Misaligned Teeth & Bite

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

Overview

While some of us may be reminded of how attached we were to our pacifier or teased for our thumb sucking, our adult teeth are the culmination of our childhood habits, the growth of the jawbones, and our oral hygiene. After baby teeth fall out, a child’s teeth undergo normal growth to form adult teeth. Development of adult teeth (permanent teeth) can be influenced by underlying developmental anomalies of the teeth, poor home care, poor habits (like tongue thrust), and hereditary conditions. Fortunately with the assistance of a healthcare provider, orthodontic treatment, or cosmetic dentistry procedure, teeth misalignment and jaw misalignment can be effectively and permanently addressed.

What is the anatomy of the teeth and jaw?

The oral cavity is formed by the upper jaw bone (maxilla) and lower jaw bone (mandible). The tongue is a muscle attached to the hyoid bone-the only free floating bone in the body. The gums (gingiva) and buccal mucosa (lip and cheek lining) line the mouth and jaw bones. The hard palate sits towards the upper front teeth and transitions into the soft palate as it moves towards the back of the throat where the uvula hangs.

The Anatomy of the Tooth

Humans have 32 teeth generally categorized as molars, canines, and incisors. The roots of teeth are embedded in the jaw bones and are highly sensitive. The white coating on teeth is composed of enamel.

What causes the misalignment of the teeth and bite?

While many misalignment disorders of the teeth and bite are hereditary, lifestyle habits and trauma can also play a role in the formation of these conditions. Childhood habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use can impact normal jaw development. Additionally, any facial or oral trauma can significantly impact teeth and jaw bone alignment.

The Anatomy of the Oral Cavity

What are the main concerns related to misaligned teeth and bite?

To better understand your unique concern, an overview of the general classifications of issues with teeth and bite is below:

• Spaced & Misaligned Teeth: Inappropriate spacing between teeth and misalignment of teeth can be both a functional and cosmetic concern. Diastemas can be caused by jaw bone misalignment or oversized jaw bones. Space between teeth, known as diastema, is most commonly seen between the two front teeth (Zac Efron anyone?). While most diastemas do not impact function, some individuals find they have difficulty with speech, eating, and drooling.
• Overcrowding: Overcrowding occurs when teeth overlap and encroach on each other. This is generally the result of a small jaw bone, overly large teeth, or palate issues. Most individuals with overcrowding have difficulty with proper oral hygiene and some struggle with speech. This is usually hereditary, however, associations with thumb sucking have been shown.
• Underbite: Underbite (prognathism) refers to the specific misalignment of the upper jaw and lower jaw in which the lower jaw protrudes up and out away from the upper jaw. This can be significantly noticeable, especially when viewed in profile. Underbite can cause cosmetic, speech, and oral health concerns. Underbite can be hereditary, the result of thumb sucking/pacifier use, or from injury.
• Overjet: Overjet (sometimes called buck teeth) describes when the upper front teeth protrude out diagonally over the lower teeth. This is usually caused by underdevelopment of either the upper jaw or lower jaw. Not only is this aesthetically frustrating, it can also cause teeth rubbing and difficulty with speech and eating.
• Overbite: Overbite differs from overjet in that in an overbite the upper teeth extend downwards over the lower teeth more than is typical. A slight overbite is considered normal as upper teeth generally sit a little bit in front of the lower teeth. Overbite can be hereditary, related to childhood habits, the result of an injury, or from tongue thrusting (repeated pushing of the tongue against the teeth).
• Open Bite: Open bite denotes a condition in which the upper teeth and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed. Open bite is typically a hereditary condition, however, it can also be caused by unequal size between the jawbones or teeth.

Who may wish to correct misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite?

As outlined above, teeth misalignment and bite misalignment can cause both cosmetic and health concerns. Candidates who wish to improve personal confidence and overall facial aesthetic, individuals noticing functional impact (speech, eating, or drinking), or those who wish to preserve oral health may benefit from a conversation with a certified professional.

How can someone correct misaligned teeth and bite?

Depending on the severity of the condition, misaligned teeth and misalignment of bite can be addressed in both professional and home settings. For mild to moderate teeth spacing and misalignment issues, candidates can consider home treatments and outpatient follow ups with an orthodontist. For severe or complex disorders surgical interventions may be required. A consultation with a certified professional can determine what is most appropriate.

For Spaced/Misaligned Teeth:

Can be corrected with both at home and in office brace solutions. Traditional metal braces, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces, or newer clear aligners like ClearCorrect, Invisalign, MTM Clear Aligners, Simpli5, and Smile Direct Club can provide dramatic results with consistent use. Additionally, dental procedures such as Dental Bonding, Dental Bridges, Dental Implants, and Dental Veneers can provide professional corrections.

For Overcrowding:

While severe overcrowding may require surgical intervention prior to braces use, most overcrowding can be corrected through professional or home use braces solutions. Traditional metal braces, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces, or newer clear aligners like ClearCorrect, Invisalign, MTM Clear Aligners, Simpli5, and Smile Direct Club are effective and simple to use with excellent results.

For Underbite, Overbite, Overjet, & Open Bite:

These conditions range in severity. For severe cases of these disorders, Orthognathic Surgery may be indicated to correct jaw structure and alignment prior to further correction. Many braces solutions like Traditional metal braces, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces, or newer clear aligners like ClearCorrect, Invisalign, MTM Clear Aligners, Simpli5, and Smile Direct Club can correct more mild to moderate cases.

To better understand the treatment options outlined above, check out our guide to Teeth & Bite Alignment Solutions.