Bite problems occur when teeth or jaws are misaligned. When left untreated, they can cause difficulty with speech, premature wear on teeth and enamel, create cosmetic concerns, or an increased risk of injury to teeth and jaw joints. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common types of bite disorders and their potential treatments.
An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth. Underbites can occur when the upper and lower jaws fail to develop correctly or if one or both jaws are misaligned due to an injury. Treatment for this condition varies depending on its severity but may involve braces, surgery, or a combination of both.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Problems often associated with an overbite include a "gummy" smile, protruding lips, and excessive incisor wear. Treatment usually involves wearing braces or other dental appliances to help realign the jaw and teeth. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to correct severe misalignment.
Crossbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. As a result, it can cause misaligned jaw growth and tooth stratification. It's usually characterized by difficulty in closing the mouth properly and an inability to chew efficiently, which can lead to pain or discomfort in the jaw joint.
Treatment for crossbite typically involves wearing braces or other dental appliances to realign the teeth and jaw over time. In severe cases, surgery may also be necessary to correct this type of disorder. Untreated crossbite can cause more problems to arise as a result.
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums, and can cause a variety of issues with bite alignment. When crowding is present, it can be difficult to close the mouth properly or evenly, and can also lead to incorrect jaw growth over time. Hygiene may be an issue as well.
In addition, crowding of the teeth may make it difficult for the upper and lower front teeth to meet correctly when biting down. Treatment usually involves braces or other prosthodontic appliances in order to help realign the teeth and create more space between them. In severe cases, surgery may also be necessary.
Spacing is a common prosthodontic problem that occurs when the teeth have too much room to erupt from the gums. As a result, there may be gaps between each tooth or an unevenly spaced smile.
Spacing can cause misalignment of the bite and jaw, which can lead to difficulty in closing the mouth properly, an inability to chew properly, as well as premature wear on teeth and enamel.
Treatment for spacing usually involves wearing braces or other prosthodontic appliances to help realign the teeth and move them closer together. Or a prosthodontic can close the gaps with veneers. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to correct severe misalignment.
Open bite is characterized by an open space between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. This type of bite can cause difficulty with proper chewing, as well as lead to unwanted habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking.
An early evaluation and intervention are essential in correcting an open bite, as it can interfere with speech development and lead to a number of dental health issues if left untreated.
Treatment involves wearing braces or other dental appliances to help realign the teeth and close the gap. In severe cases, surgery may also be necessary in order to correct this type of disorder.
Bite disorders can be a source of discomfort and difficulty both in everyday life and with dental health. If you’re ready to fully restore your bite with confidence, call Dr. Jennifer Pan, DMD in Wilmington, NC. Dr. Pan is an expert in the art and science of restoring smiles.
By working with a professional prosthodontist, patients affected by bite disorders are able to get personalized support that is tailored to their specific needs. Our team can assist you in restoring both your bite and your overall oral health. Contact us today to get more information.