Living with bite issues every day can be difficult, but Rio Grande Orthodontics has got you covered! Our team is here to share what types of bite issues braces can fix, your treatment options, and the value of pursuing orthodontic assistance. No matter the condition of your bite, we are here to make the treatment process as smooth and stress-free for you as possible!
The Basics of Bite Issues
A proper bite is when your upper teeth should rest comfortably just past your lower teeth. However, some patients suffer from a bad bite or malocclusion, indicating the teeth are misaligned from this perfect position in some capacity.
Everyone experiences malocclusion, but depending on its severity, it can prevent your teeth from functioning as effectively as possible and cause further issues if left untreated. If you experience any of the following discomforts, you may suffer from bite issues: jaw pain, uncomfortable chewing and biting, speech difficulties, and excessive everyday wear and tear.
How They Originate
A few things, including plain and simple genetics, can cause bite issues. If a parent, sibling, or other close relative experiences this issue, you have a higher chance of inheriting and experiencing it at some point in life. They can also be caused by injury. If you suffer a traumatic blow to the teeth or jaw, this can shift their original positioning. Habits acquired in early childhood, such as prolonged thumb-sucking and pacifier use, can place unusual strain and lead to issues.
Addressing bite issues as soon as they arise allows our team to rely on the least invasive procedures as much as possible. Whether you experience complications as an adult or child, Dr. Klingler, Dr. Kellam, Dr. Gardiner, and Dr. Vest can diagnose your oral issue and provide an effective treatment that can resolve it.
The Main Types of Bite Issues
An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth, leading to bruxism or grinding of the teeth. Extreme cases of this are called deep bites. An underbite is the opposite; the lower front teeth settle past the upper teeth, causing an aesthetic imbalance. A crossbite is when just a few upper teeth are hidden behind the lower row, leading to wear and tear.
You may have an open bite if your upper and lower teeth do not touch when your mouth is closed, resulting in speech difficulty or interfering with your smile’s appearance. Crowding is the final major type of malocclusion. This is when there is insufficient space for all your teeth to fit correctly, sometimes causing rotated teeth.
Identifying Which You Have
To diagnose your bite issue, our orthodontists will rely on the results of a thorough oral examination and x-rays taken to look at multiple angles of your teeth, both erupted and impacted. Each type varies slightly, so gathering as much information as possible will help our team determine which teeth to focus on or move first and which appliance your case will benefit the most from.
Braces Can Realign Your Teeth
At Rio Grande Orthodontics, we provide patients with options for their treatment: metal and clear braces. Both effectively resolve bite issues and set you up for success. No matter which bite issue you have, you can rely on Dr. Klingler, Dr. Kellam, Dr. Gardiner, and Dr. Vest to start you on the proper care route toward a healthier smile.
Modern Metal Braces
Advancing each year, modern metal braces are smaller than ever and can still fix even the most severe bite issues. It is a long-trusted option among our patients to reach their smile goals. This appliance places constant pressure on your teeth with the help of brackets and wires to shift your teeth in the right direction until they reach perfect alignment.
Ceramic Braces
Made of ceramic, clear braces work just like metal braces but without the same prominent appearance. They are comprised of brackets and wires attached to the front surface of your teeth as slight pressure is placed on them to shift over time. These comfortable brackets are tooth-colored to blend in with your smile and provide a low profile in public. During your free consultation, you can ask our orthodontists if metal braces are the perfect option for you.
Why Pursue Orthodontic Treatment?
Realigning your teeth can grant you a tremendous confidence boost! Whether working on first impressions or simply meeting up with friends, having a grin you are proud of makes all the difference in your self-assuredness.
Besides aesthetics, there are plenty of health benefits to straightening your teeth. You can experience smoother digestion due to more effective chewing, easier oral care maintenance as hard-to-reach spots disappear, and improved verbal speech patterns due to your tongue and lips resting correctly.
Fix Your Bite Today!
If you have any questions about how Rio Grande Orthodontics approaches bite issue treatment or what your options are, feel free to contact our front desk, and one of our friendly staff will ensure you get the answers you need. We provide free consultations at any of our practices in Albuquerque, Edgewood, Espanola, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Santa Fe (Harkle) and (Cerrillos), Taos, and Socorro, serving the surrounding communities with our expert services. Our team looks forward to meeting you!