Can Your Dental Bite Affect Your Health?

Your tooth alignment might not seem like a big deal, but your dental bite can affect your health more than you probably realize. Learn about different types of bite issues, how they impact your daily life, and what can be done to fix them.

Types of Malocclusions

Misaligned bites, or malocclusions, come in many forms:

• Overbites are when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively.
• Underbites are when the lower teeth jut out beyond the upper teeth.
• Crossbites occur when some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of aligning on the outside.
• Open bites describe a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the jaw is closed.
• Crowding is when there’s not enough space in the jaw, causing teeth to overlap or twist.
• Spacing is when gaps form, whether because of missing teeth or an oversized jaw.

How Bite Issues Affect Your Health

Your bite is the foundation for many aspects of your health. Here are some ways it can impact you:

• Oral hygiene challenges: Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean effectively. Over time, plaque buildup may lead to cavities and gum disease.
• Jaw pain and TMJ disorders: A misaligned bite can strain your jaw muscles and joints, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Speech issues: Malocclusions can cause lisps and other speech impediments, which may require therapy or correction.
• Chewing and digestion problems: When your teeth don’t align properly, chewing becomes more difficult. You may be forced to swallow larger pieces of food, leading to digestive discomfort.
• Sleep disturbances: Certain bite issues contribute to sleep apnea, a disorder where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to fatigue, heart issues, and other health problems.
• Low self-esteem: Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. Bite problems can affect your confidence, making you less inclined to smile or engage in social activities.

Fixing Your Bite

The good news is that malocclusions are treatable. Here’s how dentists and orthodontists can help:

• Braces and Invisalign: Whether you opt for traditional metal braces or modern Invisalign aligners, these tooth-straightening options are often the first choice for correcting bite issues.
• Tooth reshaping or crowns: For misalignments caused by individual teeth, strategic contouring and reshaping or adding crowns may resolve the problem.
• Surgical options: In severe cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to address malocclusions caused by skeletal issues. This is typically recommended if other methods aren’t enough.

Why Choose Park 56 Dental?

At Park 56 Dental, we believe nothing is more important than a healthy, confident smile. We serve residents of the 10022 zip code in a spa-like environment where patients receive personalized, top-tier care. Voted New York’s best dentist, we have what it takes to transform your smile and restore your confidence. Don’t let bite issues hold you back—contact us today to explore your treatment options and start on the road to better overall health!