BAD BITES-Don’t let a bad bite ruin your smile

The teeth and bone structure form the foundation of the mouth and its surrounding tissues. When
this framework isn’t aligned, a malocclusion (or bad bite) results. On the surface, this often appears
as little more than an esthetic problem, but the ramifications of improperly aligned teeth are more far-
reaching. Bad bites can cause problems ranging from headaches to faulty hearing. They also can
cause digestive i.e., problems that effect overall health, not to mention disposition.

Many adults, as well as children suffer from bite disorders that affect their physical and social
wellbeing. Fortunately modern dentistry offers a variety of ways to treat improperly aligned bites,
many of which are imperceptible to others.

What causes a bad bite?

A bad bite is typically caused by genetics, for example the teeth may not fit in the jaws properly or
the teeth may not be in the correct relationship with the face. Destructive habits such as lip or nail
biting or clenching ND GRINDING TEETH ALSO CAN CAUSE bad bites. Finally loss of teeth
without proper replacement can cause the bite and the face to collapse, resulting in an aged and
unattractive appearance

When the teeth are out of alignment the facial muscles may spas, creating misalignment of the jaw,
this can lead to temper mandibular joint disorders also called TMD; symptoms can include
headaches, neck pain, back pains and earaches. Treatment of TMDs depends on the severity of the
disorder and ranges from muscle relaxation therapy to orthogenetic surgery. No cosmetic
procedures should be performed until the TMD is corrected.

Is your new bite a bad bite?

Occasionally even properly constructions can contribute to bite problems, this typically occurs when a
disharmony already exists in the mouth, in such cases any irritation or change even as minor as that
caused by crowns or orthodontics can initiate a muscle spas and TMJ disturbance. Such problems may
be unforeseen by dentist, when noted however they should be corrected quickly. If allowed to persist
they can be extremely difficult to repair.

Deep overbite
One of the bite problems that are most detrimental to facial esthetics is the deep overbite which is
almost complete overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. The edges of the lower
teeth may actually bite into the gum tissue of the upper palate.

What is the best treatment?

The treatment of choice for deep overbites is orthodontics, which may be combined with
orthogenetic surgery depending on the severity of the problem. Orthodontic treatment may consist of
intruding the anterior teeth interrupting the posterior teeth or a combination of both, based on your
facial profile and growth potential as well as the extent of the overbite.

Closed bite

Some tooth wear is a natural function of aging. As long as it doesn’t change your bite it’s not a
functional problem. Occasionally however tooth wear causes a closed bite which can be a serious
disorder. For example extreme wear of the tooth structure in the back of the mouth can cause partial
disintegration of the lower facial tissue. It can give you an aged appearance as if you have no teeth.
This problem can exist even in young people.

Treatment

If the closed bite is not too sever the back teeth can often be build up with crowns or on lays which
allows the front teeth to be lengthened through bonding , veneers or crowns . However opening the
bite through other orthodontic treatment is typically the best option. Restorative procedures such as
bridges, bonding or veneers can be performed after the orthodontic treatment is complete.

Cross bite

In a normal bite the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth. A cross bites results when the
opposite occurs, when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. It can occur both in the front and
back teeth. When cross bite develops in the front teeth one result is protruded chin.

Treatment

Although full crowns or composite resin bonding often can be used to build up the upper arch this
achieves only limited esthetic modification. The best way to correct a cross bite is orthodontics. If the
cross bite is particularly severing orthogenetic surgery may be required in addition to orthodontics.
This combined approach can result in dramatic improvement in facial appearance. Best of all the
teeth tend to remain in tier new position once the condition is corrected.

Open bite

Occasionally the upper and lower front teeth cannot come together when the back teeth are
touching. Heredity as well as habits such as tongue thrusting, thumb sucking and pencil biting can
cause open ties. Although people with open bites aren’t always aware of the problem, one telltale
symptom is difficulty biting with the front teeth; in addition open bites cause protrusion of upper lip
making it difficult to close their lips over their teeth without straining.

Treatment

Orthodontics occasionally combined with orthographic surgery is the best treatment for open bite. It
not only corrects tooth deformity but also moves underlying bone involved enabling lips to close
properly.

Protrusion

Protruded upper front teeth often called buck teeth can retract from even the best of smiles. In
severe cases protrusion results in facial deformity and an inability to close lips over the teeth.

Treatment

Orthodontics combined with orthogenetic surgery in severe cases is the best way to correct
protrusion. In some cases 2 or 4 teeth may be extracted to achieve best results. Keep in mind
however that over correction is a major concern when teeth are extracted. Over correction occurs
when teeth are moved too far resulting in a sunken in appearance.