Non-Surgical Bite Correction
Holistic Bite & Jawline Optimization
Malocclusion & Treatments
Not Only Diagnose But Also Holistically Treat Symptoms!
Bite or occlusion refers to the way the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) teeth & jaw are aligned with each other. Ideally, your teeth should fit easily within your mouth without any crowding or issues. Also, none of your teeth should be rotated or twisted. The maxillary teeth should slightly overlap the mandibular teeth so that the pointed ridges of your molars fit into the groves of the opposite molar.
Deviation from ideal occlusion is known as malocclusion, which causes “bite disorder”. Malocclusions are one of the major oral health problems ranking third after dental caries and periodontal disease. If not treated, it can affect one’s oral and digestive health, which will ultimately affect overall health.
Early Detection of Malocclusion
As a certified holistic and biological dentist, Dr. Maryam Horiyat could help adults and children to correct the way their teeth and jawline up. She uses several advanced tools and techniques to move teeth and sometimes the jaw into the right position.
Dr. Horiyat focuses not only on diagnosing and treating the symptoms of malocclusion but also on preventing the condition and its severity, thus, she strongly recommends the early detection and treatment of malocclusion for your children as early as seven (7) years old to correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help permanent teeth come out straight, regulate the width of the upper and lower arches, create more space for crowded teeth.
By implementing more minimally invasive approaches, Dr. Horiyat believes that early detection not only helps to diagnose and correct teeth and jaw problems sooner without going through invasive jaw surgery but also may help cut down on the length and severity of the non-surgical treatments.
Looking Beyond Straight Teeth... Bite Correction Solutions
Orthodontic (Braces)
KOIS Deprogrammers
Invisalign®
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental Orthotics
What is Bite Disorder or Malocclusion?
Malocclusion, also known as “Traumatic Occlusion”, simply means having a “Poor Bite”. When patients get headaches, clicking & popping jaw joints, age prematurely, or grind their teeth at night they have a bite disorder.
A bite disorder relates to the position of the lower jaw in relation to the upper jaw and to both TMJ joints. When a person brings their jaws together to chew or bite, the way the occlusal surface (chewing surface of the teeth) comes together can affect more than just those teeth. the force from the functional contact can affect other teeth, the gum, jaw muscles, jaw joint, the neck, and even the head. Patients who clench or grind their teeth may also exert force which could cause a breakdown of the oral structures and overall health.
4 Main Muscles Involved in Bite Occlusion
The primary and accessory muscles of mastication work in a coordinated fashion to produce mandibular movement during chewing, talking, and yawning.
a big fan-shaped muscle that sits in the temporal fossa and inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandibular.
sits over the ramus and angle of the mandibular and acts to elevate the mandible.
attaches to the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid and provides side-to-side movement of the jaw and protects the jaw.
attaches to the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid provides side to side movement of the jaw and elevates the jaw.
Conditions Causing Malocclusion
Overly Crowded
Crowded teeth can be difficult to clean properly. Lack of proper oral care can promote tooth decay and cause a higher risk of gum disease, and ultimately tooth loss.
Overbite
An overbite can cause excessive wear on the lower teeth, and gum irritation and can also cause jaw problems.
Underbite
This occurs when the bottom teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth and can interfere with the normal function of front teeth and molars and can lead to jaw problems.
Gaps in Teeth
Gaps can cause teeth to shift into empty spaces and become loose. Food and bacteria are easily trapped in gaps and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Open Bite
An open bite can interfere with chewing and cause speech impairment and jaw problems.
Crossbite
This is a symptom of jaw misalignment, which can cause teeth to wear, as well as cause gum disease.
What Causes Malocclusion?
There are many reasons for malocclusion; however, any malocclusion needs to be treated. Some of the reasons are:
- The difference in size of the lower and upper jaw
- Childhood defects
- Like cleft palate and lip
- Extended use of milk
- Bottles, sucking of the thumb, or use of a pacifier
- Impacted or irregular-shaped teeth
- Hereditary
Types of Malocclusions
These muscles work together to generate incredible forces when chewing, grinding, or clenching. When the teeth are misaligned, the force can be destructive to the ligaments and bone which holds the teeth in place.
Class I Malocclusion
Class I Malocclusion is the most common type wherein the molar position and ability to bite are normal, but other teeth are misaligned in some way. These abnormalities can include overlapping or overcrowded teeth, rotated teeth, gaps between teeth, asymmetry, and open bites.
Class II Malocclusion
Class II malocclusion is diagnosed when a severe overbite is present. This condition, also known as retrognathism (or retrognathia), involves severe overlapping of the upper teeth and jaw over the lower jaw and teeth. The lower anterior incisors are positioned considerably behind the upper anterior incisors as the patient bites down.
Class III Malocclusion
Class III malocclusion is diagnosed when there is a severe underbite or crossbite. This condition, also known as prognathism, takes place when the lower jaw is larger than the upper, causing teeth of the lower jaw to be more visible. The lower anterior incisors are positioned edge to edge with the anterior incisors.
Malocclusion Symptoms
People experiencing any malocclusion or an imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaw is closed, might not be aware that there is a problem. Depending on the classification of malocclusion, the symptoms of the disorder may be subtle or severe. Typical symptoms of malocclusion include:
- Tooth breakage & Tooth Loss
- Teeth Sensitivity & Excessive Wear & Tear
- Joint Noises or Pain in the Neck & Jaw
- Uneven Bite
- Improper Alignment of the Teeth
- Alteration in Face Appearance
- Discomfort When Chewing or Biting
- Speech Problems
- Mouth Breather
- Facial Collapse & Collapsed Bite
- Snoring & Insomnia
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
How is Malocclusion Diagnosed?
Dr. Horiyat usually checks for malocclusion during their regular dental visits by performing the following steps:
- Ask questions about your past health
- Check the mouth & teeth
- Take digital radiography, Panoramic Imaging, intra-oral camera, and i-tero element scanning
- Digitally capturing, measuring, and analyzing your complete bite (occlusal) story using hi-tech Tekscan
How is a Malocclusion of Teeth Treated?
Some people with mild occlusion may not require any treatment, but everyone needs to be evaluated by a dentist.
Some children may need an early treatment called growth modification. For this, the child wears a device that helps move the jaw into a better position. This treatment works best during a child’s growth spurts and can be followed by braces.
Depending on your type of malocclusion and oral structure, Dr. Horiyat may recommend various treatments. In some cases, all of these treatments are required to correct the alignment of different teeth and completely cure traumatic occlusion. These can include:
Occlusal Equilibration
Malocclusion is mostly treated by a procedure called Occlusal Equilibration in which the chewing and biting surfaces of the teeth are grinded to achieve a balance and proper alignment (Occlusal or bite adjustment). This procedure is performed by reshaping and restoring any dental crowns, veneers, or composite bonding. This type of adjustment is needed when there are loose or shifting teeth, severe grinding or clenching during sleep, and sensitivity to temperature. Dr. Horiyat uses computer-based digital occlusal analysis (T-scan) to determine how much adjustment is required by accurately measuring the level and timing of force on individual teeth and the occlusal stability of the overall bite.
Occlusal Restoration
Occlusal Restoration is also sometimes prescribed to correct the alignment of the teeth. Crooked teeth are replaced or reconstructed through occlusal restorative procedures such as Orthodontic (Braces) or Invisalign® to correct the position of the teeth and improve the normal functioning of the mouth. At Aria Dental, Dr. Horiyat utilizes iTero element scanning to create a custom 3D treatment plan for your teeth straightening program, which allows you not only to view your own teeth in 360° degrees before and during transformation but also to see your predicated treatment result.
Jaw Repositioning
Appliances known as Jaw Repositioning are also used for the treatment of malocclusion. These devices such as wires or plates are worn like braces to stabilize the jawbone and need to be adjusted and tightened after regular intervals of time until desired tooth positioning achieved.
Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
Orthognathic Surgery (jaw surgery) is performed in severe cases of malocclusion to reshape or shorten the jaw to correct the upper and lower jaw alignment. This type of surgery is intended to correct the bone relationship rather than straightening of the teeth.
Benefits of Bite Correction
Restore Self-Confidence
Prevent Enamel Tear & Wear
Proper Chewing Power
Improve Appearance
Enhance Overall Dental Health
Better Functionality for Chewing, Biting, and Using the Jaw
Improve Speech
Our Certified Holistic, Biological, Integrative, and Physiologist Dentist
Graduated from UCLA and UCSF, Dr. Maryam Horiyat is a renowned holistic, biological, integrative, physiological, conscious cosmetic dentist who is commonly considered the best choice for people who are seeking for natural, safe, non-toxic, and conservative treatments for themselves and their children.
Dr. Horiyat also practices Homeopathic Healing (Alternative Medicine for Oral Care) and Biomimetic Dentistry (Conservative Restorations).
Her credentials, advanced trainings, reputation, exceptional experience, treatment methods, artistic ability, flawless results, biological and biomimetic approaches position her as one of Orange County top holistic dentist in Orange County, CA. Dr. Horiyat has completed over 1000s of dental treatments successfully, which functioning and looking incredibly beautiful.
Our Certified Holistic, Biological & Integrative Dentist
Graduated from UCLA and UCSF, Dr. Maryam Horiyat is a renowned holistic, biological, integrative, physiological, conscious cosmetic dentist who is commonly considered the best choice for people who are seeking for natural, safe, non-toxic, and conservative treatments for themselves and their children.
Dr. Horiyat also practices Homeopathic Healing (Alternative Medicine for Oral Care) and Biomimetic Dentistry (Conservative Restorations).
Our Certified Holistic, Biological, Integrative, and Physiologist Dentist
Graduated from UCLA and UCSF, Dr. Maryam Horiyat is a renowned holistic, biological, integrative, physiological, conscious cosmetic dentist who is commonly considered the best choice for people who are seeking for natural, safe, non-toxic, and conservative treatments for themselves and their children.
Dr. Horiyat also practices Homeopathic Healing (Alternative Medicine for Oral Care) and Biomimetic Dentistry (Conservative Restorations).
Why Trust Our 5-Star Dentists for Your Wellness?
- Our Certified Holistic, Biological, Integrative, and Physiologist Dentist
- Our Experienced & Elite Specialists
- Our Personal Attention
- Our Holistic, Integrative, and Biological Approaches & Techniques
- Our Outstanding Success Rate & Satisfied Patients
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- Our Modern & Innovative Technology & Equipment
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