How Orthodontics Can Help Improve Bite and Alignment Issues
Understanding the benefits of orthodontic treatment for bite issues
If you’re suffering from poorly aligned teeth, you probably already know that orthodontia can help solve this issue. Braces and Invisalign can straighten your teeth and give you a smile to be proud of! But did you know that orthodontic treatment can also solve common bite issues?
Common Bite and Alignment Issues
While you may just see your teeth as “crooked,” there are terms that can help better define the spacing or alignment issue you’re experiencing. Here are five of the most common ones:
1. Crossbites
A crossbite occurs when a patient’s top and bottom don’t meet as they should when biting down. Crossbites are often caused by genetics, habits like thumb sucking, or permanent teeth that haven’t yet erupted. Children who suck their thumb as they are developing are often more susceptible to developing a noticeable crossbite that will continue to become exaggerated as their permanent teeth come in.
2. Overbites
When a person’s upper teeth protrude over their lower teeth by a significant amount, this is referred to as an overbite. In many cases, lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth and push out the upper teeth, resulting in excessive overjet, or the distance between the upper and lower teeth. Overbites and overjets can be caused by genetics, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), missing teeth, and bad dental habits such as teeth grinding.
3. Underbites
An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. It’s often noticeable by the appearance of a “bulldog-like” jawline, where the lower jaw juts out prominently. While it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, underbites can lead to various complications if left untreated, including difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Genetics, prolonged childhood thumb sucking, irregular tooth growth, and jaw development issues are some of the potential causes of an underbite.
4. Open Bites
If a person’s upper and lower teeth don’t touch, this is called an open bite. An anterior open bite occurs when front teeth don’t touch. This causes an aesthetically unpleasing smile as well as issues with proper jaw function impacting speech and biting capabilities. A posterior open bite is when back teeth don’t touch. This is usually a result of side tongue thrusts or poor dental habits prevalent in children. Symmetric open bites are typically caused by consistent tongue thrusts, while asymmetric open bites are caused by poor habits that impact dental health such as thumb sucking.
5. Deep Bites
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. While some overlap is normal, an excessive deep bite can lead to various dental issues if left untreated, including wear on the teeth, jaw pain, and even difficulties in chewing and speaking.
Genetics, excessive childhood thumb sucking, teeth crowding, irregular jawbone development, and missing teeth can potentially create a deep bite.
The Dangers of Misalignment
Dental misalignment can make it difficult to chew and speak properly. Alignment issues also can cause everything from headaches and jaw pain to tooth loss and gum recession. Ignoring your bite issues can result in long-term, expensive, and painful problems.
Fortunately, orthodontia can correct these issues over time, giving you relief from dental pain and ensuring a healthy, confidence-boosting smile.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
After assessing your teeth and taking X-rays, our orthodontist will come up with a treatment plan to correct your bite issue, using either braces or Invisalign. Both work in a similar way, slowly moving your teeth into the desired positions for optimal smile health. Braces use brackets that are placed on your teeth and then connected with wires. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays that are customized to move your teeth bit by bit over time.
Whichever treatment best suits your needs, you can trust that your overbite, underbite, or other alignment issue will be a thing of the past once you’re finished!
Make an Appointment Today
If you’re experiencing dental pain or are having trouble chewing or speaking and you think it may be due to bite issues, call on our team at Adirondack Orthodontics. All our treatment plans are backed by our Smile Guarantee™, so you know you’ll get the orthodontic treatment you need and deserve.
We would be happy to schedule your free initial consultation – and help you get your best smile in one year or less! Contact us today to make an appointment at one of our six convenient locations in the Capital Region.
