Tannstilling

Tannstilling is a Norwegian term that refers to the position and alignment of teeth within the dental arches and their relationship between the upper and lower jaws. It encompasses both individual tooth orientation and the overall occlusion, the way the teeth meet during biting and chewing. The word combines "tann" (tooth) and "stilling" (position).

Normal or ideal tannstilling supports efficient chewing, clear speech, acceptable aesthetics and stable oral health. Deviations from ideal alignment are described as malocclusions and include crowding, spacing, deep bite (excessive vertical overlap), open bite (insufficient vertical overlap), crossbite, and sagittal discrepancies such as overjet or underbite. Clinically, malocclusion may be classified using systems such as Angle’s classes I, II and III.

Causes are multifactorial: genetic factors, disproportion between tooth size and jaw growth, prolonged oral habits (thumb sucking, pacifier use), early loss of primary teeth, trauma and certain medical conditions. Assessment typically involves clinical examination, dental impressions or digital scans, photographs and radiographs; cephalometric analysis may be used for skeletal assessment.

Management ranges from observation and preventive measures in early childhood to orthodontic treatment with fixed braces or removable aligners in adolescence and adulthood. Severe skeletal discrepancies may require combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical approaches. Retention after active treatment is important to maintain results. Tannstilling is a common focus of dental care because of its functional, esthetic and psychosocial impact.