How Orthodontics Can Improve Your Smile and Your Bite

At Whitewater Orthodontics, we help patients do more than just improve their smiles—we help improve their confidence and fix issues that can impact their oral health. One of the most common problems we treat are bite issues. Today, we’ll talk about the benefits of orthodontics and how they can improve your bite. We will also explore the different types of braces available and which one might be right for you.

What are bite issues?

Bite issues, also known as malocclusions, are when the upper and lower jaw do not meet properly, causing a misaligned bite. This can be caused by genetics, accidents, or even habits like thumb-sucking. Bite issues can lead to discomfort during eating, an uneven smile, and other dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. Some of the most common types of bite issues include the following:

• Overbite – This occurs when the upper jaw extends too far over the lower jaw, resulting in an exaggerated bite.
• Underbite – Underbites are when the lower jaw protrudes out more than the upper jaw, making it difficult to close your mouth correctly.
• Crossbite – This is when one or both of the jaws are misaligned relative to each other and do not fit together as they should.
• Openbite – An openbite means there is a gap between the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

How do I know I have a bite issue?

Many people don’t realize they have a bite issue until they visit an orthodontist. The signs and symptoms of bite issues vary, but some common indications include the following:

• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Pain when biting down or opening the mouth
• Teeth appearing crowded or misaligned
• Jaw clicking or popping

The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve your bite and restore its proper function while giving you the smile you deserve. Aside from improving your bite, braces can also have a positive impact on your overall oral health.

Some of the treatments that Dr. Leavitt may use to treat your overbite are:

Metal Braces

A classic treatment, metal braces use brackets connected by archwire to move teeth into the desired position. This option is effective for severe bite issues that require in-depth treatment and supplementary appliances.

Ceramic Braces

Clear or white ceramic braces are less visible than traditional metal ones and blend in with your teeth for a more discreet treatment option.

LightForce Braces

These braces use a low-force technique to move teeth into position more quickly and comfortably than traditional braces. Dr. Leavitt will take scans of your teeth to create a 3D-printed appliance tailored to your mouth, providing more rapid results.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners instead of brackets and wires for an almost invisible treatment option. By wearing your aligners for 22-23 hours a day, you will gently fix your bite over time, switching out your trays every two weeks as you progress.