Bite issues do more than affect the appearance of your smile. They can impact everything from your mental health to your chance of contracting more serious dental problems. Luckily, there are plenty of orthodontic options at your disposal! At Thacker Orthodontics, we are passionate about fixing bites and helping people achieve beautiful smiles. Keep reading to learn more about bite issues and how orthodontics can help.
What are bite issues?
Bite issues refer to the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. If your bite is misaligned, it can cause difficulty speaking and chewing, jaw pain, headaches, and facial pain. It can also increase your chances of developing gum disease or cavities.
What causes bite issues?
Just because you found out that you have a common bite issue does not mean that you are at fault! Bite issues are often genetic and are caused by a naturally smaller lower jaw. This causes misalignment and can lead to more severe problems over time. On the other hand, oral habits such as thumb sucking during your primary years can also result in a misaligned bite.
Common bite issues
The most common bite issues we treat at Thacker Orthodontic include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite:
Overbites
This happens when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth excessively. This results from your lower jaw bone sitting too far back in your mouth than it should, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, earaches, or even jaw aches. If you notice that your child may be developing an overbite, it’s best to take them to an orthodontist as young as age 7.
Underbites
This is when the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth. Underbites are caused by an abnormally small upper jaw or a prominent lower jaw. Left untreated, underbites can lead to gum irritation and difficulty chewing food due to the misalignment of the teeth.
Crossbite
Crossbites occur when one or more of your upper teeth bite on the inside of your lower teeth, resulting in a misalignment that can cause speech problems and difficulty eating. Getting this issue addressed as soon as possible is essential to avoid any more damage.
Open bite
This is when there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when your mouth is closed. Several things, such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, can cause open bites. If left untreated for too long, it could lead to chronic headaches, jaw pain, and further misalignment.
Which orthodontic treatments can help fix my bite?
At Thacker Orthodontics, Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan offer a variety of orthodontic treatments to help you fix your bite:
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular choice for correcting more complex bite issues. They can straighten, close gaps, and fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces but have tooth-colored brackets that make them less noticeable. These are best suited for teens or adults with bite issues, as the ceramic brackets are more delicate.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular choice for adults looking to correct their bite discreetly. With this option, you won’t have to worry about brackets or wires and can achieve results in as little as 12 months!
Say “yes” to a more aligned smile with Thacker Orthodontics.
At Thacker Orthodontics, we use advanced orthodontic technology and techniques to ensure your final result is the smile you’ve always wanted! No matter what your bite issue is, Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan can help treat it with a customized plan that will restore the proper alignment of your teeth.
If you or your child are struggling with bite issues, Thacker Orthodontics is here to help. To schedule a free consultation, contact one of our offices and get one step closer to a healthy smile!