Orthodontic Treatment for a Bad Bite

There are many reasons why you might seek orthodontic care. For example, crooked teeth or a crowded mouth can hinder your smile and make you feel embarrassed. Oddly shaped teeth or gaps in the mouth are other common concerns that many patients have. Another frequent smile-related challenge that an orthodontist may address involves bite abnormalities. These can have both cosmetic and health effects on you. Luckily, braces and aligners can address issues with your bite.

How bite problems occur and how they can impact patients

Like other orthodontic problems, bite dysfunctions can be the result of genetics. In such cases, there is nothing a person can do to prevent them. However, sometimes, certain habits can cause bite problems. These include thumb-sucking, bottle-feeding, and mouth-breathing. A person could also develop a poor bite because of an injury. Facial-development problems can also contribute.

A bad bite can hamper a smile and be embarrassing for the individual. It can also be painful and put a strain on the jaw. Bite abnormalities can also lead to gum disease or tooth decay. These conditions can occur because it becomes difficult to brush and floss teeth effectively.

Type of bite conditions that orthodontic care can treat

Bite dysfunctions are not uncommon. Young children and teens frequently face these challenges. Without treatment, bite issues can continue into adulthood. Overbites, underbites, and crossbites are conditions that an orthodontist may treat. Others include an open bite, crowded mouth, and protrusions (or buck teeth).

Wearing braces

Traditional metal braces have long been a method of straightening teeth. This treatment can also effectively repair bite concerns. Braces consist of wires, brackets, and elastics working together to put pressure on the teeth. The pressure restricts blood flow to the tissues surrounding the teeth that hold them in place.

This treatment enables the teeth to gradually move into correct positioning in the mouth. In the case of bite problems, this orthodontic treatment can bring the jaw back into alignment. The pressure will either bring the jaw forward or move it back as needed. Braces can also fix crowding by evenly spacing teeth.

Clear aligners

Aligners are another tactic that an orthodontist may use to treat bite challenges. This orthodontic treatment works similarly to braces. The apparatus is much different, however. The patient will wear clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth. The appliance is lightweight and removable. Often, the treatment length is shorter than that of braces.

Be aware that aligners do not as effectively manage severe bite dysfunctions. However, the appliance will shift the teeth into their proper locations in minor and moderate situations. The aligners will also reposition the jaw. That way, it will align correctly and fix the bite abnormality.