The teeth on the upper and lower jaws are expected to line up and fit together when we bite down. However, the teeth on the upper and lower jaws may not fit properly in some people, related to their teeth alignment or jaw structure issues. The dentistry term for this upper&lower jaw fitting issue is “malocclusion” and usually leads to trouble in chewing, speech issues, aesthetic issues with smiles, or even mouth wounds. Malocclusion may sound like an abnormality; however, it is quite common and usually possible to treat it completely.
The Reasons Behind Malocclusion
Our genes mostly determine the shape of our jaw and teeth alignment, so bite problems are mainly hereditary. Birth defects (For example, Cleft Palate) may cause bite problems as well.
Lifestyle and environmental issues can lead to bite problems, too. Bad childhood habits like thumb sucking, jaw fracture injuries, and traumas are some of them.
In addition, wrong Orthodontic Treatments, like the fitting of Braces or Retainers improperly may be a factor for extreme malocclusion.
Whatever the reason behind the issue, expert dentists can fix bite problems completely.
Common Types of Bite Problems
Please check below for the most common types of bite problems:
1- Over-bite/Overjet:
When you bite with your back teeth, are your upper front teeth far out over the lower front teeth? If the answer is yes, you may have an overbite/overjet problem. This type of bite issue may also cause a “gummy smile” and protruding lips when the mouth is closed.
2- Underbite:
Underbite is like the opposite of the overbite. When you bite with your back teeth, the lower front teeth are over the upper front teeth.
3- Open bite:
If the teeth on the upper and lower jaws do not overlap and there is a gap, it is called “open bite”. Oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting may cause open-bite issues.
4- Deep Bite
When the bite is closed, if the teeth on the upper jaw cover the teeth on the lower jaw, it is called a deep bite.
5- Cross-bite
If the upper and lower jaws and teeth are not aligned, there might be a cross-bite. It can be hard to close the mouth properly with a crossbite since, instead of each tooth aligning with its upper and lower counterpart, the teeth are facing the tongue or cheeks. This condition may cause asymmetry on the face.
6- Protruding Teeth:
If the teeth on the upper jaw extend too far out, this causes protruding teeth. Protruding teeth do not necessarily cause problems with chewing ability, but they can cause asymmetry in the jawline or face.
How to fix bite problems?
Untreated bite problems can get worse over time. They are best treated with Orthodontic Treatments like Braces, Retainers or Invisalign during childhood, while the jaw structure is still growing. In some cases, if the problem is related to jaw structure, Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery) may be necessary as well.
Since Orthodontic Treatments are time-consuming and expensive, people may look for more economical and short-term solutions. In addition, adults may not prefer these Orthodontic Treatments because of cosmetic concerns.
If the bite issues are not severe, they may also be corrected with Cosmetical Treatments like Dental Crowns (also known as Full Veneers). Our expert dental team will provide you with further information regarding your treatment options to correct your bite issue(s) if you could send us your dental photographs.
