How to Fix Your Bite With Orthodontics

If you have tooth or jaw issues, orthodontic treatment is essential to alleviate the various negative effects it can cause. Luckily, you’ve got the resources of Selden Orthodontics to help you find the perfect treatment for you! 

We’re proud to offer patients in Charlotte and Huntersville access to the highest degree of orthodontic care available coupled with a down-home, friendly atmosphere you’ll love! 

But what are the different types of bite issues? And how can orthodontic treatment work to correct them? Well, that’s exactly what today’s article is all about. We asked Dr. Robert Selden to lay out some of the common issues related to bite problems and how orthodontic treatment works to correct them. Read on, and we’ll find out how to fix your bite with orthodontics. 

What Are the Types of Bite Problems ?

First, let’s talk about what a bite problem is. Your bite refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. An irregular bite can cause many problems. Here are a few examples of bad bites and what they look like:

• Overbite – when the upper teeth stick out farther than your lower teeth
• Open Bite – when the top and bottom teeth do not connect when you bite down
• Underbite – when the lower front teeth stick out past the upper teeth in your jaw
• Crossbite – when your lower jaw is longer than the size and length of your upper jaw
• Overcrowded – when there is not enough space for your teeth, which can cause them to crowd together
• Misplaced Midline Bite – when the center of your upper front teeth doesn’t match with the center of your lower teeth.

What Problems Can A Poor Bite Cause?

Irregular teeth alignment can have various negative effects on one’s oral and overall health. One of the most noticeable consequences is difficulty chewing, which can cause digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, constipation, and intestinal gas. These issues can also result in heartburn and bad breath, further affecting one’s quality of life.

Another potential problem stemming from a poorly aligned bite is difficulty breathing. This can occur due to narrower air passageways, leading to snoring and sleep apnea. In addition, breathing through the mouth can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to other oral health issues.

Abnormal stress and pressure on the jaw due to an inefficient bite can also cause pain in the jaw joints and lead to TMJ, or temporomandibular disorders. This type of pain can even spread to your neck and head, creating neck pain and migraines.

Communication problems are also a potential issue for those with undesired bites. Pain, a lisp, or other speech impediments can make it challenging to communicate effectively, leading to social and emotional difficulties.

Tooth wear is another consequence of an irregular bite. Alignment challenges can cause one to grind their teeth, which erodes enamel and wears down teeth. Unusual pressure on the teeth from grinding or eating can also cause teeth chipping, further compromising dental health.

In addition to oral health issues, irregular bites can also cause facial pain or discomfort, making it difficult to carry out daily activities such as talking or chewing. An uneven bite can also cause teeth to become loose and fall out prematurely, leading to more serious dental issues down the line. Bite issues in children can also lead to undesired facial and jaw development, affecting their physical appearance and overall oral health.

Can Bite Problems Be Treated?

Yes! Fortunately, most bite issues can be corrected with non-invasive orthodontic treatments. At Selden Orthodontics, we have various treatments that Dr. Selden can use to completely transform your smile! 

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces are still a very popular treatment option for all types of alignment needs. They are strong and can handle a lot of pressure at once, making them perfect for fixing simple and complex bite problems. Metal braces allow for accessories such as orthodontic elastic bands that help align the jaw or spacers to fix overcrowding. Their durability and bonded application make them perfect for patients of all ages.

Clear Braces

Clear braces work similarly to metal braces, but instead of metal brackets, they use brackets made of tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material. When paired with matching ligatures, these braces have the illusion of being invisible! Clear braces are great at treating bite issues, but they are not as durable as their metal predecessor. We recommend them for adults and older teenagers.

Champagne Braces 

Similar to clear braces, Selden’s unique champagne braces blend like ceramics, but are just as durable as traditional metal braces! We match our champagne braces with gold wire and clear ligatures to provide a great aesthetic option for when you don’t want braces to get in the way of your smile.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are one of the most popular treatments available today. They are loved for their discreet appearance and the ability to take them out to eat and perform cleanings. Clear aligners are a great alternative to braces for those interested in an option with fewer moving parts and more discretion. However, it’s important to remember that you need to wear them for them to be effective! For this reason, some parents like to keep their children in more fixed options such as traditional braces. 

Call Today to Learn More! 

Thanks so much for taking the time to learn all about the different types of bite problems and how they can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Now that you know, it’s time to go! 

Charlotte and Huntersville patients love the care and attention to detail they get from Selden Orthodontics. We love what we do, and we love our patients! Call today for a free consultation, and let’s see what your smile can do!

Posted by Dr. Selden