A poorly constructed bite, or occlusion, adversely affects the way you bite and the appearance of your teeth. Malocclusions, or misaligned bite structures, are not always apparent and can hide deeper problems related to consumption of food, speaking, and breathing.
Teeth that are crowded or spaced improperly can be harder to clean. Cleaning problems lead to more serious issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that deals directly with tooth alignment and occlusion problems. Using advanced dental techniques and tools, orthodontists can fix bite problems and improve the look of your smile simultaneously.
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What kinds of bites are poor bites?
There are 6 kinds of bites that cause orthodontic problems:
Overjet
This type of malocclusion occurs when the upper front teeth extend beyond lower front teeth. The teeth can still touch, putting the front teeth at risk to be chipped or knocked out. The inability of the tongue to reach the extremities of the upper teeth cause speech difficulties, and the lips are unable to close over the teeth.
Overbite
Overbite happens when the upper front teeth bite too far down over the lower teeth. Chewing can be difficult because the jaw does not respond correctly to an overbite. The lower lip also tends to bend inward due to lack of support from the bottom jaw.
Underbite
The lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth in an underbite. Chewing is difficult because teeth don’t touch. The tongue may have a hard time compensating for misalignment, causing speech impediment.
Crossbite
Those whose upper teeth bite inside of the lower teeth suffer from crossbite. Unchecked crossbite can lead to uneven jaw growth that causes even greater bite and appearance problems later on.
Open bite
An open bite occurs when the top and bottom front teeth don’t touch. Either the top or bottom front teeth jut forward. Sufferers will notice difficulty biting, chewing, and swallowing. The lips also don’t close even when teeth are together.
Crowding
All malocclusions can be complicated by crowding. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean since they have small nooks in which biofilm can grow but brushing can’t reach.
How can orthodontics help?
Dentists diagnose orthodontic problems using a full dental examination. This includes:
- X-rays
- Clay Bite Mold
- Consultation
Your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth. He or she will talk to you about any malocclusion and crowding you may have and how you can proceed with treatment.
Orthodontic treatment uses dental appliances to realign your bite, such as:
- Metal Braces
- Invisible Braces
- Elastics
At Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry, we examine patients on a 1 on 1 basis and provide personal treatment options. Since no 2 cases are alike, we customize an entire treatment plan just for you. Talk to your orthodontist at Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry to improve your bite today!