Santa Monica, CA– If you or your child have a malocclusion (meaning a bad bite), you may decide to ignore correcting the bite, either because of cost or because you don’t believe that treatment is necessary.
Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen shares exactly why bite problems should be dealt with sooner than later.
Different Types of Bites
The most common malocclusion is the overbite, which affects 70% of children. You have an overbite if your upper teeth overlap your bottom teeth when your mouth is closed.
Underbites affect far fewer children (5%). You have an underbite if your bottom teeth overlap your top teeth (lower teeth partially covering the upper teeth) when your mouth is closed.
Other types of bites include:
- Crossbites: When the mouth is closed, individual teeth do not sit properly in relation to the opposing teeth. That means you may have a top tooth that sits behind a bottom tooth.
- Open Bite: When the mouth is closed, individual or groups of teeth do not come together, creating a gap.
Causes for Malocclusions
“There are a myriad of causes for malocclusions,” Dr. Nikaeen shares, “malocclusions may be inherited, but can also result from gum disease, poor dental restorations, environmental factors and oral habits, such as prolonged use of bottle feeding.”
Whatever the cause, do not feel at fault for any misalignments in your teeth. What you can do is correct the bite problem.
Disadvantages of Uncorrected Malocclusions
You may be wondering if you can delay orthodontic care or ignore it completely. If so, you may run into a few disadvantages when ignoring the problem:
- Poor Self-Esteem: If you are worried about what others think about your smile or do not feel at your best when smiling, orthodontic care will help you be at your best at home and in the workplace.
- Jaw Pain and Headache: If your teeth are unevenly distributed, it can cause unnecessary pressure and pain when you bite down.
- TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) – A disorder that causes pain when opening and closing your mouth, mainly in your cheeks, teeth, and jaw.
- Higher Risk of Gum Disease: If your teeth are misaligned, your teeth may overcrowd or space too far apart to make room for your other teeth. This can cause problems when flossing.
- Increased Wear and Tear on Enamel: If your teeth on top are not in line with the bottom, it will cause individual teeth to take on more wear and tear than the others.
- Difficulties in Speech or Swallowing: Depending on the severity of the malocclusion, a protruding set of teeth can cause a lisp or other difficulties in speaking or swallowing.
- (For children) Permanent Teeth Coming in at the Wrong Position: If the child’s permanent teeth erupt improperly due to overcrowding, they may grow at the wrong angle or in the wrong position.
There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment, so it’s best to adopt a “sooner rather than later” policy.
Is Treatment Ever Too Late?
If you are experiencing any of the above side-effects, make an appointment with your orthodontist, no matter your age. There are plenty of treatment options that you should discuss with your orthodontist.
While treatment during childhood is ideal, since children’s jaws and teeth are still growing and more easily treated, there are also options for adults.
When asked whether or not adults should pursue orthodontic treatment, Dr. Nikaeen encourages adult patients: “I believe that every person – young or old – deserves a healthy and beautiful smile.”
You can schedule your free initial consultation with Dr. Nikaeen by sending an email or calling the office directly at 310-444-1113.
About Us: Dr. Nikaeen takes a conservative and detailed approach to orthodontics while incorporating the latest technology, which sets her apart from other orthodontists. She serves Southern California including Los Angeles (LA), Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
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