Understanding Malocclusions: Correct Your Bite With Invisalign

Understanding Malocclusions: Correct Your Bite With Invisalign

Invisalign can be a great option for anyone looking to straighten their smile or improve a misaligned bite. Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into the desired position without the wires and brackets that are required with traditional braces. This patient-friendly system of smile alignment can give you a virtually invisible transition into the smile of your dreams. Smile alignment is not only for cosmetic purposes, but it is actually necessary to help protect your smile from damage.

A malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth which may lead to tooth deterioration and jaw damage if not treated. Malocclusions can make your smile look crooked and they can also have a major impact on your oral health. Symptoms associated with a misaligned bite include TMJ disorder, occlusal trauma, abnormal wear of the tooth's enamel, jaw tension, and even gum recession. Invisalign can be an excellent way to help address alignment issues so that you can protect your beautiful smile. There are several different types of malocclusions, and each kind has unique oral health risks. Our team has highlighted some of the most common bite issues that occur in patients with misaligned smiles. Keep reading to learn more about malocclusions and find out if you may require treatment with Invisalign.

Deep Bite

A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth when the back teeth are closed. A deep bite can not only be an esthetic concern for some patients, but it can actually cause a lot of damage to your smile over time. A deep bite can also be an indication of other oral health concerns. It is very common for patients with deep bites to also develop frequent sores or ulcers on the roof of their mouth, and they may be more likely to bite their lips while eating.

A deep bite can cause severe wearing down of tooth enamel and may cause extreme crowding of the teeth. This wearing down of enamel will also lead to severe gum recession, which can be seriously detrimental to your long term dental health. Over time, a deep bite can cause TMJ disorder which is a very painful condition of the jaw. This condition causes jaw pain, neck pain, and migraines. The retrognathic position of the jaw may exacerbate symptoms of TMD.

Excessive Overjet

This type of malocclusion is identified by "buck teeth" or the overextension of the upper front teeth. This misalignment leaves a gap between the top and bottom teeth in the front of the mouth, specifically in the area of your two top front teeth. An overjet differs from a deep bite because it specifically describes the two most visible teeth in your smile. Overjets are measured horizontally between the top and bottom teeth when you bite down, whereas a deep bite is measured vertically.

An overjet can be caused by thumbsucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, late emerging adult teeth, crowding, and excessive tongue thrusting. Excessive overjet can lead to anterior tooth trauma, tooth fracture, lack of canine guidance, posterior tooth trauma, and it may even lead to chipped teeth in the future.

Crossbite

A crossbite is a malocclusion where the upper teeth fit behind the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. This condition can cause wearing down of enamel on both anterior and posterior teeth. A crossbite is similar to an underbite, the main difference being that a crossbite affects a group of teeth and an underbite affects the whole row of teeth. Crossbites can be quite painful and may lead to gum recession and oral infection in the future.

If left untreated, a crossbite can lead to TMJ disorders, wearing down of teeth, dental decay, headaches, and pain in the shoulders or neck. It may also contribute to sleep apnea in some cases. A crossbite can lead to periodontal disease and even tooth loss, so treatment is recommended.

Edge to Edge Bite

An edge-to-edge bite occurs when teeth close exactly on the edges. It may lead to biting of the inside of the cheeks and tongue, which can lead to injury and infection. This bite could also lead to loose teeth, wearing down of enamel, and fracturing of molars and posterior teeth. Patients with edge-to-edge bites are more likely to need root canal therapy due to frequent cavities by weakened enamel.

This type of malocclusion can lead to a limited range of motion when chewing or speaking. It could also cause extreme tooth deterioration and gum recession. Anterior teeth are shortened due to excess pressure and future dental health issues are common.

Anterior Open Bite

An anterior open bite describes the malocclusion where front upper and lower teeth slant outward so that they don't touch when the mouth is closed. This can be caused due to excessive thumb or pacifier sucking in childhood or it could be due to a skeletal issue. An anterior open bite can lead to premature wear on posterior teeth and occlusal trauma. If left untreated, this malocclusion can cause deep pocketing of posterior teeth, gum recession, poor root support for teeth, and even bone loss. Wear on posterior teeth can lead to jaw pain and even the development of TMJ disorders, which can be seriously damaging to your oral health.

Oral Health & Physical Wellness

Malocclusions and misaligned teeth can have a serious impact on your oral health, and the damage can be permanent. Crooked teeth and improper bite can contribute to an improper distribution of force when biting down, which causes deterioration of enamel and healthy gum tissue. This then opens the door for dental decay, gum disease, and oral infection. These oral health conditions can be incredibly painful and damaging to your overall physical health.

Oral health is directly connected to physical wellness. As bacteria builds up on the teeth and gums, an inflammatory response is activated in the body. This response creates white blood cells and proteins in the body to help protect your immune system. The combination of white blood cells and bacteria can damage the cells that line the coronary arteries, which pump blood to your heart. Plaque can build up on the walls of the coronary arteries which may lead to blockages in the future. That is why it is so important to take excellent care of your teeth and gums, including the alignment of your smile. Protect your smile to protect your overall physical health!

Protect your smile by being proactive with your orthodontic health. Invisalign can get you the strong and beautiful smile of your dreams in as little as 12 months. Not only will your smile look amazing, but it will be healthier for it! Every smile is unique, so call our office to schedule your smile consultation. We can help you understand exactly what your treatment would require and help design a plan to get you closer to the smile you deserve. Call our team today to find out if Invisalign would be right for your unique smile.

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