A “bad bite,” also referred to as a malocclusion, is a condition in which one’s teeth do not line up properly. Not only can it affect the look of one’s smile, but a misaligned bite can lead to problems in speaking, chewing, and even overall oral hygiene, as per Dr. Kami Hoss. If not treated, malocclusion may cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and issues such as migraines. Knowing all about the types of ‘bad bites’, their effects, and the treatment process is the foremost step get in touch with an orthodontist for necessary treatment.
Overbite (Deep Bite): Overbite, also known as deep bite, is a condition in which the upper front teeth sit over the lower front teeth. Sometimes, in severe overbites, the upper teeth may almost totally cover the whole lower teeth, leading to extreme discomfort and potential wear to the lower teeth. If ignored and not treated, overbite can lead to jaw pain, gum recession, as well as headaches.
Underbite: An underbite is characterized by the projection of lower teeth over the upper ones, leading to a protruding lower jaw. This way the lower teeth make the upper ones unnoticeable. Typically this condition affects both aesthetics and function, resulting in problems when chewing, speaking, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, either at the frontal part or on the sides. This kind of misalignment can result in wear and tear of the teeth, damage to gums, and loss of bone. Uncomfortably chewing the food becomes an additional problem.
Open bite: An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not contact or align when the mouth remains closed, thereby making a gap or space in between them. This condition can interfere with speech and chewing; in fact, it may sometimes be challenging to bite food properly. Also, an open bite can lead to jaw strain.
Crowding or Spacing: Crowding of teeth occurs in situations when there is little space for their proper alignment causing them to overlap. Where spacing issues have too much space between them, it often leads to gapping. Again, both will negatively affect the bite as well as the beauty of the smile.
Recognizing and Seeking Medical Intervention
Recognizing signs of a poor bite beforehand will help avoid worse oral and health complications over time. Some common signs include difficulty in chewing, jaw pain, grinding of teeth, speech problems, and noticeable misalignment of teeth. If any of these symptoms are observed, make sure to visit expert orthodontists like Dr. Kami Hoss for necessary evaluation and treatment.
Treatment:
Orthodontic treatments can range from basic braces to clear aligners such as Invisalign while in more severe conditions, surgery is the best option to fix bad bites. The earlier the problem is diagnosed and addressed, the easier and less painful it becomes to be corrected. Frequent visits to the dentist or orthodontist will keep individuals in check regarding their oral health and thus prevent any problems that may develop into more complicated ones.
Not just one’s smile can be adversely affected by a bad bite but, rather the overall oral health and well-being. Seeking a specialized orthodontic treatment can help in having a proper bite; it means a healthy, more comfortable smile.
