If your jaw is out of alignment, it will negatively affect your resting oral posture. If left untreated, you may be more prone to cavities, gum disease, and snoring and sleep apnea. Your teeth may also be at a higher risk of breaking if they don’t properly fit together. Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry in Dunedin, Florida, offers a variety of dental bite treatment options to correct your teeth and jaw positioning.
CAUSES OF MALOCCLUSION
Poor bite alignment is most commonly the result of genetic factors. Still, there is strong evidence that childhood habits, such as thumb sucking and pacifiers, can affect your facial muscles and jaw formation.
Cavities and gum disease in a child’s mouth can also disrupt the way your teeth grow in and the formation of your jaw and facial muscles, all of which can lead to dental crowding and malocclusion. Routine dental visits and proper oral hygiene are crucial to preventing it.
TYPES OF DENTAL BITES
When your jaw is at rest, your lower front teeth should be in gentle contact with the back of your upper front teeth, and the edges of your upper teeth should be in line with your bottom lip. There are several ways your jaw can be out of alignment, and all of them can affect your teeth health and your ability to breathe at night. Misalignment can also cause crowding or spacing issues with your teeth and affect the direction of their growth. The more severe the malocclusion, the more it will change the appearance of your face.
- Class I Malocclusion is when your molars align properly, but your front teeth do not, resulting in jaw pain, cracking, and uneven wear on the teeth
- Class II Malocclusion is when your upper teeth stick out too far beyond your lower teeth
- Class III Malocclusion, or an underbite, is a result of your lower jaw sticking too far forward
TREATMENT PLANS TAILORED TO YOU
During your appointment, Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty will examine your teeth and jaw using digital photos and X-rays to evaluate your bite. They will educate you on all your options and recommend the treatment plan to correct your bite.
New Patients: (727) 608-4690 | Existing Patients: (727) 733-4113
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This may include traditional orthodontics, such as braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth. Our dentists may recommend a palatal expander in younger patients for growth modification. In some instances, he may recommend dental crowns, veneers, tooth extraction, or jaw surgery. It all depends on your unique needs.
Reach out to Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry at (727) 608-4690 to learn more about your dental bite treatment options in Dunedin, FL.
