Causes of bite problems
If you have a bad bite, it's often the result of:
- Thumb sucking
- Abnormal jaw position
- Jaw growth
- Genetics
- Early tooth loss
- Ill-fitting dental restorations
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw injuries and disorders
- Poor dental health
Types of bite problems
Overbite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth significantly. It can occur with age and development, or appear as a skeletal overbite (when the size or shape of the upper and lower jaws is abnormal).
Many people can have a slight overbite naturally, but a moderate to severe dental overbite (also known as a deep bite) can cause wear and tear on the lower teeth, leading to jaw pain and speech complications, as well as aesthetic issues like overlapping teeth.
Underbite
This is similar to an overbite, but an underbite is when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw, so the bottom teeth are in front of the top teeth.
Those with an underbite can experience difficulty chewing, facial imbalance, and jaw joint strain.
Crossbite
A crossbite is when some of the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, causing misalignment.
Crossbite issues can lead to excessive wear on the teeth, crooked teeth, gum recession, and bone loss over time.
Open bite
If your upper and lower front teeth don’t meet when your mouth is closed, you have an open bite.
You may find that your chewing, speech, and overall oral function aren’t what they should be.
Edge-to-edge bite
An edge-to-edge bite is when the upper and lower teeth meet directly edge-to-edge, increasing tooth wear and fracture risk.
Buck teeth
Also known as ‘protruding teeth’, buck teeth extend outwards from the mouth, making it difficult to close the mouth.
Like most bite issues, it can make the teeth more prone to damage, due to uneven wear, often causing missing teeth. But self-consciousness is one of the biggest challenges people face, as buck teeth can significantly impact confidence in social settings and when smiling.
Why treating mild bite problems matters
Correcting bite problems isn’t just about looks. Serious dental issues can occur if left untreated.
An aligned and healthy bite helps:
- Prevent tooth enamel damage
- Reduce the risk of jaw pain, neck tension, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Improve speech clarity
- Support better digestion and overall oral health
- Enhance smile aesthetics and facial symmetry
How to fix a bite without braces
For moderate to severe cases, bite problems require orthodontic treatment, with a treatment plan based on the patient’s unique needs. This can include anything from traditional metal braces or clear aligners for a severe overbite, to tooth removal and orthognathic surgery for a crossbite.
However, for mild cases that need just a small amount of movement, clear aligners are the perfect option - no jaw surgery needed.
Why choose instasmile clear aligners?
- They’re virtually invisible
- They are removable - perfect for eating, brushing, and flossing
- Predictable results are available with personalized, digital treatment planning
- You won’t have to visit the dentist at all!
