Ways to Correct Bite Issues

Posted on 01/24/2022 by Nam Thien Vu, DDS

When we correct a person’s bite, what we use will depend on the specific problems with the bite, our recommendations, and the patient’s preferences. We can correct bites using ceramic or metal braces, lingual braces that fit on the back of the teeth, Invisalign retainers, or a combination of braces and surgery.

Types of Bite Problems

When you have a bite problem, it normally is due to an uneven bite – one that can lead to discomfort and pain. A bad bite may also negatively affect your physical appearance. People who have bite problems may also experience temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), or problems with chewing or speaking. Uneven bites are known, orthodontically, as malocclusions. Therefore, some of the most common malocclusions include the overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.

How Bite Problems Develop

Bite problems may develop because of habits, such as thumb-sucking, or may be due to heredity. Whatever the reason, a misaligned bite can wear down the teeth and cause further dental issues, such as decay, gum disease, or jaw pain.

The Benefits of Orthodontics and the Types of Treatments Used

When you use braces to shift the teeth and correct a poor bite, you can realize several advantages. Correcting an uneven bite can improve a patient's appearance, avoid damage to the teeth, and get rid any type of head or jaw pain related to TMD. We can explore several orthodontic options with you, depending on the severity of the bite. For example, for kids with developing bites, we will usually suggest metal braces, and in some complicated cases, may combine the treatment with head gear or with the Herbst approach, which does not require the use of traditional headgear. For adult patients with severe bite issues, we may suggest a combination of orthodontics and surgery. Adult orthodontic treatments include the use of Invisalign aligners, ceramic braces, metal braces, or lingual braces.

If you would like to know more about a specific type of orthodontic treatment, give us a call today to arrange a consultation. Find out what you need to do to correct a specific bite problem. We can make it easy for you to do, as we can arrange a time that fits in nicely with you daily routine.

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