of the person and the severity of the course of the pathology.
In childhood, the correction of the distal occlusion often gives positive results, while in adults such a procedure may not give a visible effect due to the already fully formed dentoalveolar system. In childhood, the elimination of the anomaly is aimed at slowing down the rate of development of the upper jaw and additionally stimulating the development of the lower jaw.
Doctors recommend starting this procedure in early childhood. Removable and non-removable orthodontic equipment is used for this. Up to 10 years, bite correction is carried out by such means:
- dental mouthguards;
- trainers;
- plates.
They do not require regular use and do not cause much discomfort, as they are worn exclusively at home or at night. For an older child, when the bite has already formed, bracket systems are mainly used. The doctor determines the duration of their wearing purely individually.
In adulthood, treatment is carried out in two directions at once, namely, the extension of the lower jaw or the reduction of the upper. In this case, doctors prescribe special braces or face plates. In addition, a facebow may be required. The complex of medical procedures also includes myostimulation, removal of problem teeth, grinding. Measures to restore nasal breathing are also applied, as well asexclusion of bad habits. If the braces did not correct the distal bite, then the doctor prescribes surgery.
Treatment of children
The beginning development of pathology can be detected in early childhood. To correct a distal occlusion in a child, a children's orthodontist necessarily prescribes certain myogymnastics, since much more serious techniques are not used until the milk teeth are completely replaced by molars. Regular performance of special exercises will allow you to quickly get rid of existing problems and prevent their transition to a more severe form.
As an exercise, the maximum extension of the lower jaw forward is required so that the lower teeth absolutely completely overlap the upper ones. In a similar position, you need to hold the jaw for several seconds and perform the exercise until a slight fatigue in the muscles is felt. In addition, you need to raise the tongue to the upper palate.
Brackets are not fitted at an early age, however, some dental appliances may still be used. Basically, special removable devices are used with a small screw intended for expansion. The doctor may prescribe the wearing of a double jaw splint. Its main purpose is to protrude the lower jaw and relax the muscles.
Braces may be prescribed during teething. It is this system that allows you to completely align the entire dentalrow and put the jaw in the desired position.
Adult treatment
Correction of distal occlusion in adults largely depends on the general level of the course of such a pathology and the severity of the disease. There are several different stages of orthodontic therapy. At the initial stage, a comprehensive preparation for the subsequent fixation of bracket systems is carried out. To reduce the time of treatment and achieve the most optimal result, the doctor begins therapy with the use of special devices to correct the distal occlusion. Among them, one should highlight such as Distal Jet.
With its help, it is possible to quickly move the front teeth located on the upper jaw. They quite easily and quickly take the desired location. It should be noted that such devices are made strictly according to the individual model of the jaw in the laboratory. The device is used on average for 3-6 months, after which the doctor installs a special palatine clasp on the first molars to consolidate the result. A bracket system is installed on all other teeth, which allows you to complete the therapy started.
Therapy for severe cases
If in the process of using special devices and bracket systems it is not possible to achieve the required good result, then the doctor can apply other methods. When a sufficiently severe degree of pathology occurs, which consists in serious anomalies, an operation is prescribed to correct the distal occlusion. Such manipulations are carried out only by a maxillofacial surgeon. After receiving consent from the patient for such an intervention, the surgeon and orthodontist together draw up a plan for surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
After the operation, the patient undergoes mandatory inpatient observation for approximately 5-7 days. The orthodontist will correct the bite partially during the surgical intervention, and the location of the main jaw bones will remain the same.
Possible consequences
If treatment is carried out in childhood, then in the future, unpleasant consequences of distal occlusion do not occur. However, this can be achieved only if all the recommendations of the orthodontist and the rehabilitation period are followed. When conducting complex therapy, the normalization period for children is approximately 1-2 years, and for adults - 2-4 years.
Adults are much more likely to experience relapses of the disease, that is, repeated pathological displacement of teeth. This is due to the fact that with an already fully formed occlusion, a longer period of restructuring of the dentoalveolar system to the required position is required. In order to be able to prevent a possible recurrence of the development of the disease, it is imperative to observe a long rehabilitation period.
Forecast and prevention
The prognosis after the treatment of distal occlusion is often favorable, especially if the doctor is contacted in a timely manner. However, even if the disorder is eliminated in adulthood, the chances are quite high incase of strict observance of absolutely all medical prescriptions.
If treatment is not carried out, the prognosis is unfavorable, since malocclusion provokes the subsequent development of serious pathologies, in particular:
- impaired swallowing and chewing function;
- risk of developing periodontal disease;
- impaired functioning of the temporomandibular joint.
Prevention of the occurrence of distal occlusion means:
- breastfeeding and timely introduction of solid foods;
- prevention of rickets;
- prevention and treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx;
- eliminate bad habits.
If all these recommendations are followed, it is often possible to prevent the development of such a violation. This is a very complex disorder that cannot always be completely eliminated, which is why it is important to carry out timely prevention.
