The importance of having a correct bite stretches further than the obvious oral benefits as it can relieve headaches, back pain and ear ringing. There are symptoms that an unbalanced bite causes that can be indicative of the complication. A dentist or orthodontist can diagnose an unbalanced bite by examining the jaw. An unbalanced bite is either an underbite, overbite or crossbite.
Symptoms of an Unbalanced Bite
An unbalanced bite can cause TMD (temporomandibular disorder), which is tenderness and pain that comes from the jaw joint. The bite causes strain to the joint by being incorrectly aligned. This can consequentially cause headaches, migraines, and upper back and neck pain. TMD can be an indication of an incorrect bite, which can be confirmed by one of our dentists. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, can also be an indication of an unbalanced bite. The stress to the jaw joints can cause the teeth to grind at night and wear down the enamel. You may notice this from waking up with jaw pain or a partner complaining of grinding noises at night.
Is an Unbalanced Bite Always Obvious?
In some cases, an individual's facial structure will indicate if they have an unbalanced bite. This is obvious if their lower jaw is particularly prominent or small. It may even jut slightly to the side if they have a cross bite. However, an unbalanced bite can be minimal, as they are usually only millimeters off normal alignment. A parent cannot always tell if their child has an unbalanced bite, which is why it is important for children to attend six monthly dental check-ups. Around the start of their teenage years, our dentists may advise that your child has braces, to fix an overbite. This will can alleviate many difficulties, including speech impediments. If you think you might have an unbalanced bite, contact our office for an appointment.
The importance of having a correct bite stretches further than the obvious oral benefits as it can relieve headaches, back pain and ear ringing. There are symptoms that an unbalanced bite causes that can be indicative of the complication. A dentist or orthodontist can diagnose an unbalanced bite by examining the jaw. An unbalanced bite is either an underbite, overbite or crossbite.