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Glossary
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TREATMENT OF MALOCCLUSION (Dentistry)
Malocclusion often manifests as migraine-like headache, clicking of jaw joints and symptoms of the neck and shoulder region. Causes of malocclusion include too soft food, dental malocclusion and individual abnormal biting habits (grinding etc.)A night guard made of acrylic plastic (individually made) is used in treating malocclusion. The night guard ”relaxes” the masticatory muscle. Physiotherapy, masticatory muscle exercise, thermotherapy and a variety of muscle relaxants can be used.
Malocclusion can also be treated with orthodontics and prosthetic treatment methods.
The functioning of the masticatory system is examined at a checkup visit. The need for any further treatment and examination is explored in the checkup. If symptoms indicating a malocclusion are found, a more extensive survey of the situation is performed. In some cases the symptoms disappear spontaneously, yet often treatment is necessary.
Producing an individual night guard is the most common treatment. A night guard is a guard made of acrylic plastic that fits the upper or lower teeth. A night guard may help to prevent damage to the teeth and joints of the jaw. In addition, the guard relaxes the masticatory muscles and balances the occlusion. The guard is usually worn at night, aiming to avoid the symptoms and damage caused by bruxism. It is also important to try to avoid harmful habits, such as biting one’s fingernails or gnashing one’s teeth. When malocclusion is permanently changed, the treatments used are reshaping, orthodontic treatment and prosthetics. If necessary, muscle relaxants are used in the treatment during the acute phase. Exercising the masticatory muscles and physiotherapy often also alleviate the symptoms.
