How Can Orthodontics Fix Your Bite?

As orthodontists, we use an interesting word: malocclusion. It’s a medical term for bite problems, and today at Ossi Orthodontics, we want to tell our patients all about what types of bite issues braces can fix. 

Types of Bite Problems

You might be familiar with terms like overbite or underbite, but problems related to your bite can be more nuanced. These issues can even involve the spacing between your teeth. The natural functioning of our jaws means they may not always align perfectly, whether due to inherent growth patterns or later trauma.

Dr. Ossi routinely addresses and treats various bite issues, and the list is quite extensive. It could be beneficial to search for images online to better understand the distinctions between these conditions!

1. Overbite (Deep Bite): An overbite manifests when the upper front teeth extend significantly beyond the lower front teeth vertically. This condition can result in heightened wear on the lower front teeth and may contribute to potential issues with the jaw and joints.
2. Underbite: Characterized by the lower front teeth projecting past the upper front teeth, an underbite not only affects facial aesthetics but may also lead to challenges in chewing.
3. Open Bite: An open bite is identified when the upper and lower front teeth fail to meet upon closing the mouth. This condition can give rise to speech difficulties, problems with biting into specific foods, and concerns related to appearance.
4. Crossbite: Crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed. This condition, affecting one or more teeth, can lead to uneven wear, gum recession, and misalignment of the jaw.
5. Crowding: Crowding arises when there is inadequate jaw space for proper alignment of all teeth. This may be due to factors such as missing teeth, small teeth, or excessive jaw space.
6. Crossbite (Anterior or Posterior): A crossbite can also manifest in the back molars (posterior) or front teeth (anterior) of the upper and lower jaws.
7. Midline Misalignment: Midline misalignment refers to a deviation in the centerline alignment of the upper and lower teeth, impacting the symmetry of the smile.
8. Diastema: Diastema is characterized by noticeable gaps between teeth, often prominently seen between the upper front teeth.

Consequences of Bite Problems

Before we explore corrective approaches, let’s discuss the implications when these concerns remain unattended without the use of braces or other orthodontic treatments.

1. Tooth Wear and Damage: The visible effects of malocclusions may take time to manifest, but they result in an uneven distribution of biting forces, leading to excessive wear on specific teeth. This can result in the premature wearing down of tooth enamel, as well as instances of chipping or fractures.
2. Jaw Pain and Discomfort: Misaligned jaws or an improper bite can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing considerable discomfort, chronic jaw pain, and challenges in opening and closing the mouth.
3. Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Bite issues disrupt normal speech and chewing patterns, leading to digestion problems and interference with speech due to the incorrect processing of food.
4. Increased Risk of Gum Disease: Misaligned teeth can be challenging to clean effectively, raising the likelihood of plaque buildup and decay. Failure to address this issue may lead to gum inflammation and the development of periodontal disease.
5. Breathing Problems: Crossbites and overbites, in particular, can contribute to breathing difficulties. Depending on their severity, they may obstruct the jaws and airways.
6. Limited Treatment Options: When bite problems go untreated for an extended period, the range of available treatments can be significantly narrow. This may result in a more tedious path to alignment, potentially involving more invasive procedures in addition to braces.

Correction of Bite Problems

Having identified the primary concerns, let’s delve into how braces emerge as a remarkable solution for addressing a variety of these issues. The primary goal of braces is to attain alignment, be it among the teeth, jaws, or a combination of both.

1. Correction of Overbite: Braces aim to reposition both upper and lower teeth, fostering a more harmonious bite.
2. Correction of Underbite: Typically, this entails moving the lower teeth backward to achieve proper alignment.
3. Correction of Open Bite: Braces are effective in closing the gap between upper and lower teeth, facilitating proper alignment when the mouth is closed.
4. Jaw Correction: Braces play a direct role in aligning the jaw, thereby enhancing facial symmetry and improving comfort for the patient.
5. Correction of Spacing: The pressure exerted by wires and brackets in traditional braces proves effective in closing gaps between teeth over time, making them a reliable solution for addressing spacing issues.

Braces are a viable choice for patients across all age groups; however, addressing these issues sooner rather than later is generally advisable. For children, in particular, braces serve as a crucial proactive measure. Importantly, it’s essential to emphasize that it’s never too late—treatments are available for individuals of all ages.

Getting Things Straight

Regardless of the state of your bite, we guarantee that we have a solution for you in our office! Whether you’re the patient or the parent of one, look no further. If you’re interested in treatment with our team, you can call our Jacksonville (​​904-268-7557) or St. Augustine (904-287-6445) offices today.

Posted by Ossi Orthodontics