In dental health, “bite” refers to occlusion, the way your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. This relationship, crucial for chewing and speaking, is dynamic and can change over time.
Factors That Can Alter Your Bite
Natural aging processes alter how teeth align. Daily chewing and grinding can lead to tooth wear, flattening chewing surfaces and reducing tooth height. Gum recession and decreased jawbone density can also occur, causing teeth to loosen or shift. Changing pressure from lips and cheeks, along with a tendency for teeth to shift even after orthodontic treatment, also influences bite alignment.
Dental procedures also play a role. New fillings, crowns, or bridges might alter the delicate balance of how teeth come together. Orthodontic treatments, while designed to improve alignment, can lead to shifts if retainers are not worn consistently afterwards. Tooth extractions can cause neighboring teeth to drift into newly created gaps, affecting overall bite.
Certain habits and trauma impact bite stability. Chronic teeth grinding, known as bruxism, wears down tooth enamel and can change the way teeth meet. Other habits like clenching, nail-biting, or persistent tongue thrusting can exert forces that gradually shift teeth. Physical injuries to the face or jaw, such as fractures or direct impacts, can misalign the jaw or displace teeth, leading to sudden bite changes.
Medical conditions also contribute. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, can cause bite misalignment due to joint dysfunction or muscle spasms. Periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease, can lead to gum shrinkage and bone loss, causing teeth to loosen and shift. In younger individuals, the eruption of wisdom teeth may also contribute by creating crowding or pressure.
Signs Your Bite May Be Changing
Recognizing the indicators of a changing bite is important for timely intervention. A common sign is discomfort or pain experienced while chewing or biting down. Individuals might also notice increased tooth sensitivity or visible wear patterns on their teeth, such as flattened or chipped edges.
Changes in how teeth appear, like new gaps forming or existing crowding worsening, can suggest a shifting bite. Jaw-related symptoms often include pain or stiffness in the jaw, along with clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth. Headaches, particularly those that are persistent or originate from the jaw area, can also be a symptom of bite misalignment.
Other signs include frequently biting the inside of the cheeks or tongue. Some people might experience speech difficulties, such as developing a lisp, or find it challenging to close their mouth properly. Abnormal alignment of teeth or changes in facial appearance can also indicate a bite that is no longer in its optimal position.
Potential Health Impacts of a Changed Bite
Leaving an altered bite unaddressed can lead to health consequences. The uneven distribution of chewing forces can increase the risk of tooth fractures, chipping, or accelerated wear on tooth enamel. This excessive wear can expose the sensitive inner layers of the teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities.
An improper bite can also negatively affect gum health, contributing to gum recession and potentially loosening teeth over time. Chronic jaw pain, often associated with TMJ disorders, can develop, accompanied by persistent headaches and even neck pain. These issues can impact daily comfort and function.
Beyond pain, a misaligned bite can make everyday activities challenging. Difficulties with speaking or chewing food effectively can arise, impacting nutrition and communication. Additionally, a changed bite can affect facial symmetry and overall aesthetics, potentially impacting self-confidence. In some instances, a problematic bite can exacerbate or contribute to conditions like sleep apnea.
How Dental Professionals Address Bite Changes
Dental professionals address bite changes with a thorough diagnostic process. This typically involves a detailed dental examination, taking X-rays, and often creating molds or digital scans of the teeth and jaws. They might also use special marking paper to identify how teeth make contact and pinpoint areas of uneven pressure.
Treatment options are tailored to the cause and severity of the bite change. Orthodontic treatment is a common intervention, utilizing braces (metal, ceramic, or lingual) or clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Palatal expanders may be used, particularly in growing individuals, to widen the upper jaw.
Restorative dentistry uses crowns, fillings, or veneers to reshape and restore worn or damaged teeth, improving bite function. For minor adjustments, a procedure called occlusal adjustment involves precisely reshaping small areas of tooth surfaces to balance the bite. Night guards or splints are often prescribed to protect teeth from grinding and clenching, and to help relax jaw muscles.
In cases of severe crowding, tooth extraction may be necessary to create space for proper alignment. For complex skeletal issues, surgical interventions, known as orthognathic surgery, may be considered to adjust the jawbones themselves. The choice of treatment depends on a careful assessment of the individual’s unique dental needs and the underlying factors contributing to the bite change.