What Are the Different Types of Bad Bites?

The way the upper and lower teeth meet is vital to oral health. Unfortunately, a perfect bite is hard to come by. Only 35% of Americans have no issues, such as crowding, spacing, or shifting in their teeth. Although dental professionals use orthodontic treatments to treat misaligned teeth, correcting a bad bite is one of the most important things an Invisalign® dentist in Solana can do.

A Closer Look at the Different Types of Bite Issues

Overbite

An overbite causes the front teeth to overlap the bottom teeth. This protrusion can sometimes create a buck-tooth appearance when it covers a significant portion of the lower teeth. While small overbites can be left untreated, moderate to severe ones can cause the upper teeth to bite into the lower gums or the bottom teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Complications associated with an overbite include possible jaw pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Underbite

An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. It causes the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth when biting down. It typically results from the overgrowth of the lower jaw or the undergrowth of the upper jaw. Since an underbite typically extends the chin, most people find it unappealing. For this reason, patients with underbites are often concerned with their smile’s appearance.  

Underbites can lead to chewing difficulties, tooth decay, gingivitis, speech problems, chronic mouth breathing, sleep apnea, painful TMJ issues, and halitosis if left untreated. These conditions may also lead to additional complications.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when the different parts of the upper teeth come down in front of and behind the lower teeth. A crossbite can also affect the middle-to-rear teeth or the front teeth. Although overlaps in the teeth can be dominant to one side, they can simultaneously affect the rest of the teeth. 

Excessive tooth or gum wear and difficulty chewing are two main complications associated with crossbites. In severe cases, a crossbite may also lead to issues with jaw development.

Open Bite

An open bite happens when the front or back teeth don’t close when biting down. In most cases, the back teeth make contact while the front teeth angle outward, leaving a gap. 

Moreover, this orthodontic issue often causes speech defects and difficulty with chewing. In addition, an open bite can cause several teeth to experience uneven wear, making them vulnerable to fractures and long-term damage. 

Dental Crowding

Dental crowding or overcrowding happens when a lack of space for teeth to fit in the mouth causes them to overlap or become crooked. This orthodontic problem increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, self-esteem concerns, speech issues, difficulty chewing, and pain or discomfort. 

Spacing  

Spacing may occur between teeth due to lost teeth and small teeth. However, spacing may also result from habits, including tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. Ignoring spacing issues increases the likelihood of developing tooth decay and gum problems.

Looking for the Best Invisalign Dentist in Solana?

Even the most diligent dental patients can develop a bad bite. Luckily, Invisalign clear aligners can straighten teeth and correct bite issues. 

Are you looking to achieve the best smile you’ll love from top to bottom? The team of dedicated dental professionals at Inspire Smiles can help make your dream smile a reality. Contact us today to make an appointment.

**Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.