Orthodontic problems

Orthodontic problems are divided into:

• dental, when related to the position, size, shape and number of teeth
• skeletal, when related to the position, size and relationship between the upper and lower jaw
• odontogenic, when they are a combination of the above

Orthodontic problems are caused by one or more often a combination of factors:

• Inherited factors

Indicative examples are cases with protruding upper teeth due to the skeletal position of the jaws, mandibular prognathism, lack of permanent teeth, presence of supernumerary teeth

• Local actors

A common case is the premature loss of children's teeth, without assessing the need to preserve space for the successor permanent teeth. Also, some cases of dental trauma can contribute to orthodontic problems

• Environmental factors

This category includes abnormal habits and functions performed by the child, such as prolonged pacifier use, finger sucking, mouth breathing, incomplete swallowing (pushing the tongue between the teeth during swallowing). When not stopped in time, these conditions can negatively affect not only teething but also jaw development.