Signs of a Healthy Bite
Did you know there is one thing we check each time you or your child come in to see us at The Best Braces? It is called “occlusion” and it refers to the alignment of your bite. Malocclusion, which literally means “bad bite,” is the term we use to describe teeth that don’t meet and align properly. Improperly aligned teeth can have various origins and lead to difficulty chewing foods and other problems. Either you or your child could have an incorrect bite and not even know it, but there are some early warning signs for malocclusion that you can look for.
Three Signs of a Healthy Bite
If you are concerned about your or your child’s bite, here are three things to look for:
Pain-Free Chewing — There should be no pain in the jaw bone or muscles of the jaw when biting. If there is, you need to make an appointment with us to determine the cause. It could be caused by misaligned teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), bruxism (tooth grinding), or other issues.
Healthy Tongue — When there is malocclusion, teeth may cut into the tongue, causing sores. The tongue is also heavily used during speech and may be unable to properly form words if teeth are misaligned.
Your Teeth – In a healthy bite, the teeth align, with the upper and lower teeth being symmetrical. When the teeth are closed, one-half to two-thirds of the bottom teeth should show and the upper front teeth edges should align with the top of the lower lip.
Other signs of malocclusion could include canker sores, chipped teeth, headaches, difficulty cleaning teeth or flossing, and tooth sensitivity.
Besides causing pain and oral health issues, malocclusion can affect self-esteem and social life. A 2011 study found that those surveyed rated people with a normal bite the most attractive, intelligent, charming, and extroverted.
Treatment Will Vary
Regular checkups are important. We look at the teeth from all angles and can spot teeth that don’t fit together well or aren’t wearing normally. Getting the proper treatment depends on each person’s unique situation. Many patients can get their bite aligned through braces alone, while others may require surgery as well. We provide the treatment solution that fits your needs. Call us to find out more about our orthodontic services or to set up an appointment today.
Best,
The Team at The Best Braces
