enfant souriant chez l'orthodontiste

The causes behind orthodontic problems

16 January 2020 | Dr. Frédéric Lavoie

In the recent years, you have probably noticed a significant increase in the number of general dentists and orthodontists treating malocclusion problems and offering dental alignment services of all kinds.

While many dentists offer orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners, the orthodontist remains the most qualified person to resolve a dental malocclusion problem.

Health Canada, which has conducted a survey, reports that more than 20% of Canadians have used orthodontic treatments to correct a malocclusion or teeth alignment problem.

While many people suffer from orthodontic problems in their lives, there are several different causes that can play a big role in the alignment of your teeth.

Genetic problems

Genetics are one of the main causes behind dental malocclusion problems. It is not uncommon for members of the same family to experience the same type of problems, such as :

  • Overlapping teeth
  • Extra space
  • Missing or excess teeth
  • Development issues

Jaw size, shape and more, are all determining factors in an individual’s dental health.

Medical and development problems

While there are many genetic factors that can cause malocclusions, there are also many dental development issues or medical abnormalities that can cause orthodontic problems. Thumb or finger sucking, breathing through the mouth, trauma or loss of a permanent tooth, premature loss of a baby tooth or poor tongue position are all examples of possible causes leading to problems that may require orthodontic treatments.

For all your orthodontic needs, meet with a specialist orthodontist in order to adequately diagnose any dental alignment or malocclusion problems. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation