Though it is often overlooked—how your teeth bite together is a critical aspect of your oral health. An uneven bite can affect your teeth, gums, jaws, and general health. The problems of crooked and misaligned teeth require attention beyond the teen years to avoid these problems and maintain optimal oral and overall health.
To find out what we can do about your bite and health of your jaw schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What Causes An Uneven Bite?
There are several reasons your teeth might fit together optimally, such as:
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Family history of bad bite
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Mismatched sizes of upper and lower jaws
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Missing teeth
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Problems at birth such as a cleft palate
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Jaw misalignment following trauma
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Habits during childhood such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
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Long-term mouth breathing
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Abnormally shaped teeth
Signs and Symptoms Of An Uneven Bite
Sometimes an uneven bite is apparent when you smile. However, a subtle misalignment in your bite can cause various symptoms you may not associate with this problem. Some of the common signs and symptoms of an uneven bite include:
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Jaw Pain. When your teeth fit together evenly, your jaw muscles remain relaxed and hold your jaw in a comfortable position. However, an uneven bite places strain on these muscles and leads to tension and pain in your jaw and face. Without treatment, this can lead to TMJ disorder.
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Teeth grinding. When you sleep, your jaws can work to correct your uneven bite by grinding your teeth together to make them fit more evenly. Grinding your teeth at night is a serious dental problem that can severely impact your oral health. If you grind your teeth, ask us about a custom-made nightguard to wear while sleeping.
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Tooth Sensitivity. The excessive stress placed on teeth in an uneven bite causes inflammation of the ligament that holds your teeth in their sockets. This ligament, known as the periodontal ligament (PDL), is connected to the nerve inside your teeth that becomes sensitive to hot and cold when it is inflamed.
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Worn Teeth. Teeth are strong and durable under normal conditions. Each tooth can withstand the stress that is appropriate for its size and location in the mouth. With an uneven bite, some teeth receive disproportionate levels of pressure. This results in premature wearing of the enamel, which can require extensive dental treatment to correct.
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Appearance. This is the most apparent sign, especially when the front teeth are crooked and crowded. An uneven bite can have other effects, including the shape of your face, the appearance of your lips, and the symmetry of your face.
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Headache. Improperly aligned teeth and strained muscles in your face and jaws can cause chronic headaches, especially in your temples. Some refer to these as “tension” headaches without realizing the source of pain is an uneven bite.
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Poor digestion. Proper and complete digestion begins in the mouth and depends on the adequate chewing of foods. An uneven bite makes chewing more difficult and results in food entering the body prematurely. This leads to problems such as acid reflux.
Treatments For an Uneven Bite
The treatment of an uneven bite depends on the severity, location, and damage caused by the misaligned teeth. Treatments include:
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Tooth reshaping to make your bite more even.
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Orthodontics and invisible aligners.
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Nightguards to prevent teeth grinding.
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Cosmetic dentistry such as bonding and porcelain crowns to repair damaged teeth.
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Jaw surgery to correct the position of your jaws.
Schedule an Appointment
Call us today and schedule an appointment for an evaluation of your bite and the steps you can take to have a bright and healthy smile.