What Is Malocclusion? Signs, Symptoms, and Why Treatment Matters
I you have missing teeth, overcrowding, a history of orthodontic treatment, excessive overbite or over-jet, wearing of your teeth’s surfaces ( occlusal wear), periodontal disease, then you might have Malocclusion. Those mentioned conditions will cause misalignment of your teeth, and as the result, it will cause unnecessary trauma to your dentition and TMJ.
Left untreated, malocclusion can cause several health problems. Apart from causing dental problems such as decayed teeth, losing teeth or developing gum disease, malocclusion can affect how you chew food or how you speak. It can also damage your tooth enamel or cause problems with your jaw.
One of the well-established occlusal diseases (masticatory dysfunction) is dental wear. It is one of the common destructive dental disorders due to several etiological factors. Usually, this disease is progressive without intervention, and the eventual outcome is tooth loss, occlusal disease, is described as a condition that follows: the process resulting in the noticeable loss of the occluding surfaces of the teeth. It is described as a “deformation or disturbance of function of any structures within the masticatory system that are in disequilibrium with a harmonious interrelationship between the TMJs, the masticatory musculature, and the occluding surfaces of the teeth.
Frequently, the occlusal disease remains undiagnosed until severe damage becomes esthetically and functionally discomforting for the patient. It is one of the contributing factors in tooth loss. Treatment planning can be preventive (i.e., controlling the erosive factor), restorative, or a combination. To describe an occlusal treatment as a successful one, it should provide a comfortable and stable TMJ position and centric relation; the anterior teeth must be in harmony with the envelope of function without premature contacts in posterior teeth. The position that allows for interference-free contact is the centric relation; this position is an important factor in treatment planning for dental wear, and similarly, anterior guidance is an important factor to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about our dental services, appointments, and what to expect.
What types of dental services does Siesta Village Dentistry offer?
Siesta Village Dentistry provides a full range of dental care, including general family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, implant dentistry, periodontal treatment such as LANAP, and emergency dental care.
How can I book an appointment or consultation?
You can schedule a dental appointment or consultation by calling (941) 505-1200 or using the online appointment request form on the Siesta Village Dentistry website.
What should I expect during my first visit?
New patient visits typically include a comprehensive dental exam, full series of X-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and a personalized treatment plan. New patient specials are also available.
Is laser dentistry offered, and what are its benefits?
Yes. Laser dentistry uses gentle laser technology to treat gum issues and other oral health problems with minimal discomfort, faster healing, and reduced need for anesthesia compared with traditional tools.
What is LANAP and how does it help gum health?
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-recognized laser periodontal treatment that promotes gum regeneration and reattachment with minimal cutting or sutures, helping preserve natural teeth and improve periodontal health.
Does the practice accept dental insurance and financing?
Siesta Village Dentistry accepts dental insurance programs and partners with third-party financing for flexible monthly payment plans, which can be especially helpful for extensive procedures like implants or crowns.
Who provides care at Siesta Village Dentistry?
Dr. My-Huong Ta, DDS, leads the practice with over 30 years of experience in cosmetic, implant, and general dentistry, supported by a compassionate team focused on comfort and patient understanding.
Is the dental care experience comfortable and gentle?
Many patients report a comfortable and gentle experience, including modern amenities, advanced dental technology, and a team that prioritizes patient comfort.
Are emergency dental services available?
Yes. Siesta Village Dentistry offers emergency dental care, including for visitors or those on vacation in the Siesta Key/Sarasota area.
Where is Siesta Village Dentistry located, and what are your hours?
The practice is located at 5136 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 34242, which is Sarasota, FL. We are a proud Sarasota Dentist and Cosmetic Dentist serving our community for over 5 years. Typical office hours are Monday through Thursday, with Friday by appointment only.
Do you provide cosmetic dentistry services?
Yes. Cosmetic services include smile makeovers, whitening options (in-office or take-home), and other aesthetic dental enhancements tailored to patient goals.
How often should I have a dental check-up?
While individual recommendations vary, most patients benefit from semi-annual check-ups and cleanings to maintain oral health and prevent issues before they become serious.