In the wide world of orthodontics, we use the term “malocclusion” to describe bite problems that affect many patients. Dr. Ragan and the rest of our team at Ragan Orthodontics, want to give you a detailed rundown on how we can help fix your bite with our orthodontic treatments.
Reviewing Bite Conditions
You may have heard your dentist or orthodontist use terms like overbite or underbite, but bite issues can be more complex than that. They can also involve gaps between your teeth. Misalignment can result from natural jaw growth patterns or trauma, which can affect the way your jaw functions.
Dr. Ragan frequently addresses a variety of bite issues at Ragan Orthodontics. To better visualize the subtle differences between some of these conditions, we recommend checking out additional images online. Here are some common bite problems:
- Overbite (Deep Bite): An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically. This can cause significant wear on the lower teeth and may lead to jaw issues.
- Open Bite: An open bite is when the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This can result in speech difficulties, difficulty biting into certain foods, and cosmetic concerns.
- Underbite: An underbite happens when the lower front teeth extend past the upper front teeth, affecting both facial appearance and chewing function.
- Crossbite: A crossbite affects one or more teeth when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed, leading to uneven wear, gum recession, and jaw misalignment.
- Crossbite (Anterior or Posterior): This condition can affect the back molars (posterior) or front teeth (anterior), causing improper tooth alignment.
- Crowding: Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, often due to missing teeth, naturally small teeth, or limited jaw space.
- Midline Misalignment: This refers to a shift in the center alignment of the upper and lower teeth, which affects the overall symmetry of the smile.
- Diastema: Diastema refers to gaps between teeth, commonly seen between the upper front teeth.
The Results of Bite Issues
Before discussing some of the corrective measures Dr. Ragan can offer, let’s consider some of the consequences of leaving these bite issues untreated. Some patients may have never even considered resolving their bite problems, and this can lead to more and more consequences over time.
- Tooth Wear and Damage: Malocclusions can cause uneven biting forces, leading to excessive wear on specific teeth. This uneven pressure can result in premature enamel erosion, as well as chipping or fractures.
- Jaw Pain and Discomfort: Misaligned jaws or improper bites can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which cause varying levels of discomfort, persistent jaw pain, and difficulties with mouth movements.
- Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Bite issues can disrupt normal speech and chewing patterns, leading to digestive problems and speech difficulties due to improper food processing.
- Breathing Problems: Conditions like crossbites and overbites can contribute to breathing difficulties. In severe cases, they may obstruct the jaws and airways.
- Increased Risk of Gum Disease: Misaligned teeth can be challenging to clean thoroughly, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and decay. This can lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
- Limited Treatment Options: If bite problems are left unaddressed for too long, the range of effective treatments may be significantly reduced, potentially requiring more invasive procedures in addition to braces.
Correcting Bite Problems
The main goal of braces for our patients is to achieve proper alignment, whether it concerns the bite, teeth, jaws, or a combination of these elements.
- Correction of Overbite: Braces help reposition both upper and lower teeth to create a more balanced bite.
- Correction of Underbite: This often involves moving the lower teeth backward to achieve proper alignment.
- Correction of Open Bite: Braces work to close the gap between the upper and lower teeth, ensuring correct alignment when the mouth is closed.
- Jaw Correction: Braces assist in aligning the jaw, enhancing facial symmetry, and improving overall comfort.
- Correction of Spacing: The pressure from wires and brackets in traditional braces gradually closes gaps between teeth, making them effective for resolving spacing issues.
Braces are a valuable option for patients of all ages, and we recommend addressing these issues sooner rather than later when possible. For children, braces are especially important as a proactive measure for oral health. However, it’s never too late—our treatments at Ragan Orthodontics are available for individuals of all ages.
Your Bite, But Better!
Whether you’re a patient or a parent, we’re pleased to let you know that your search for help ends here! If you’re considering treatment for a bite issue, please give our Park Cities or Preston Hollow offices a call!