Nowadays, it´s very common to see children, adolescents and adults using braces or orthodontic treatments to have a perfect bite. However, a correct dental occlusion not only has an important role on the way your teeth look, but it´s also necessary for oral health.
Next, we will tell you what a perfect bite is, its importance in oral health and how to achieve it. Let’s get started!
What is the perfect bite?
Occlusion refers to the alignment and the way in which the teeth, both upper and lower, fit together when the mouth is closed. That´s why, it is known by most people as “a perfect bite”.
A perfect bite is one in which the upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth and the tips of the molars should fit into the grooves of the opposing molars. The upper teeth prevent the cheeks and lips from being bitten accidentally, and the lower teeth protect the tongue.
In addition to the teeth, the joints also must fit together correctly when it comes to a perfect bite.
Defective bite or dental malocclusion: what it is and its causes
When the mouth´s closure isn´t as it should, it´s called malocclusion. This situation is usually hereditary or transmitted from parents to children. Among its causes we find:
- Difference between the size of the upper and lower jaw and the size of the teeth that causes crowding or abnormal bite patterns.
- Birth defects such as cleft palate.
- Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, using a pacifier after 3 years of age, and taking a bottle for a long time.
- Press the teeth with the tongue constantly.
- Extra, impacted, abnormally shaped or missing teeth.
- Tumors in the mouth or jaw
- Misalignment of jaw fractures after injury
- Poorly fitted dentures, retainers, or braces.
Types of bite
- Class I. In this type of bite, the lower canine bites between 3 and 4 mm in front of the upper canine and the teeth fit together like a zipper. This is considered the perfect bite.
- Class II. In this type, the lower jaw is well below or behind the upper jaw, making the bite unstable and traumatic. It can be corrected with braces, jaw braces, extractions, or orthognathic surgery.
- Class III. Also known as prognathism. The lower jaw closes in front of the upper jaw so that the lower canine is more than 3mm from the upper. This bite is corrected with orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery.
There are various types of bite with malocclusion. Among the most common we find:
- Cross bite. In this type, the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth, causing the chin to protrude.
There are two subtypes: anterior crossbite (lower teeth above the upper ones) and posterior (upper teeth above the lower ones). - Open bite. The lower teeth fail to join the upper teeth due to contact between the back teeth. It is usually caused by habits such as thumb sucking, taking a bottle for many years or biting pencils.
- Edge to edge. The incisal edges of the upper anterior teeth are in contact with the edges of the lower anterior teeth. This type of malocclusion is related to tooth enamel wear and tooth sensitivity. In addition, it is usually related to class III malocclusion.
- Overbite. In this type, the anterior teeth of the maxilla are more than half the height of the lower teeth. In some cases, they can completely cover the teeth of the lower jaw.
- Highlight. From a profile view, we can see the patient with more than 2 mm from the upper and lower teeth, making them stand out excessively. In this case, functional dental braces, orthodontics, and orthognathic surgery are often required.
Why should malocclusion be corrected?
The bite is not only a matter of a dental aestheticist self-perception, it´s also an oral health problem. If you don´t have a correct alignment, the jaw is positioned inappropriately, which overloads the facial muscles, causes accelerated wear of the teeth and tooth enamel. In addition, malocclusion is related to problems such as bruxism, which, in turn, triggers headaches and neck pain.
On the other hand, malocclusion is also related to cavities due to the excessive accumulation of waste between the teeth due to gaps and crevices between teeth, which make proper hygiene difficult. It can also affect chewing and cause digestive problems.
How to have a perfect bite?
If you identify with any of the cases of malocclusion, make a consultation appointment at The Dental District. Our specialists will be happy to offer the best treatment for you. Get a perfect bite and forget about problems related to malocclusion, such as the accumulation of bacterial plaque, cavities, and periodontal disease, with the help of procedures such as braces.
If you’re ready to begin your journey to straighter teeth and would like to schedule your appointment in our dental clinic in Tijuana, contact us through our contact form.
At The Dental District our dentist in Tijuana are ready to assist you! Ask about our best services such as invisalign in Tijuana, endodontics in Mexico, dental implants in Tijuana and dental crowns in Tijuana.
