When you close your mouth in front of the mirror, do your teeth fit together perfectly? Or have you noticed that something is „out of place”, not closing as it should? Although it may not seem important at first, the bite - the way your teeth close - matters more than you think. It affects not only aesthetics, but also chewing efficiency, speech and jaw health.
In this article, we summarise the most common bite disorders - such as underbite, overbite, open bite - and what can be done about them.
What is the right bite?
Ideally, the upper row of teeth should be slightly forward of the lower row, and the upper incisors should cover the lower ones. The chewing teeth also fit exactly together - ensuring efficient chewing and a balanced jaw. This is called a harmonious bite.
When this balance is upset, a bite disorder develops, which can cause not only aesthetic but also functional problems.
The most common bite disorders
Bottom bite (bulldog bite)
The underbite - also known as bulldog bite - the lower dentition closes earlier than the upper. This discrepancy is often genetic, but it can also be caused by a jaw growth disorder, tooth loss or bad habits (e.g. tongue thrusting).
What are the symptoms?
- Front teeth do not overlap, lower teeth dominate
- Difficulty chewing, especially in the front
- Can also cause jaw joint pain or speech problems
- The facial profile can also change
Top bite
A top bite the upper incisors overhang the lower ones - often spectacularly. It is often triggered by childhood habits (e.g. finger sucking, pacifier sucking), but it can also be a genetic predisposition.
Possible consequences:
- Upper incisors are vulnerable (e.g. during sports)
- Jaw pain, joint strain
- Changed facial profile
- Chewing and speech difficulties
Open bite
A open bite one of the characteristics of a closed jaw is that there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth, especially at the front. This discrepancy is also often the result of childhood habits, but it can also be hereditary.
Symptoms:
- Teeth do not close completely, leaving gaps
- Speech defects (e.g. potty mouth) are common
- Chewing is less effective
- It can also be an aesthetic problem
Deep bite
A deep bite the upper incisors overlap the lower incisors to the point where they almost disappear when closed. This can overload the teeth and jaw.
Possible consequences:
- Lower incisors can bite into the gums
- Tooth wear, gum problems
- Jaw pain
Cross Bite
A cross bite is that part of the upper teeth is placed inside instead of biting the lower teeth on the outside. This can happen with one or more teeth, unilateral or bilateral.
Symptoms can include:
- Asymmetric chewing
- Uneven wear
- Jaw pain, facial numbness
What can cause a bite disorder?
Most bite disorders develops in childhood, and it often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem later. The reasons may include:
- Hereditary factors - if the parent had a similar disorder, the child is more likely to have it.
- Habits - prolonged sucking, finger sucking, tongue thrusting, incorrect swallowing technique.
- Tooth loss or premature tooth loss - if there is not enough space for the remaining teeth, congestion and abnormal bite can develop.
- Abnormality of jawbone development - when the upper or lower jawbone develops out of proportion.
Why is it important to deal with it?
Many people think that if the bite is not spectacularly bad, there is nothing to do about it. But a mild bulldog bite or open bite can cause long-term damage:
- chewing and digestive problems,
- jaw joint pain,
- frequent headaches,
- tooth wear or decay (as abnormal biting makes it difficult to clean teeth),
- speech impediments,
- self-doubt.
What are the treatment options?
The good news is that most bite disorders manage - and the earlier the intervention, the easier it is to correct.
Orthodontics
In childhood, a removable device is an option; in adulthood, a fixed or transparent splint is an option. A purpose of treatment, to move the teeth to the right place and create a harmonious bite.
Chin surgery
In more severe cases, where the problem affects not only the teeth but also the jawbones, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Speech and language therapy
In the case of speech impediments or swallowing with tongue thrusts, speech therapy can help to improve the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.
Prevention
Early identification and treatment of bad habits in childhood (e.g. stopping finger-sucking) can be key.
Summary
Whether it's a bottom bite, top bite, bulldog bite or open bite problem, the key message is: you don't have to live with it. A bite disorder that is detected early and treated professionally improves not only the smile, but also the whole oral and jaw function.
If you feel that you don't have a perfect seal, it's worth consulting a professional - a consultation can answer many questions and even trigger changes that can improve quality of life.