Bite correction treatments have been becoming one the major dental treatments across the world and for good reasons. The positioning of teeth has a significant impact on overall oral and body health. There is a strong link between malocclusion and problems such as neck pain, breathing problems, and even digestive problems. The disorder of teeth can also affect the beauty of our face. If the way the teeth and upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) are placed together is not appropriate, it may lead to problems such as jaw pain, headaches, tooth decay, and injuries in the mouth.
In this article, we will examine the causes of occurrence and the best treatment strategies for bite abnormalities. We will try to provide readers with a comprehensive view and comprehensive information about this issue so that each person can treat this important abnormality with confidence and sufficient information.
What Is a Bite?
The way the teeth and jaw are placed together is called the bite or occlusion. In the normal state, one-third of the front teeth of the lower jaw should be covered by the front teeth of the upper jaw. Also, the teeth should not be crooked or twisted, and chewing should be done easily. But sometimes, misalignment of teeth, or malocclusion, causes opposing teeth in the upper and lower rows to misalign or meet properly due to irregularity.
In the case of a deep bite, the overlap between the upper and lower teeth increases; in severe cases, when a person puts their teeth together, the lower teeth are not visible. An open bite is another bite condition in which the upper and lower teeth cannot physically contact each other when the mouth is closed.
Problems Caused By Malocclusion
Speech disorders, tongue-tied speech, lack of self-confidence, and feeling embarrassed when smiling are among the problems caused by malocclusion. Below, we will mention some other problems:
- Difficulty or pain when chewing or biting
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- Headache and earache
- Sleep problems
- Snoring
- Gum and periodontal diseases
- Tooth decay due to excessive growth of bacteria
- Digestive problems due to improper chewing
- Decreased self-confidence and deterioration of mental status in patients
Due to the problems mentioned, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible and, if necessary, take action for Bite Correction Treatment.
What are the Major Causes of a Deep Bite?
There are various causes of overbite or open bite. Certain genetic problems cause abnormal skeletal development. Sometimes, a child may inherit a genetic problem from one of their parents that leads to an open bite. However, factors such as poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition during infancy and childhood, bad habits such as sucking fingers or pressing the tongue when swallowing food can also be effective in causing this problem. On the other hand, sometimes losing teeth or abnormal tooth eruption, and jaw injury, can also cause malocclusion.
When is Orthodontic Bite Correction Needed?
Not everyone needs treatment. If someone has a mild occlusion, they may not need treatment. If the malocclusion is such that it affects eating or sleeping, or causes mouth ulcers or tooth decay, treatment will be necessary. Also, people who have trouble speaking or are bothered by the appearance of their jaw will have very good results with effective treatment. In any case, everyone should be examined by a specialist and, if necessary, receive effective Bite Correction Treatment.
Regardless of age, whether child or adult, specialists can treat malocclusion with a variety of available methods. However, the best age to correct this problem is childhood because the jaw bone has not yet reached its final growth and development, and any type of malocclusion can be corrected more easily at this age.
How to Treat Malocclusion?
Malocclusion may seem alarming at first glance, but there are many ways to treat it. Here we will review 5 Bite Correction methods. The choice of treatment method depends on the age of the patient and the type of malocclusion. You can choose the best type of treatment after consulting a doctor.
1. Invisalign
Invisalign is an invisible, removable orthodontic system that uses custom-made clear aligners (thin plastic plates) to straighten teeth and correct jaw problems. It is a popular alternative to fixed orthodontics (braces and wires) and is used to treat a wide range of dental and jaw misalignments. Invisalign is typically ideal for adults or teenagers with mild to moderate problems.
This method uses gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into the correct position. The aligners are usually replaced every 1 to 2 weeks to keep teeth moving. Problems such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can be improved by adjusting the pressure of the aligners. In some cases, small composite attachments (white protrusions on the teeth) are also used to apply more precise force. Ultimately, by correcting the bite, the pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is reduced, and problems such as jaw pain or headaches are improved.
2. Braces
Braces are one of the most common and effective orthodontic treatments for correcting crooked teeth and jaw problems. This system uses metal, ceramic, or self-ligating brackets along with special wires and elastics to gradually guide teeth into the correct position.
This method is used to correct malocclusion (bite abnormalities); improves chewing and speaking, and gives patients a more beautiful smile. Brackets come in different types and may be metal, ceramic, self-ligating, or lingual.
Braces may respond faster in children and adolescents due to active jaw growth, but can be used at any age. This method is more suitable for correcting complex jaw and tooth problems and is sometimes used in combination with jaw surgery for complex problems.
3. Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction in Bite Correction Treatment is usually performed in special cases where a lack of space or severe crowding of teeth prevents correction of the abnormality. Severe Crowding, Severe Protrusion of the front teeth (Protrusion), Dental Arch Discrepancy, Supernumerary Teeth, and Impacted Wisdom Teeth are among the conditions in which a specialist may recommend tooth extraction.
In children with growing jaws, alternative methods such as expanders are usually used. Also, in mild cases of malocclusion, orthodontics without tooth extraction is possible. Tooth extraction is performed only when there is no other non-invasive way to create space. The final decision should be made by a specialist after careful examination of dental models.
4. Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is considered the last resort for Bite Correction Treatment and is only considered in very severe cases that cannot be corrected with non-invasive methods. Prevention and early intervention during childhood and adolescence can usually prevent the need for surgery. However, if the underlying problem is skeletal and cannot be corrected with non-surgical methods such as orthodontics alone, surgery is recommended. Jaw surgery is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results, and like other treatments, surgery can improve a person’s life.
How to Choose the Best Treatment For Malocclusion?
Choosing the best bite correction treatment requires a thorough medical evaluation. All individuals, especially children, should be examined by a specialist to receive appropriate treatment if necessary. Dr. Maryam Horiyat is a certified holistic and biological dentist who uses the latest techniques and advanced tools to diagnose and treat malocclusion. Just contact us and get the necessary advice as soon as possible.
