In dentistry, a “dental bite” refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. It’s important to have a good dental bite for quite a few reasons. A good bite is aesthetically pleasing, provide better function and comfort, and are easier to clean, which reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Misalignment of the teeth is called a malocclusion. There are various levels to the severity of this issue, but it can be treated. Here’s some more information:
Types of Malocclusions
Malocclusions can come in different forms.
Overcrowding is caused by a lack of space, resulting in teeth that are crooked and overlap. Overcrowding is the most common reason for orthodontic treatment.
An overjet is when the top teeth extend past the bottom teeth horizontally (not to be
confused with an overbite). Protruding teeth can risk damage and cause problems with eating and speech.
A crossbite is when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This can happen on one or both sides of the jaw and can affect front or back teeth.
An overbite is an abnormal overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. Some overlap
is normal.
An underbite is characterized by lower teeth that extend outward farther than the upper
front teeth. This is also known as an anterior crossbite.
An open bite is when the front teeth don’t overlap the lower teeth when the mouth is shut.
An open bite affecting the front teeth is known as an anterior open bite.
Spacing issues can occur between two or more teeth and can be due to missing teeth or small teeth, among other reasons. Space between two teeth — usually the front teeth — is called diastema.
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to erupt through the gum normally. Possible
treatments include extraction or exposing the tooth so a brace can be fitted.
Problems Caused by Malocclusions
Malocclusions can show up in children as young as 5 years old and basically any time after that. It’s important to see a dental professional to treat them due to the many potential negative health impacts. Malocclusions can increase your risk of gum disease, which can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and other serious health issues. Meanwhile, a malocclusion can put a strain on your jaw, leading to issues chronic headaches, teeth grinding, jaw popping and locking, and chronic pain.
Treatment Options
The good news is malocclusions can be treated in various orthodontic ways. The most common treatment for a poor dental bite is putting traditional braces on teeth that will gently pull them into alignment over time using brackets and wires. There are also clear aligners, such as Invisalign, which consist of a series of trays that also work to gradually pull teeth into alignment without the brackets and wires providing an “invisible” way to straighten teeth.
If you believe you have a malocclusion you need treated, Capital Dental Group in Bakersfield, CA is the place to go. We provide free consultations and in-house financing and will work with you to find the right treatment. Give us a call at 661-861-8000 to schedule an appointment today!