In dentistry, occlusion refers to how your teeth come together. It is more than just having a perfect bite; it includes the ways teeth come together when you are chewing, swallowing, and sleeping. A malocclusion refers to situations in which the upper and lower teeth, or jaw, are misaligned and come together in ways that can damage or destroy teeth.
The Perfect Bite
Through orthodontic treatment with Dr. Elena Black in Lynchburg, Va., a patient can achieve the “ideal bite” or optimal alignment between the top and bottom teeth. The alignment or relationship between the top and bottom jaw becomes an essential part of your oral health. If teeth don’t meet correctly during chewing, they can chip or wear, causing unnecessary dental complications. Several different types of occlusions often need orthodontic treatment, including:
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Overbite
- Underbite
Crossbite
A crossbite is characterized by one or more of the upper teeth biting on the inside of the lower teeth. Crossbite can occur in the front or the sides of the mouth. Early correction of crossbites is highly recommended. Crossbites should be corrected as they may cause:
- Premature wear of the teeth
- Gum disease, including bone loss
- Asymmetrical development of the jaws
- Dysfunctional chewing patterns
- Jaw joint dysfunction or TMJ
Open Bite
An open bite is characterized by an inadequate vertical overlap of the front teeth. It is caused by oral habits such as tongue thrust, pacifier use beyond age 3, thumb/digit sucking, or jaws that don’t grow evenly. Timing of treatment is critical to the overall success of the therapy. An open bite should be corrected because it can:
- Cause premature wear of the back teeth
- Cause dysfunctional chewing patterns
- Be related to jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ)
Breaking oral habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier will expedite the correction of an open bite.
Overbite
An overbite is a common orthodontic condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. This can be caused by thumb sucking or extended pacifier use. An overbite is a malocclusion that can cause:
- improper functioning of teeth
- unnatural appearance of the front teeth
- excessive wearing of the lower front teeth
- possible damage to upper gums and palate
Often a palatal expander is needed to begin treatment of an overbite. A palatal expander is a device designed to create more space in a child’s mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw.
Underbite
An underbite, also known as prognathism, is a malocclusion associated with the protrusion of the lower jaw, thus causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. The underbite is perhaps the least common malocclusion and is usually hereditary. However, they still need to be treated to maintain optimum oral health. Underbites can cause:
- difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking
- excessive wear on tooth enamel which can predispose patient to tooth decay
- jaw disorders like TMJ
- facial abnormality of extended chin
The treatment for an underbite is best determined by your orthodontist and might consist of appliances that encourage the growth of the upper jaw.
The Perfect Bite: Contact Us Today
At Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg, we specialize in your perfect bite. Our top priority is helping patients achieve the ideal bite that will provide optimum oral health for the future. If you or your child has a concerning or questionable bite, contact us for a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!