Scissor teeth, also known as a scissor bite, is a dental malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not meet or contact each other properly. Instead, they grow past each other, often leading to continuous growth and potential dental issues.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Definition: A scissor bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not align vertically. Typically, the outer surface of the lower teeth should contact the inner surface of the upper teeth. In a scissor bite, this contact is absent.
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Mechanism: The upper teeth are often positioned too far outside, while the corresponding lower teeth are too far inside. This misalignment prevents normal wear during chewing, which normally helps to maintain tooth length. As a result, the teeth can overgrow.
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Common Location: This condition is most commonly observed in the back teeth (molars and premolars).
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Consequences: Untreated scissor bites can lead to:
- Soft tissue trauma (cheek or tongue).
- Dental disease
- Difficulty chewing.
- Overgrowth of teeth.
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Treatment: Dental correction (e.g., orthodontics, tooth extraction) is often needed to correct the malocclusion.
