The bite or dental occlusion refers to the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when you close your mouth.
When this alignment is correct, the teeth are well positioned, allowing for efficient chewing, clear speech, and a balanced distribution of forces when eating or talking.
However, when there is an incorrect bite, it can lead to both functional and aesthetic problems, affecting oral health and facial harmony. In this article, we explain the most common types of bite, their characteristics, and the possible consequences if not corrected in time.
Normal or Ideal Bite
The ideal bite occurs when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower ones, and the dental cusps fit together harmoniously.
This type of bite ensures proper chewing, prevents premature wear, and maintains a balanced facial appearance.
Goal of dental care: to preserve this occlusion through regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene.
Deep Bite (Overbite)
In a deep bite, the upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth, sometimes even touching the gums.
Most common consequences:
Premature tooth wear.
Jaw pain or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Aesthetic issues, such as a compressed smile or visually shorter teeth.
Recommended treatment: personalised orthodontic treatment to balance the relationship between both jaws.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the front teeth do not touch when closing the mouth, leaving a gap between them. It is often caused by habits such as thumb sucking, prolonged dummy use, or tongue thrusting.
Consequences:
Difficulty biting into food.
Changes in speech articulation.
Problems with swallowing and facial aesthetics.
Treatment: orthodontics combined with oral habit correction and, in some cases, myofunctional therapy.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, either partially or completely. It can affect a single tooth or an entire arch.
Consequences:
Uneven tooth wear.
Jaw misalignment and facial asymmetry.
Possible joint or muscle pain.
Treatment: interceptive orthodontics in children or clear aligners in adults to correct the misalignment.
Prognathism (Class III Bite)
Prognathism occurs when the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, giving the appearance of a more prominent chin or elongated face.
Consequences:
Difficulty chewing and biting properly.
Altered facial profile.
Increased risk of tooth wear and joint problems.
Treatment: orthodontics combined with orthopaedic treatment in early ages, or orthognathic surgery in adults with severe cases.
Retrognathism (Class II Bite)
Retrognathism is the opposite of prognathism: the upper jaw protrudes excessively compared to the lower one.
Consequences:
Increased risk of tooth fractures due to the forward position of the upper teeth.
TMJ problems and jaw discomfort.
Facial aesthetic concerns, with a more retruded profile.
Treatment: orthodontics and, in some cases, functional orthopaedics to correct the lower jaw position.
The Importance of Correcting the Bite Early
A misaligned bite not only affects aesthetic appearance, but also impacts chewing function, joint health, and tooth longevity.
Identifying and treating bite issues early helps prevent more serious complications and ensures a healthy, well-balanced smile.
At Inima Dental Clinic Marbella, We Restore Balance to Your Smile
At Inima Dental Clinic Marbella, we perform a comprehensive bite assessment using advanced technology to diagnose any misalignment or malocclusion.
Our team of specialists creates a personalised treatment plan, combining modern orthodontics, aesthetic dentistry, and functional rehabilitation to restore harmony and balance to your smile.
Your perfect bite starts with a check-up. Book your check-up today and keep smiling with confidence.
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