Learning how to identify bite problems can help you determine if you should seek orthodontic treatment. Some bite problems are obvious, but you could have a problem with your bite and not even know it if it is subtle enough. Glaser Orthodontics in Westchester County has years of experience identifying and treating bite problems. Bite problems can cause serious health issues that will impact your life in one way or another. That’s why identifying the problem and getting treatment as early as possible is best.
What Are The Types Of Bite Problems?
There are several types of bite problems, and anybody could have any one of them during their lifetime. There’s no need to be self-conscious about your bite problem at Glaser Orthondotics. We’ve seen them all, and we treat them all.
Crossbite
Crossbite can cause jaw pain and other issues. If your lower teeth overlap the top teeth, you have a crossbite.
Open Bite
There are two kinds of open bites that you should be aware of. The first is when the back teeth meet normally but the front upper and lower teeth do not overlap. The second is when the back teeth don’t meet but the front teeth do.
Underbite
Underbite often causes stress and tooth wear and is when the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw.
Deep Bite
Having a deep bite can result in you accidentally biting into your own gums or the roof of your mouth. Ouch! If your upper front teeth cover your lower front teeth too much, you have a deep bite.
Overbite or Protrusion
The opposite of underbite, overbite is when the upper jaw protrudes or extends past the lower jaw. This is also known as buck teeth and can make you feel uncomfortable closing your mouth.
Space Between Teeth
Gaps between teeth can result in other teeth shifting to fill the space. That may be why you have crooked teeth.
Crookedness
If your teeth are not straight, they likely grew in incorrectly, which can cause issues with your bite that makes activities like chewing difficult.
Overcrowding
Another cause of crookedness is overcrowding, which is when there is not enough space for all the teeth in your mouth.
What Are The Causes Of Bite Problems?
There are several causes of bite problems. Some causes of bite problems are out of our control but some are not. This can help us prevent bite problems.
Genetics
We absolutely have no control over our genetics. Your ancestors may have had one of several different bite problems and you wound up inheriting those genes. You, nor your parents are to blame for this. All you can do is seek treatment.
Thumbsucking
This unfortunate habit you likely had as a child puts pressure on your gums and teeth, causing them to grow outward over time. Try to end this habit as soon as possible.
Jaw Misalignment
Jaw problems such as TMJ can be the result of injury or genetics and causes pain, not to mention overbite and underbite.
Lost Baby Teeth Too Early
Losing your baby teeth too early results in gaps that other teeth shift to fill. This is especially problematic since the permanent tooth under the gum will erupt abnormally.
Malnutrition
Your teeth need the proper nutrients to grow properly. Failure to get the nutrients we need can cause poor teeth development.
Mouthbreathing
Excessive mouth breathing can cause teeth to shift. This is particularly the case with children.
Tongue Thrusting
Pressing your tongue up against the back of your teeth out of habit can also shift teeth into an unhealthy misalignment.
Trauma/Injury
This one is pretty obvious. Sudden impacts can cause teeth to shift or knock them out of place.
Gum Disease
If you don’t practice adequate oral health care, you could develop gum disease, which can cause teeth to loosen, shift, and decay.
How Do I Identify Bite Problems?
Identifying a bite problem isn’t always easy, but there are signs to look out for that can signal the need for a visit to your orthodontist.
Difficulty Chewing
If you feel pain while chewing or you have difficulty chewing your food thoroughly, it could be because you have an overbite, underbite, or open bite that won’t allow your teeth to work together.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is another sign that you have a bite problem. Bite problems can cause strain in the jaw muscles. You could even develop TMJ.
Difficulty Speaking
If you have difficulties speaking, you may not even know it. It might just seem normal to you. But bite problems can affect your speech. For example, you could develop a lisp.
Grinding/Clenching Teeth
Grinding and clenching your teeth is unhealthy and can wear away your tooth enamel. Your jaw muscles are trying to compensate for your upper and lower teeth not fitting together properly. You might not even know you are doing it until a dentist or orthodontist notices it when they examine your teeth.
Difficulty Brushing
Bite problems can result in you being unable to clean your teeth properly because you will miss part of the surface of some of your teeth.
Clench Test
There’s a simple test you can perform at home to see if you have a bite problem. Bite down naturally. Do your teeth fit together or not? Are you feeling any pain or sensitivity? Do the upper or lower teeth overlap the other? Answering these questions yourself can tell you that you need to see an orthodontist for treatment.
See Your Orthodontist
The best way to identify bite problems, of course, is to make an appointment with Dr. Glaser, who can examine your teeth to identify any bite problem you may have among other issues.
How Can Glaser Orthodontics Fix My Bite Problems?
So, you have a bite problem. The good news is that there are several methods to fix it.
Invisalign®
One of the most popular treatments in the world today, this series of clear aligners shifts your teeth over time without interfering with your lifestyle.
Braces
Another popular treatment is braces, which work like clear aligners, only with visible hardware in your mouth and dietary restrictions. However, you won’t forget to wear them like clear aligners because you can’t remove braces.
Tooth Extraction
In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to make space for other teeth. This is common with wisdom teeth.
Cosmetic Repair
Minor cases may only require cosmetic repair or reshaping.
Surgery
Severe bite problems may require surgery, especially certain jaw problems like TMJ.
Contact Glaser Orthodontics Today!
Glaser Orthodontics can identify and treat your bite problems. Don’t go another day in pain or discomfort. We proudly serve Westchester County and surrounding communities in New York. Call us at 914-739-6400 or fill out our convenient online contact form today!