Bite Corrections

What is malocclusion?

Malocclusion refers to any misalignment of the teeth or incorrect relationship between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close. This term literally means “bad bite” and encompasses a variety of conditions such as underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites. These issues can arise from a number of causes including genetic factors, differences in jaw sizes, crowded teeth, or habits like thumb-sucking during childhood. Malocclusion can affect not only the appearance of one’s smile but also the overall oral health, potentially leading to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. Depending on its severity, malocclusion may require treatments ranging from braces and aligners to more complex dental procedures to correct the alignment.

Are deep bites and overbites the same?

Deep bites and overbites are related but they are not exactly the same thing. Both refer to types of malocclusion involving the vertical relationship between the upper and lower teeth, but they differ in severity and specific characteristics:

Overbite: This is a common type of malocclusion where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically. It is normal to have a slight overbite where the upper teeth overlap about one-third to one-half of the lower teeth. However, it becomes a concern when the overlap is too much, affecting the bite and possibly leading to jaw pain and wear on the lower teeth.

Deep Bite: A deep bite is a more severe form of overbite where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth to a significant degree, sometimes causing the upper teeth to cover most or all of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can lead to issues like irritation or damage to the gums behind the upper teeth and excessive wear on the lower teeth.

Both conditions can be effectively treated with orthodontic interventions such as Invisalign® clear aligners, depending on the severity and the specific needs of the patient.

Does an open bite get worse over time?

An open bite, characterized by a gap between the upper and lower teeth when closed, can worsen over time without treatment. This condition can stem from habits like thumb sucking, skeletal issues, or dental misalignments. Untreated, it may lead to chewing and eating difficulties, speech problems, uneven tooth wear, and jaw pain or TMJ disorders. Treatment often involves orthodontics or, for skeletal issues, possibly surgery, highlighting the importance of early intervention for better oral health.

What are the main causes of underbites?

The causes of underbites can vary and may include:

Genetic Factors: The most common cause of underbites is heredity. If one or both parents have an underbite, there’s a higher likelihood their children may also have this condition. This is due to inherited traits that affect the development of the jaw.

Skeletal Issues: An underbite can be a result of a disproportion in the size of the upper and lower jaws—either the lower jaw is too large, the upper jaw is too small, or a combination of both.

Dental Problems: Misalignment of the teeth alone can lead to an underbite even if the jaw size and structure are normal. This might occur due to overcrowding of teeth, early loss of baby teeth, or delayed eruption of permanent teeth, which disrupts the normal alignment of the dental arches.

Childhood Habits: Prolonged habits such as thumb sucking, excessive use of a pacifier, or prolonged bottle feeding beyond the recommended ages can influence the development of the jaws and teeth alignment, potentially leading to an underbite.

Trauma or Tumors: Accidents affecting the jaw might alter its growth, and tumors or other growths in the jaw area can also distort the alignment of the jaw and teeth.