Dental Anomalies
DENTAL NEWS, Volume IX, Number I, 2002 Dental Anomalies By Dr. Mladen Kuftinec - D.M.D., Sc.D. Department of Orthodontics, New York University College of Dentistry INTRODUCTION Some form of a dental anomaly, or at least dental irregularity is found in nearly every individual, including men, women and children. Some of these are relatively mild and simple, as in rotations of teeth, small interdental spacing and unusually shaped teeth. Others are more complex and cause more functional and esthetic concerns. Among the latter, one should include congenitally missing, impacted and severely crowded teeth and also craniofacial anomalies, such as various forms of clefts. An orthodontist, who is primarily concerned with the function and esthetic of the human dentition, sees these anomalies as a challenge in his efforts to change a malocclusion to a more normal and cosmetic occlusion. Traits of Malocclusion It is well accepted that among all the traits of malocc...