Bite problems can be more than a minor inconvenience as various types of malocclusion often cause jaw pain, speech problems, or chewing issues. The experts at Constant and Contro Orthodontics in Cupertino and Palo Alto, California, have extensive experience in correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Schedule your orthodontic consultation over the phone or online at Constant and Contro Orthodontics today.
request an appointmentWhat are bite problems?
Bite problems include issues with tooth positioning that not only alter your smile’s appearance but can cause additional problems with speech, chewing, and oral hygiene. Common types include:
Underbite
An underbite is a dental feature where your lower row of teeth protrudes outward beyond your upper row. Some underbites are mild and hardly visible. Other underbites are severe enough to affect the shape of your face even when your mouth is closed.
Overbite
An overbite happens when your top row of teeth protrudes outward significantly beyond the lower row. Overbites can also range in severity and are associated with behaviors like tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. They can be due to genetics, too.
Crossbite
Crossbite is a bite problem that happens when teeth in the upper row fit inside the teeth in the lower row. It can come from tooth misalignment, jawbone misalignment, or a combination of both.
What are the possible complications of having bite problems?
You might think bite problems like overbite or underbite are just cosmetic issues, but they have more complex effects than altering your facial proportions.
In fact, untreated bite problems can cause issues or complications with your oral function. Because of the positions of your teeth, you might experience:
- Trouble biting and chewing food
- Speech problems
- Mouth, face, or head pain
- Tooth decay from teeth misalignment
- Chronic mouth breathing, which can worsen asthma and sleep apnea
- Sleep apnea
When you arrive at Constant and Contro Orthodontics for an orthodontic consultation, you should mention these issues during your visit. Your orthodontist considers all aspects of your well-being while planning your orthodontic treatment.
How are bite problems treated?
Treating your bite problem may involve more than one procedure at Constant and Contro Orthodontics. The experienced orthodontists use panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, as well as the iTero® Element digital scanner, to assess the malocclusion and decide how to correct it.
Depending on your circumstances, age, and oral health, your orthodontist might recommend:
Early orthodontics
Early orthodontic treatments like palatal expanders and habit correction can help children avoid the need for more extensive orthodontic treatments in the future, like jaw surgery. Early orthodontics may involve braces, or it can prepare your child for braces in the future.
Braces
Bracket-and-wire braces are one of the most well-known and versatile orthodontic treatments for a good reason. They’re effective in treating mild to moderate underbites over several months or years, depending on the severity of the bite problems.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a customizable orthodontic treatment that uses plastic aligners to shift your teeth over time. If your bite problem is severe, you’ll need to combine other treatments with Invisalign.
Jaw surgery
Jaw surgery can correct an underbite or overbite by lengthening or shortening the upper or lower jaw. Surgery is generally low risk and can correct your bite problems even as an adult when your jaw has stopped growing and is no longer malleable.
If you or your child has bite problems, call Constant and Contro Orthodontics or schedule your orthodontic consultation online today.