Is Your Bite Right? Correcting A Misaligned Bite

Crooked or misaligned teeth are common occurrences. Today, there are surgical and corrective procedures that can be performed in almost every case. If you are concerned that you or your child has an incorrect bite, you should seek a dentist’s opinion. Ignoring the issue can result in pain, discomfort, and/or disfigurement.

If you think you or your child has a misaligned bite, consider the following signs. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist for more information. Depending on a number of factors, your dentist may suggest one thing or another. No matter the case, it’s important to address the problem sooner rather than later.

– Visible Alignment of Teeth
One of the easiest ways to tell if your teeth are crooked is simply to observe them. If you see in the mirror that your teeth are coming in crooked, or appear crowded then you may have a problem. Even if they aren’t causing you any pain at that moment, there is always the possibility that they will in the future.

– Visible Facial Disfigurement
Though this is much less common, it is still something to be aware of. If the teeth in your mouth become so out of place that they adjust the normal curves of your face, then you may have a misaligned bite. There may also be other jawbone or muscle related issues to be concerned with, but either way you should consult your dentist.

– Difficulty Eating
If you ever experience pain or discomfort while eating, you should consult a dentist. It may not be that you teeth are misaligned, but instead that you just have a minor infection. Either way, a dentist can correct the problem preventing further pain.

– Difficulty Speaking
A speech impediment doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a misaligned bite. Other medical issues are more often the cause of speech impediments, though not in every instance. If you develop a speech issue, there is a chance that it is because of a misaligned bite. If your teeth are forming or growing incorrectly they can interfere with the tongue, preventing the formation of certain sounds.

If you would like to know more about misaligned or crooked teeth, contact our offices or your local dentist for more information.