The early signs of malocclusion

Although it may appear, when examining the deciduous dentition, that similar malocclusions to those seen in the permanent dentition can be identified, it does not always follow that they will persist. Incipient crowding of the teeth is usually masked by spacing which should normally be present. Small discrepancies of occlusion can arise or be masked as a result of deviation of the mandible away from centric occlusion. Unilateral crossbites, anterior open bites and excessive overjets which are associated with a sucking habit, will usually prove transient and improve spontaneously. It is also possible that crossbites and buccal occlusion of individual premolars may develop as these teeth erupt; these are often caused by displacement due to crowding. If these factors are allowed for then a fairly accurate prediction of arch relationship can be made. Correlations of tooth size, arch size and spacing of teeth were not strong enough to be used individually for predicting the degree of crowding to be expected in the permanent dentition. However, observation of all these factors, especially if radiographs are available may be used to give a fairly accurate prognosis.