Bite Problems

One of the most overlooked areas in dentistry, bite problems are far more common than most realise because they are simply left to worsen over time, with patients believing this is how their teeth should naturally look.

Some bite abnormalities are not excessive and will not cause severe issues, which is why many people can go through their whole lives without ever having them corrected.

But even the ones that only cause minor issues in the beginning, can cause drastic problems later in life if ignored, leading to wider issues with the jaw and joints. This is why seeking the advice of an experienced dental expert, like the team at Advance Dental Clinic, as early as possible is always preferred.

Common bite problems and the issues they can cause

Crossbite

Where the top layer of teeth sits on the inside of the bottom layer, instead of the other way around. This can cause problems with healthy jaw positioning and pain in the jaw joint.

Underbite

If the lower jaw sits heavily in front of the upper jaw, it can put pressure on jaw joints and give an unusual appearance.

Open bite

If the upper and lower teeth at the front of the mouth do not overlap, this can cause potential speech and swallowing issues.

Deep bite

When the front upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much, it can cause gum damage and wear of the enamel.

Tooth crowding

Should too many teeth occupy too small of a space in the mouth, the risk of plaque and gum disease, among other oral health troubles, increases.

Tooth spacing

The opposite of the above, occurs when the teeth are spaced too far apart. Again, can be a cause of gum disease due to food particles sticking in between a patient’s teeth. 

Buck teeth

Front teeth that stick out excessively can be put at greater risk of damage.

Symptoms of bite problems can present in many different ways:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Gum pocketing, bone loss, and tooth mobility
• Abnormal wear on the biting surfaces and edges of the teeth, and the necks of the teeth (sometimes incorrectly attributed to brushing too hard)
• Facial muscles pain which manifests as headaches, neck pain, frozen shoulder, arm tingling and numbness, backache, etc…
• Reduced ability to open the mouth wide

But perhaps the most pressing side effect of such conditions is TMJ disorders.

What is a TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are disorders caused by strain placed on the muscles, joints, and bones in and around the jaw, due to the issues described above. They can also be caused by teeth grinding.

This can cause pain in areas such painful as:

• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Ear pain
• Eye pain
• Neck pain
• Or even shoulder pain, as pain begins to radiate outwards from the jaw muscles.

TMJ disorders are also known to be caused by generic jaw injuries and poor stress management, which could cause some to grind their teeth or tense their jaws more than usual.

The temporomandibular joints sit on either side of your face and connect your jawbone to your skull, to assist with such motions as chewing and speaking.

However, when the teeth are poorly aligned causing the jaw to shift from its natural position, or repetitive motions that are not conducive to good overall muscle and joint health continue to occur, temporomandibular disorders can appear. 

Dental treatment for TMJ dysfunction

If TMJ disorder is a result of bite problems like the ones mentioned earlier, it can be treated by first treating the underlying cause.

In many instances, bite problems leading to TMJ disorders can be treated with a special mouth guard, designed to apply light pressure and ease the teeth back into a position that’s more beneficial to the mouth and joints.

Beyond this, depending on the specific bite problem and the severity of the condition, a dentist may suggest other treatments that are more in-depth. But don’t worry, if you are currently looking into treatment, your chosen dentist will discuss everything with you in detail, so you’ll be well aware of what your specific treatment will entail.

Explore TMJ treatment in Essex at Advance Dental Clinic

If you’re seeking TMJ treatment, Essex has several options available. But the team at Advance Dental Clinic are undeniably a top-tier choice.

With decades of combined experience amongst our staff and knowledge of a whole host of dental issues (including cosmetic dentistry), we’re ready and waiting to help patients dealing with TMJ disorder with a treatment plan that works for them and their needs.

Plus, we’re also well used to helping nervous patients at our dental practice – especially those who suffer from dental anxiety. Being fearful of going to the dentist is becoming increasingly common, which is why all our staff are well-equipped to help keep your mind at ease, offering the most pleasant experience possible.

To find out more about our dental practice in Essex and how we can help treat your bite problems and TMJ issues, reach out to an Advance Dental expert today.