If you have a perfect bite, your top and bottom teeth will
touch evenly when your mouth is closed. Ideally, all bottom teeth and top teeth
should touch with equal pressure and at the exact same time. The top teeth will
fit slightly over the bottom teeth. If some teeth are not properly aligned or
some close harder than others, you may have an imperfect bite.
Why Ignoring a
Malocclusion Is a Bad Idea
The official term for this is malocclusion, and you may
require an
occlusal adjustment to
avoid the side effects. Left untreated, a malocclusion can lead to life-long,
serious problems.
·
Damage to dentures or implants
·
Muscle or nerve damage or disorders
·
Trauma
·
Clicking noise when closing and opening the jaw
·
Teeth clenching or grinding that puts excess
pressure on teeth
·
TMJ problems
·
Bone recession
·
Periodontal disease
·
Crowded or cracked teeth
·
Sensitivity to cold or heat
·
Mild pain that may become worse and require a
root canal
·
Missing or loose teeth
·
Fracturing or chipping of the teeth
The symptoms don’t just stay in your mouth. You may also
feel as if your jaw is always tired, have muscle spasms in the face or neck,
get headaches that are debilitating, be sensitive to temperature or touch on
the face and feel uncomfortable with the way your teeth look.
How Is It Treated?
Your periodontist
will assess the severity and symptoms of your malocclusion before determining
the right way to fix it.
Dr. Withers may reshape the teeth’s biting surfaces by
filing and drilling, reconstruct and cracked or broken teeth and fill any
cavities, prescribe night guards or splints that stop you from clenching or
grinding or recommend retainers, braces and other orthodontic treatment.
At our office, our goal is to not only give you
a smile that you feel good about, but one that doesn’t cause health problems or
discomfort. If you have a malocclusion and want it fixed,
schedule an
appointment with us for occlusal adjustment in Fairfax, VA today!
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