If you live in South Miami and have been searching for someone to help with your bite or jaw problem, then look no further! Orthodontics of South Miami are experts at supporting our patients to have the healthiest smiles, including with their bite and jaw.
Many people don’t realize what a negative impact jaw health can have on their life if left untreated. From jaw pain, to tooth loss, to chewing and biting problems, we don’t want to see any of our patients dealing with that now or in the future, which is why we are ready to get you into our office right away!
What Causes Bite Problems?
There are a few reasons that you may struggle with your bite. Some people develop myofunctional habits like bottle feeding, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking in infancy or childhood and those things influence how their jaws and bites developed. Other factors include genetics, facial development, or injury. Regardless of the cause, it will be important to get your bite problem treated, either in childhood, or adulthood! This will prevent more problems and pain in the future.
What Do We Mean by Bite Problems?
Here is a quick overview of some common bite problems:
Overbite
When the upper teeth stick out farther than the lower teeth.
Open Bite
When the upper and lower teeth do not connect when you bite down.
Underbite
When the lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth when you bite.
Crossbite
When the lower jaw is longer than the size and length of the upper jaw.
Overcrowded
When there is not enough space along the jaw for all of your teeth, causing them to crowd together.
Misplaced Midline Bite
When the center of your upper teeth does not match the center of your lower teeth.
What Problems Can Bite Issues Cause?
Do you recognize any of the issues mentioned above? If not, that’s okay. There are ways to diagnose a bite problem by looking at the symptoms and side effects of a misaligned bite! A few common ones include:
Communication Issues
Some jaw problems can lead to lisping and other speech disorders.
Wearing Down Teeth
When your teeth clash against each other while chewing, it can slowly wear down your tooth enamel. This often leads to sensitivity and pain as nerves become exposed inside of the tooth, and eventually can cause tooth decay and tooth loss when untreated!
Difficulty Chewing
Chewing is an important function that supports digestive health as well as makes it possible to enjoy the pleasure of food! If you are struggling to chew well, it means that larger particles of food can be swallowed, creating a choking hazard. If digested, the larger particles can get trapped in the digestive tract, slowing down digestion and creating unpleasant symptoms like indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation.
Difficulty Breathing
Because our nasal passages are connected to our facial shape, when our bite is off it can narrow those passages and make it more difficult to breathe! This often turns into mouth breathing that can create problems like snoring, and sleep apnea. It also tends to create a dry mouth, which is bad news for bacteria growth and tooth decay!
Jaw Pain
Chronic jaw pain can be excruciating for anyone who has experienced it. When a misaligned bite adds pressure to the jaw muscles, they can ache and cramp, especially when chewing or talking. TMJ is known for being an extremely painful condition, and many patients find relief through orthodontic care.
Treatment for Jaw Problems
If you know for sure that your bite is probably causing some health problems for you, it’s time to get relief through orthodontic treatment at Orthodontics of South Miami. Dr. Ross is ready to meet patients and walk them through our treatment options for getting a straighter healthier jaw. Here are a few things that commonly recommends to his patients:
Traditional Braces
Braces aren’t just for kids, we promise! Traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, and they continue to be used because they are just so effective at helping to align your teeth and jaw! Dr. Ross recommends braces to many patients who are needing relief from jaw issues, and they pair well with other orthodontic devices like palatal expanders that make more room in your upper jaw for better alignment.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are also effective for doing that big shifting work that is necessary to align your jaw and bite, plus they are more discreet. Many adult and teen patients that need braces but would prefer for them to not be so obvious opt for clear braces. They are made from tooth-colored ceramic and will need to be cleaned thoroughly and regularly to prevent staining during wear.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign aligners are a really effective orthodontic treatment when it comes to mild and medium complexity cases. If your jaw alignment is not drastic, then Dr. Ross may recommend Invisalign as a great treatment for you since you won’t need braces. We love how convenient they are to use and wear, and how they are nearly invisible!
Find Your Fit at Orthodontics of South Miami!
If you’ve been waiting for a sign about when you should start pursuing orthodontic treatment, well, here it is! We have offices in South Miami, Pinecrest, and Kimball, and are happy to greet patients from anywhere in the surrounding area to help solve your teeth and jaw adjustment needs! Give us a call to set up a free consultation today!