Noticing crowding, jaw discomfort, or uneven tooth wear can be a result of bite problems, also known as malocclusions. The first step towards treatment is understanding the type of bite issue you have.
What Is a “Normal” Bite?
When both the upper and lower teeth align properly, this is the goal for any treatment. The upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower teeth, which would perfectly align the molars and ensure they fit together comfortably. When your teeth are misaligned, it may affect several areas, including your smile, oral health, speech, and jaw function.
What Is an Overbite?
When the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically, the medical term for this is an overbite.
Symptoms of an Overbite
- Upper teeth significantly cover lower teeth
- Jaw discomfort or pain
- Tooth wear on the lower front teeth
- Speech issues in severe cases
There are a mixture of reasons an Overbite can develop, often a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Variations in jaw size or shape are commonly inherited and can contribute to the development of misaligned teeth. In other cases, childhood habits such as sucking a pacifier or long-term thumb sucking can influence how the teeth and jaws develop. Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, and irregular dental eruption patterns may contribute to the condition.
If an overbite is not addressed, it may lead to more serious oral health concerns. The overlap places added pressure on the surrounding teeth, increasing the risk of enamel wear and damage. Other results of the imbalance can contribute to gum recession and even affect the jaw joint. Over time, this could potentially lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort or dysfunction.
At Guildford Orthodontic Centre, orthodontic treatment provides a range of effective solutions, carefully selected based on factors such as the severity of the overbite and the patient’s age.
Traditional braces remain the most reliable solution for gradually repositioning teeth and restoring them to the correct alignment. Seeking a more discreet option, clear aligners such as Invisalign can treat mild to moderate cases. In younger patients, early orthodontic intervention can help provide guidance to the jaw development and help prevent the condition from worsening over time. In more severe cases, surgical orthodontics may be recommended to achieve optimal results for any cases involving skeletal discrepancies.
What Causes an Underbite?
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, often resulting from a prominent lower jaw. This type of bite misalignment can impact both the function and appearance of the smile. Over time, this can become more noticeable in the patient if not treated.
Symptoms of an Underbite
- Protruding lower jaw
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Speech challenges
- Facial imbalance
Most commonly, underbites are linked to genetics, inherited differences in the jaw size and positioning. Environmental factors, including childhood habits, can also contribute. Rare cases such as trauma or abnormal growths may also impact the jaw positioning and lead to an underbite.
Often seen as a cosmetic concern, an underbite may have more significant health implications if left untreated. Misalignment often places uneven pressure on the teeth and jaw, potentially causing discomfort, excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and in some cases, difficulty chewing. Within more severe cases, it potentially can increase the risk of sleep-related breathing issues, including sleep apnea.
Dependent on the severity of the condition, whether it is dental or skeletal. Orthodontic solutions such as braces or Invisalign can often correct mild to moderate cases, which will gradually help shift the teeth into proper alignment.
In children, orthodontic intervention early on can help jaw development and reduce the need for complex treatment later. For significant skeletal discrepancies within adults, jaw surgery may be recommended alongside orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal, long-term results.
What Causes an Crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This type of misalignment can affect both front teeth (anterior crossbite) or the back teeth (posterior crossbite), and in some cases, both areas may be involved.
Symptoms of a Crossbite
- Misaligned bite when closing the mouth
- Jaw shifting to one side
- Uneven tooth wear
- Gum recession in affected areas
Crossbites are known to develop due to structural or developmental issues. A narrow upper jaw is one of the most common causes; it prevents the upper teeth from properly aligning over the lower teeth. When tooth eruption is delayed or irregular, this can contribute to the problem, as can childhood habits such as thumb sucking, which may influence jaw growth and the overall positioning.
A crossbite can become more serious if left untreated because the teeth do not align properly, and uneven pressure is placed on certain areas of the mouth. This may result in excessive tooth wear and enhance the risk of gum disease. Asymmetrical jaw development from a crossbite can occur in children, especially if the jaw shifts to one side when biting.
Treatment can vary depending on the patient's age and the severity of the condition itself. In many cases, early intervention in children is highly effective. Palatal expanders can gradually widen the upper jaw, creating the space needed for proper alignment. Adults' and teens' orthodontic solutions, like braces or Invisalign, can correct many crossbite cases. Surgical intervention may be recommended if the case is more severe and skeletal-related.
Why Early Treatment Matters?
Most bite problems develop in childhood, often as the teeth and jaw are growing and changing. Early orthodontic evaluations provide an opportunity to monitor the development closely and ensure interventions at the right time.
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Are bite problems genetic?
Yes, many bite issues are inherited, especially those involving jaw size and structure.
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At what age should bite problems be treated?
By age 7, children should have an orthodontic evaluation. While immediate treatment isn’t always necessary, early assessment enables orthodontists to monitor growth and intervene at the most appropriate time.
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Can adults still correct bite issues?
It is possible to correct bite issues at any age. Adults often opt for Invisalign or braces to enhance both function and appearance, while more severe cases may involve a combination of orthodontic care and surgery.
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Can bite problems fix themselves over time?
Bite problems rarely correct themselves and often worsen as the teeth and jaws develop over time. An early evaluation by an orthodontist can help determine if treatment is needed to prevent further misalignment.
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Can Invisalign fix all bite problems?
Invisalign can treat many mild to moderate cases, but severe skeletal issues may require braces or surgery.
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Do bite issues get worse over time?
In most cases, yes. Without treatment, misalignment can worsen and lead to additional oral health problems
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Does fixing a bite improve overall oral health?
Yes, improving bite alignment can lower the risk of tooth wear, gum disease, and jaw strain. It also makes teeth easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities and supports overall oral health.
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How long does it take to fix a bite issue?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Mild cases may take less than a year, whereas more complex issues can take two years or more, especially when surgical intervention is involved.
If you require any further information or assistance, please book a consultation at Guildford Orthodontic Centre.