Common Bite Problems in Children and Adults

Having a healthy bite (meaning that your teeth align properly) is crucial for your overall dental health. A bad bite can cause tooth decay and gum disease in addition to jaw pain and difficulty chewing food. It is common for children to have problems bite problems with their baby teeth, but adults can experience many types of bite problems, too.

The vast majority of bite problems can be corrected with braces or other types of orthodontic appliances, jaw repositioning surgery, or tooth removal, depending on the particular dental issues and their severity. Hello Family Dental can correct many common types of alignment issues and restore your beautiful smile. Contact us today if you have a bite condition.

Most Common Dental Bite Problems

1. Crowding

Crowding is a common bite problem that occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth, causing the mouth to be overcrowded and the teeth to be misaligned. This can lead to oral health issues such as an irregular bite, difficulty chewing and speaking, increased wear on tooth enamel, uneven surface of teeth, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Crowding of the teeth can also cause jawbone growth irregularities and early periodontal disease.

2. Spacing

Spacing as a dental bite problem occurs when there are gaps between the teeth, leaving space where food and debris can become trapped and bacteria and plaque can build up. Spacing may result in dental problems such as tooth decay and gingivitis. Treatment may involve tooth restorations such as crowns, bridges, implants, or orthodontic appliances such as braces to correct the spacing and provide proper bite alignment.

3. Overbite

An overbite is an issue with the alignment of the upper and lower jaws in which the upper teeth overlap or project too far forward. An overbite can be a result of genetics, improper dental care, tongue thrusting, or even bad habits such as pacifier and thumb sucking. Treatment for an overbite usually involves braces or jaw surgery. Depending on the severity of the case, both adults and children may need treatment to improve their bite and restore their smile.

4. Underbite

An underbite is a dental condition in which the lower jaw protrudes out farther than the upper jaw. This results in a misaligned bite, with the lower teeth either partly or completely overlapping the upper teeth. Underbites can cause difficulty when eating and speaking. In some cases, underbites can lead to embarrassment due to an altered facial appearance. Treatment for an underbite can include braces, surgery, and jaw repositioning devices.

5. Crossbite

A crossbite is a malocclusion (a misalignment of the teeth when the jaw is closed) in which one or more upper teeth are located on the inside of the lower teeth. Crossbites can affect both the front and/or sides of the upper and lower jaws, and they can affect either one or both arches. Crossbites are usually caused by an abnormal growth pattern or incorrect jaw position. Treatments to correct crossbites include orthodontic braces, expanders, retainers, and other dental appliances.

6. Protrusion

Protrusion (sometimes called “buck teeth”) is a bite problem wherein the teeth in the upper jaw protrude over those in the lower jaw and appear to stick out. This can occur when the person has an overbite, which means that the top row of teeth overly overlap and are further forward than the bottom row, or when the upper jaw is positioned too far forward. In addition to causing aesthetic issues and affecting normal biting and chewing habits, protrusion also increases the risk of gum disease and interferes with proper speech production, contributing to lisping.

7. Open Bite

An open bite is a dental condition when the teeth do not fit together when biting down. An anterior open bite is when the back teeth fit together but the front upper and lower teeth do not. A posterior open bite is when the front teeth fit together but the back upper and lower teeth do not. This condition can cause difficulty in eating and speaking properly, and may result in the tongue sticking through the teeth. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and level of severity, and may include braces, orthodontic treatment, and jaw repositioning surgery.

8. Deep Bite

A deep bite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too far. People with a deep bite may experience extra wear on their molars, pain when biting on hard foods, and gum pain when the upper teeth bite into the lower gums. If left untreated, a deep bite can cause oral health issues such as gum disease. It is important to seek treatment from a dentist as early as possible to prevent any further complications.

What Causes Bite Problems in Children and Adults?

Bite problems in children and adults can be caused by a number of factors. Poor development of the jaw, teeth, and gums can cause bite issues. Other causes, such as thumb-sucking habits during childhood, trauma to the mouth and face, and clenching and grinding the teeth can all contribute to bite problems.

How Do Dentists Correct Bite Problems?

Bite problems can be corrected using a variety of treatments, depending on the severity of the problem. For mild misalignments, bite guards and retainers are used to improve an individual’s occlusion (bite). For more severe jaw and teeth misalignment, orthodontic treatment is recommended, which usually includes traditional metal braces. Dental exercises can also be assigned by dentists to help patients strengthen their cheek, tongue and facial muscles and improve the alignment of their jaws. Dentists may also perform surgeries like a maxillofacial procedure to correct severe bite issues. Finally, periodic checkups with a dental professional will ensure natural changes in mouth structures due to aging or injury are addressed quickly.

Contact Hello Family Dental to Address Your Bite Problems

Hello Family Dental is a leading dental practice providing experienced and personalized care to patients in Suwanee, GA. Our skilled and compassionate team of dentists has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you address any bite issues you may be facing. Our cutting-edge technology, combined with our expansive selection of treatments, allows us to provide tailored solutions that are optimized for your unique needs and lifestyle. Contact Hello Family Dental today to talk with one of our professionals regarding your bite problems!