MULTIFACTORIAL NATURE OF DISTAL OCCLUSION: THE ROLE OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Distal occlusion is one of the most common dentofacial anomalies, characterized by a distal position of the mandible in relation to the maxilla. This condition is associated with impaired chewing efficiency, difficulties in speech articulation, and significant aesthetic problems that can affect social adaptation and psychological well-being. The purpose of this review was to systematize current knowledge about the causes and mechanisms of distal occlusion development and to test the hypothesis that the condition has a multifactorial nature, in which genetic predisposition interacts with environmental and functional factors. The methodology included a structured search of scientific publications in PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary databases over the past decade. Publications were selected according to inclusion criteria that required analysis of etiological factors, assessment of hereditary influences, evaluation of functional disturbances, and discussion of craniofacial growth patterns. In total, 75 sources met the criteria for detailed analysis, including clinical studies, experimental works, and observational research. The results of the review confirm that distal occlusion arises from a complex interaction of hereditary determinants, disturbances in the growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton, and external influences such as prolonged harmful oral habits, chronic nasal obstruction leading to mouth breathing, and uncorrected premature loss of deciduous teeth. The findings highlight the importance of early identification of risk factors, interdisciplinary diagnostic approaches, and timely orthodontic intervention. These conclusions substantiate the need for individualized preventive and therapeutic strategies, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and long-term outcomes.