Many of us had bite correction as children because our teeth did not fit together and align properly to maintain optimal dental health later in life. A poor bite, also known as malocclusion, is the condition of having misaligned teeth. Overbites and underbites are the two most common kinds of malocclusion.
Poor jaw alignment is a second, more important reason for our teeth not lining up. The first step in correcting a poor bite or misaligned jaw is to find out, what treatment options are available.
What Causes a Bad Bite?
The most prevalent types of malocclusion are overbites, underbites, and crossbites. An overbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth overlap. When the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth, this is referred to as an underbite.
Bad bites are classified into two types. The first form is dental malocclusion, which is a problem that only affects the teeth and does not affect the jawbone. Dental malocclusion is caused by the following factors:
- Rear teeth that were extracted or never developed
- More teeth in the mouth than usual
- Thumb sucking and excessive pacifier use are common childhood practices.
- Tongue pushing, which causes the teeth to move forward
Bite Correction Treatments for Dental Overbites and Underbites
1. Braces
Adults and toddlers both use braces to treat overbites. Uneven bite treatment for children begins between the ages of eight and fourteen. Because the teeth and jaw are not fully developed and are easily altered in youth, treating overbites is particularly beneficial.
Adult braces are useful orthodontic treatments as well. However, correcting an overbite in an adult takes longer than it does in a youngster.
2. Tooth Removal
This is a procedure performed to correct an overbite caused by having too many teeth in the mouth. Children and teenagers get their baby teeth extracted. Adult tooth extraction is only performed in cases of severe overbites.
3. Replacement of the Rear Teeth
Tooth replacement and restoration are utilized to treat overbites caused by missing or damaged rear teeth.
4. Veneers
Veneers are used to contour teeth and cure minor overbites.
Treatments for Skeletal Malocclusion and Jaw Misalignment
A skeletal malocclusion is a poor bite caused by a flaw in the structure or placement of the teeth.
The cause of an overbite is often limited to the teeth. Most underbites, on the other hand, are caused by a misalignment of the lower jaw, which is present from birth. A significant underbite causes health problems such as difficulty eating, difficulty speaking, and chronic jaw pain.
Because skeletal malocclusion is caused by jaw misalignment, jaw correction treatment also cures skeletal malocclusion. The following are the most popular jaw correction treatments:
1. Headgear Braces
They straighten crooked teeth and realign uneven jaws. To cure a severe underbite, retraction headgear braces pull back the upper jaw. To repair a severe overbite, protraction headgear braces force the lower jaw forward.
2. Upper Jaw Expanders
This device is used to correct a skeletal underbite. A jaw expander is a wire frame that is inserted through the upper palate. It operates by pulling the upper jaw back to the level of the lower jaw by expanding it.
3. Jaw Surgery
Orthodontic treatments such as braces and face masks can only accomplish so much at times. Surgery to repair the jaw may be the only choice. The treatment takes approximately three years. The first stage of this treatment entails the use of braces and other orthodontic procedures to begin the process of tooth and jaw realignment.
The second stage of treatment is orthognathic jaw surgery, in which a maxillofacial surgeon uses metal plates, screws, and wires to realign or remodel the jaw.
Only in the most serious circumstances can jaw surgery be considered.
The Dentist Knows Best
Bite correction rarely necessitates surgery, because an orthodontic treatment is usually sufficient. Whatever the issue, a dentist will offer a solution that is tailored to your specific set of requirements.
Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your choices.
