Clearly, a misaligned bite can create a lot of cosmetic issues, but there is much more to the story. They can affect your speech, chewing, and overall jaw health. Teeth misalignment brings bite-related specific problems, and often, simple and routine actions like talking or chewing food can become stressful, uncomfortable, and painful.
In my article, I will highlight the impacts of poorly aligned bites on daily life and discuss the importance of treatment for malocclusion and bite correction. So, keep reading!
What is a Misaligned Bite?
A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together. This can be the result of multiple reasons, such as thumb sucking, genetics, or even injuries to the jaw. Having a bad bite can also result in difficulties in speaking, jaw pain, and many other symptoms. That is why you must know how bite problems impact your daily activities and overall health.
What are the Effects of Misaligned Bites?
Misaligned teeth become the reason for many issues now and in the future. Some common effects are as follows:
Speech Issues
An important issue that arises from poorly aligned teeth is the speech problem. Having some of your teeth out of order can make it hard for some words to come out of your mouth properly. For example, if you have some misaligned teeth, you will have difficulty pronouncing “s,” “th,” and “z.” Due to this, speech becomes distorted, and the speaker feels frustrated while talking.
Chewing Difficulties
Another common day-to-day function that is affected is the chewing activity. Misaligned teeth cause difficulties when you try to chew food correctly or break it. When teeth are placed too far from each other or captured together, chewing may be impossible, and as a result, digestive issues occur.
Furthermore, many people are likely to chew from one side of the mouth, which leads to an increased risk of tooth decay, cavity formation, or other dental diseases due to uneven tooth wear.
Jaw Alignment Problems
Jaw alignment problems directly relate to misaligned bites. If your teeth don’t meet correctly, your jaw tries to “help” by shifting or moving in ways that are not natural. Over time, you may experience pain or TMJ-related issues, such as clicking or popping sounds with jaw movements.
Aligned teeth reduce the chances of jaw pain, and you can open and close your mouth easily. Otherwise, not only are chewing and talking affected, but also yawning. In addition, improper jaw alignment also comes with muscle tension and headaches. When the muscles in your jaw and face are working harder than they should be, it causes constant soreness, especially around the temples, neck, and shoulders.
Disturbance in Oral Health
A bad bite has more severe effects on your oral health. When the teeth don’t mesh properly, the chances of wearing out the tooth enamel increase. It is the main reason for more tooth decay and gum disease. Also, misaligned teeth and the inability to clean them result in plaque, cavities, and even tooth loss in some cases.
As you know, the misaligned teeth will not remain in a fixed position, which increases the chances of shifts in your bite. This can worsen the condition. In severe cases, problems from a bite can lead to teeth grinding, also termed bruxism, which can even damage your teeth and jaw.
TMJ Pain
TMJ pain is associated with a biting problem or a misaligned bite. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull and is often the source of pain in the mouth or the jaw.
TMJ pain usually occurs due to excess pressure from bites, which, in turn, causes jaw pain, headaches, and even dizziness. If left untreated, the pain associated with TMJ can cause a lot of complications in the long run.
Malocclusion Treatment
The good news is that orthodontic treatments are available for correcting misaligned bites. Different treatments like braces or aligners can deal with malocclusion and reposition teeth. They can improve your bite, reduce discomfort, and restore proper function to your mouth.
For those with severe bite issues, the option of more advanced treatment, like jaw surgery, is available. It is best to talk to an orthodontist or specialist in malocclusion treatment to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Benefits of Early Malocclusion Treatment
Like other orthodontic treatments, the earlier bite issues are diagnosed, the easier they are to address. Children and teenagers are ideal candidates for braces or other orthodontic treatments, as their jaws are still developing. At the same time, adults can also seek treatment at any stage of life.
Early treatment of misaligned bites saves you from more complex issues later on, such as speech issues, jaw problems, and even improper chewing. It can also reduce the risk of other oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Orthodontic Bite Correction – What to Expect?
Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces, aligners, or other devices to move the teeth into their proper position. The treatment duration depends on the severity of the misalignment and the type of treatment used.
For example, traditional braces may take longer to get the desired results compared to clear aligners. No matter which treatment option you choose, orthodontic bite correction can greatly improve your quality of life. Not only will it enhance the appearance of your smile, but it will also restore proper function to your jaw and teeth, making it easier to eat and speak.
Why Choose Miami Orthodontist Group?
People choose Miami Orthodontist Group because we offer access to specialized treatments, catering to children, teens, and adults. Our providers focus on tooth alignment to enhance smiles and boost confidence.
All of our experts desire to help people achieve beautiful smiles through their expertise. So, if you live in Miami, whenever you feel your oral health is down, don’t forget to contact us. You can also reach out by using online resources.
Final Thoughts!
No doubt, a misaligned bite affects your speech, chewing, or jaw health, but don’t let it be a serious problem anymore. Look for a famous clinic, reach out to a skilled orthodontist today, and tell them your problems. They will check you and give relevant solutions for bite correction.
Remember, whether you need braces, clear aligners, or other treatment options, a healthier, more comfortable smile is just a call away. Schedule your consultation now to get started on your journey to better oral health and overall well-being.