Why You Should Visit an Orthodontist for a Bite Adjustment

When tiny interferences keep teeth from coming together properly, a bite adjustment procedure may be needed. These interferences can develop as a result of normal tooth development, following an injury, or even because of dental treatments, making it so that the jaw no longer slides into its correct position.

Signs that you may need a bite adjustment

If the jaws, teeth, and joints are in proper alignment, that is perfect occlusion. Misaligned teeth and a faulty bite are often the consequence of things like heredity, thumb sucking as a child, dental fillings and crowns that displace teeth and modify a person's bite, mouth injuries connected to contact sports, or blunt force trauma to the mouth in an accident.

The following are a few of the signs that the jaw may not be resting as it should:

• Popping or clicking noises when opening or closing the mouth
• Uneven closing on both sides
• Tooth grinding
• An increase in headaches or neck pain
• Jaw pain
• Sensitive teeth
• Chipped, worn-down, or loose teeth
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD) and myofascial pain syndrome

What can cause a bad bite?

There are many reasons that a person may need a bite adjustment. Sometimes, it is simply nature: A small mouth can make teeth crowd and fight for space. Children who thrust their tongues forward and press on their lips can develop teeth that stick out. Some people develop extra teeth, or not all their teeth ever come in.

A traumatic injury can also cause the jaw to not shut properly. A blow to the face, mouth, or jaw can have a lasting impact on the bite. If the jaw is misaligned or the supporting bone structure is damaged, the bite can become affected, creating difficulty speaking or eating. This can then lead to other health conditions, such as tooth grinding or TMJ.

Why see an orthodontist?

An orthodontist can help determine the base course of treatment for a bite adjustment, giving the patient a healthier, more confident smile. When the teeth do not align perfectly, an orthodontist can provide treatment with braces, retainers, and other dental procedures that work toward reshaping the teeth. Common options include the following.

If a patient has a filling or crown that is too high, a dentist can easily fix the restoration. The patient may find it challenging to detect whether their bite feels normal immediately after a filling or crown because of the numbness caused by the local anesthetic. The dentist can easily redo the crown or filling, though, no matter the reason.

When teeth are crooked as a result of genetics (or another cause), the dentist can reshape them to improve bite and aesthetics. It is possible to produce a more balanced bite by slightly reshaping the chewing surfaces of the upper teeth.

Bite splints, often known as "mouth guards," are removable plastic appliances that patients can wear all day or night to prevent teeth grinding and to maintain a healthy bite.

Braces can realign the jaw and teeth if they are out of place. Orthodontic treatment is generally required for things like overbites, underbites, and open bites. Aside from lingual braces and ceramic braces, which are less obvious than metal braces, clear aligner trays are another option for straightening the teeth. Aligners typically require fewer dentist appointments than braces.

The orthodontist will work toward reshaping the teeth so they fit together better. Follow-up care after the bite adjustment will be necessary to ensure that the bite stays aligned.

Why you should not postpone treatment

The longer that a patient puts off visiting an orthodontist for a bite adjustment, the more problems begin to build up. When the jaw cannot rest in its anatomically correct position, the jaw and neck muscles are always tense and unable to relax. Headaches, a stiff neck, and toothaches can become more frequent.

A jaw that does not close properly can be corrected through a bite adjustment. This can then help reduce muscle tension, headaches, and all the other problems that come with an improperly aligned jaw.

In some cases, a lopsided or shifted bite does not require orthodontic treatment. Once this is determined, adjustments can be made by lightly grinding down the teeth interfering with the bite. This is done to enable the teeth to fit more naturally together and to eliminate pain.

The bottom line

Regardless of your situation, it is important to discuss your bite misalignment and any underlying causes with an orthodontist. The entire mouth needs to be evaluated in order to determine the best course of action.

Request an appointment here: https://paramountdentalspecialty.com or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at 5624501261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.

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