Tooth evolution and its effect on the malocclusion in modern human dentition

Human evolution refers to the natural process of all human clade members involved in evolutionary history. Modern humans’ orofacial complex and the masticatory system evolved from their ancestors to the current state of hominins. The preservation of teeth in the fossil record makes these small organs essential for the work of palaeontologists and anthropologists. Furthermore, with the recent discovery and scientific development in dentistry, teeth have become of interest to the fields of regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and orthodontic treatment. From the perspective of anthropology studies, tooth evolution is associated with various anatomical and structural changes in the human body. Malocclusion in modern humans has been predicted as a result of tooth evolution linked to food processing and consumption. Tooth evolution affects the incisor-canine complex that lies behind the upper arch, decreases pneumatization of the frontal sinuses, moves the temporomandibular joints forward, and reduces jaw size. These changes cause the dentition to deviate from normal occlusion, resulting in tooth crowding, protrusion, or malposition.