Why is it Important to Fix Bite Problems?
Some of the worst orthodontic issues to live with are bite problems because they impact your day-to-day life and are often the reason why additional oral health issues develop later on. Many people don’t know that, when left untreated, bite problems can increase their risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and even impact the amount of nutrients they’re able to digest from foods that they eat. Read on to learn why it’s important to consider fixing bite problems with Invisalign.
What are the Different Bite Problems?
When you visit your dentist for a clear braces consultation, they’ll be able to examine your facial and dental structure to determine what bite problem you suffer from.
Overbite
If you have an overbite, your upper arch of teeth bite over your lower arch of teeth when you try to bring them together to make a chewing motion. People with overbite often have large front teeth and sometimes frequently bite or suck their bottom lip on accident.
Underbite
A person with underbite’s lower teeth protrudes out past their front teeth when they close their mouth to make a chewing motion. This can make their lower jaw look significantly larger and disproportionate to the rest of their facial features.
Crossbite
If you have crossbite, it means that your upper and lower jaw are misaligned in multiple or all areas. That can cause one or more of your top teeth to bite inside your lower teeth, which commonly causes accidental cheek or lip biting inside the mouth.
Openbite
If your upper and lower teeth aren’t touching when you close your mouth to make a chewing motion, your dentist will say that you have openbite. This can make it difficult to properly chew and digest common foods that are harder, like apples.
What Can Happen If Your Bite is Misaligned?
You use your jaw and the power of your bite every day to complete basic necessary tasks like eating, speaking, and chewing. When you have alignment issues, it often makes all of these more difficult, and causes you to form other problems, such as speech impediments, vitamin deficiencies, and oral health conditions. Your bite can be misaligned for a variety of reasons, such as crowded or crooked teeth, improperly fitted restorations, or even jaw problems, and it’s up to your dentist to determine the root cause so that it can be fixed. If the problem isn’t addressed, a common issue that arises is TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. This is when the connecting jaw joints to your skull and muscles aren’t functioning properly, causing them to become overworked and stressed. To avoid this, it’s important to visit your dentist for orthodontic treatment.
How Can Invisalign Fix Your Bite?
Invisalign is a modern and discreet orthodontic treatment that’s popular among patients of all ages who are suffering from a variety of issues. It utilizes a series of smooth, plastic, customized trays to gently shift your teeth into alignment to fix any one of the bite problems listed above, in the first section.
To learn how you can improve your daily life and prevent future health problems from arising, the best place to start is with a consultation with your dentist. From there, they’ll be able to create a customized treatment plan to perfect your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Kimberley Capua has been practicing dentistry in Carrollton since 1991. She believes that continuing her education and providing her patients with high-quality dental care is important, which is why she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in the dental world. She offers comprehensive dental treatment, including Invisalign, so her patients can achieve healthy and beautiful-looking smiles. For questions or to schedule a consultation for Invisalign, visit her website or call 972-418-1811.
