Etiology of orthodontic problems
INHERITANCE
Skeletal problems: Jaw discrepancies (photo 1)Teeth-jaw size discrepancies, “large teeth within small jaws lead to crowding (photo 2) Small teeth in large jaws lead to spacing Syndromes with oral manifestations.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Premature loss of deciduous teeth: This can happen due to caries or trauma. This condition can lead to loss of spaces for the eruption of the subsequent permanent teeth and eventually to a severe orthodontic problem (photo 3).

DELETERIOUS HABITS
Thumb/Finger sucking (photo 4). This habit should stop before the age of 18-24 months. If this habit continues the Orthodontist can intervene at the age of 4 (at this age the child can cooperate) and before the eruption of the permanent incisors. The Orthodontist either with Physiological support or with the use of specific appliances can stop this habit.

PROLONGED USE OF A DUMMY:
This habit should stop before the age of 18 months. If not, it can cause severe orthodontic problems similar to the ones that the thumb/finger sucking cause.
MOUTH BREATHING:
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids and allergies can cause this condition that leads to severe orthodontic problems.
LIP, NAILS, PEN – PENCIL BITING:
Can cause disruption of the correct alignment of the teeth.



