An improper bite, also called a malocclusion, is a misalignment between the top and bottom jaw. Malocclusions can affect your appearance and even the function of your teeth and jaw, which can lead to discomfort and other problems.
There are several different kinds of improper bites, including overbites, underbites, cross bites, and open bites. For some people, these poor bites develop in childhood or early adulthood, while for others, a bad bite can happen due to a jaw injury, ill-fitting dental restorations, or teeth shifting over time.
Why is it important to fix an improper bite? Here are a few reasons why getting your bite aligned is essential at any age.
Malocclusions Can Lead to Chronic Pain
Improper bites lead to a higher risk for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms and disorders [1]. A malocclusion can lead to TMJ discomfort and related symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, limited jaw movement, and even earaches.
Although not everyone who has TMJ will need treatment for an improper bite, orthodontics, bite appliances, and repositioning of the bite can help alleviate TMJ symptoms for some individuals.
Unusual Teeth Wear or Gum Issues
When the teeth don’t fit together properly, they can accumulate unusual wear and tear. As a result, people with improper bites may have teeth that wear down prematurely or wear down in places they should not. This wear can be visible and contribute to the aesthetic issues that come with an improper bite.
In addition, abnormal teeth wear can also cause issues with periodontal tissue, such as receding gums or gum inflammation. People who have improper bites are also at a higher risk of dental injuries because of the way their teeth fit together and the unusual tooth and gum wear that can happen [2].
Can Cause Issues With Speaking and Chewing
A misaligned bite can cause problems with speaking and chewing for some people. For example, malocclusions can lead to improper tongue placement and changes in speech, which can contribute to speech disorders that impact confidence and quality of life [3].
Fixing an improper bite may help improve speech and even chewing, which can even improve digestion and gastrointestinal-related symptoms, since digestion begins in the oral cavity [4]. People with severe malocclusions are more likely to have these symptoms than those who don’t.
An Improper Bite Is Fixable
Improper bites are treatable, and the treatment that would benefit you the most depends on your unique dentition. An experienced dentist or orthodontist can evaluate your bite and determine if you have a malocclusion and if treatment is necessary to help alleviate any symptoms you are experiencing.
Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9825557/
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14653125211042891
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8373205/
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2010.1202
