Occlusion

Is Your Bite a Little “Off?”

Bite misalignments, or malocclusions, are any deviation from a normal or ideal bite pattern that affects the way the teeth fit together. It is estimated that as much as 20 percent of the U.S. population has some level of misalignment. While living with a misaligned bite can make it difficult to chew or speak, many experience only minor symptoms. In fact, some patients we see are unaware their bite is off. If you are struggling with any of the following or are interested in a bite check, our doctors at Traverse Dental can meet with you to discuss your concerns. Some common symptoms of malocclusion include:

• Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
• Chronic Headaches
• Chronic Neckaches
• Minor Jaw or Tooth Pain
• Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

Christina Mazzola Talks About Splint Therapy

Complications Associated with Malocclusion

Over time, bite misalignments can wreak havoc on our teeth. The way our teeth normally align spreads the work that each tooth needs to perform evenly across the bite, but when there is misalignment, some teeth are forced to compensate. This puts stress on the teeth, jaws and supporting structures of the mouth and can lead to the following:

• Popping or Clicking Sounds When Opening or Closing the Mouth
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
• Wearing of the Tooth Enamel
• Teeth Fractures
• Receding Gums
• Complications with Cosmetic Enhancements