Correction of Mesial Occlusion
The face of a person suffering from mesial occlusion appears massive, heavy, and angry. The chin dominates the profile. The person experiences physical discomfort and psychological complexes. Furthermore, chewing function is impaired, and diction suffers.
Correction of mesial occlusion is a complex, multi-step, and time-consuming task. However, the treatment results in not only a person's health but also their self-confidence.
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What is mesial occlusion?
Mesial bite is one of the most complex dental anomalies. Doctors use the term "progenia." The essence of the pathology lies in the abnormal relationship of the jaws. The lower row of teeth is located in front of the upper row. Facial proportions are distorted. The load on the teeth is distributed unevenly. The enamel gradually erodes, causing gum problems.
How does mesial bite differ from normal?
Normally, the upper jaw should slightly overlap the lower jaw, and the teeth should close correctly and tightly. Then, the chewing load is distributed evenly, and food is chewed without unnecessary effort, without undue stress on the teeth. With mesial bite, the picture is fundamentally different: the lower jaw is protruded forward, and the lower incisors are positioned in front of the upper ones. The contacts between the chewing teeth are disrupted. For this reason, the facial muscles become overstrained.
What does a mesial bite look like?
The patient's appearance is distinctive. The lower lip appears thicker, and the chin protrudes far forward. The upper lip appears to recede, and the facial profile takes on a concave shape. The person appears older than their biological age. Their mouth is constantly slightly open, and their smile appears completely unnatural. The upper row of teeth remains hidden, and only the lower teeth are visible.
Causes of mesial bite development
The defect develops before birth, that is, quite early, but there are several factors that lead to the development of a mesial bite, and here are three main groups of causes.
Hereditary factors
The main prerequisite for the development of the defect is heredity. After all, skeletal structure is passed on to a child from the father or mother. If one parent has a larger lower jaw, then the child is also at risk. Bone size is determined genetically and cannot be influenced.
Jaw growth disorders
Bone tissue grows unevenly. The upper jaw may well lag significantly in development, while the lower jaw, conversely, grows actively. This imbalance causes the anomaly. Other causes may include past illnesses, such as rickets, vitamin deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances, which can also interfere with proper bone formation.
Bad Habits and Functional Disorders
Babies often chew on toys. Prolonged use of a pacifier can damage their bite. Propping the chin with the hand can cause jaw misalignment. Mouth breathing due to adenoids can alter muscle function. The tongue presses on the lower teeth, causing the bone to gradually move forward.
Degrees of severity of the disorder
Doctors distinguish three degrees.
- The first is mild. The lower jaw protrudes slightly.
- The second is moderate. The gap between the rows of teeth becomes noticeable.
- The third is severe. The chin protrudes significantly. The teeth are almost completely absent. Chewing becomes painful. Diction is severely distorted.
Dental occlusion disorders
Doctors observe a reverse overlap of the incisors. The lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Correct contacts are absent. The cusps do not find their fissures. The chewing surface wears away quickly. Chips occur constantly. The enamel loses its density. The gums become damaged. Chronic inflammation develops.
Complaints related to chewing, diction, and comfort
Biting food is difficult. The person swallows large pieces. Food is poorly digested. The gastrointestinal tract experiences tremendous strain. Speech becomes unclear. The tongue assumes an incorrect position. A characteristic lisp is heard. The jaw joints begin to click. Headaches occur daily. Facial muscles become overstrained.
Ignoring this anomaly is impossible. The consequences affect the entire body.
Increased stress on teeth
The pressure is distributed chaotically. Certain teeth bear the brunt of the impact. The root can't withstand it. Gum recession begins. Teeth become loose. Enamel disappears before your eyes. Sensitivity develops. By the age of 30-40, the patient may lose healthy teeth.
Aesthetic changes in the facial profile
Appearance changes irreversibly. The skin stretches. Wrinkles appear prematurely. The face takes on an aged appearance. Psychological stress increases. Therefore, people become embarrassed to smile.
Risks to the temporomandibular joint
The temporomandibular joint suffers the most. The head of the joint is constantly displaced. The disc inside wears out. Ear pain appears. The mouth opens with difficulty. Cracking and jamming occur. Joint treatment is time-consuming and expensive. It's easier to correct the bite promptly. Orthodontic treatment relieves stress on the joint.
Methods for correcting mesial bite
Functional and removable appliances
These methods work primarily in childhood:
- Plates
- Activators
- Function regulators
The appliances stimulate the growth of the upper jaw. They restrain the lower jaw. The muscles learn to work correctly.
Braces
Braces for overbite are the most common choice. Clasps are bonded to the teeth. An archwire moves them in the desired direction. This method corrects the position of each tooth. Correcting overbite with braces takes about two years. Special elastics are used. The elastics pull the jaws together.
Aligners
Aligners for mesial bite are suitable for mild cases. These are transparent trays. They are almost invisible and can be removed while eating. However, aligners are not suitable for all cases. Complex bone pathologies are not treated with aligners.
Combination treatment
Sometimes braces aren't enough. The doctor uses additional instruments: mini-screws, palatal expanders, and special traction devices. This combined approach allows for several problems to be addressed simultaneously.
Orthognathic surgery, if indicated
An extreme measure for complex cases. If the bone is too long, it must be shortened. The surgeon performs the procedure inside the mouth. The bones are repositioned into the ideal position and fixed with titanium plates.
Comparison of Methods for Correcting Mesial Bite
| Method | When Used | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Appliances | During Growth | Affect Bone Development | Require Strict Discipline |
| Brace Systems | Any Age | Precise Mechanics of Movement | Visible on teeth |
| Aligners | For adults and adolescents | Aesthetics and comfort | Limited in complex cases |
| Surgery | Skeletal forms | Radical profile change | Performed according to indications |
Signs of mesial bite to look out for:
- The lower jaw protrudes noticeably forward
- Lower incisors overlapping the upper teeth
- The occlusion of the lateral teeth is disrupted
- The facial profile is concave
- Difficulty biting off and chewing food thoroughly
- Discomfort in the temporomandibular joint appears
General information
Diagnosis of Mesial Bite
An accurate diagnosis can only be made in a clinic. Self-diagnosis using a mirror is dangerous. The doctor uses a whole arsenal of tools.
Orthodontist Examination
The orthodontist begins with a conversation. The doctor evaluates facial symmetry. He examines muscle function. The patient is asked to open and close the mouth. The specialist checks the occlusion of the teeth. The condition of the mucous membrane is assessed.
Photos, Scans, Jaw Models
The doctor takes a photographic protocol. Images of the face and teeth are taken from different angles. Then impressions are taken. Modern clinics use intraoral scanning. A 3D model of the jaws is created. The problem can be seen from the inside. The program calculates the space requirement. Modeling shows the future outcome.
TRG, CBCT, and cephalometric analysis
This is the gold standard.
- TRG (teleradiograph) in the lateral projection shows the bones.
- CBCT provides a layered image of the skull.
- Cephalometric analysis allows calculating the angles of bone inclination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even if an overbite seems minor, only a doctor can determine the exact nature of the problem. You can't choose a correction method on your own. A malocclusion requires professional treatment. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. This is the first step and the only sure path to a healthy smile.
What is an overbite?
Can an overbite be corrected without surgery?
How does overbite correction differ in children and adults?
Why is a retention period necessary?
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Types of mesial occlusion
The classification helps the doctor choose the appropriate approach. The forms of pathology vary significantly.
Dentoalveolar form
The problem lies solely in the position of the teeth. The jaw bones are normally developed. The lower molars are tilted forward. The upper incisors may be displaced backward. Correction is easier. Orthodontic treatment produces a quick effect. Surgery is usually not necessary in such cases. Simply moving the teeth into the correct position is sufficient.
Skeletal form
Here, the pathology has affected the bones. The lower jaw is physically longer than the upper jaw. Or the upper jaw is too small. Doctors call this condition "Angle's Class III." Correcting the situation with braces alone is impossible. The bone will not move on its own. A comprehensive approach is required. Orthognathic surgery is often necessary. A specialist works with the foundation of the face.