There are many reasons to straighten your teeth. Beyond the appearance of your smile, bite alignment problems can cause issues in various ways and lead to health problems. 

You might know that your teeth are misaligned, but not understand the type of issue you face, what caused it, how it may affect you in the future, and how it can be addressed now. Knowing more about your smile can help you make informed decisions about treatment. 

So, what does it mean if you have a misaligned bite? And, can you fix all bite issues with Invisalign?

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about bite issues before visiting us for a full assessment. 

What is a Bite Alignment Issue?

Your bite is how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. Ideally, your teeth should fit together comfortably, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile without discomfort. 

Bite alignment problems occur when there are irregularities in how the teeth meet. These can cause problems when biting, chewing, and speaking and cause jaw pain while increasing the risk of oral health problems.

What Are the Different Types of Bite Issues?

Overbite (Deep Bite)

An overbite occurs when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth. In a healthy bite, the upper teeth should sit slightly in front of the lower teeth. With an overbite, the top row of teeth extends too far over the bottom. 

This can cause various problems, including wear on the lower teeth, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing.

Underbite

An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, which can make the chin appear more prominent and cause problems with chewing and speaking.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when one or more of your upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, either at the front or on the side of your mouth. This misalignment can lead to tooth wear, gum disease, and bone loss over time if left untreated.

Open Bite

An open bite is characterised by a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This bite issue prevents the teeth from touching when you try to chew or speak, often making doing so difficult or uncomfortable. 

Overcrowding

Overcrowding happens when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth, causing them to overlap or shift out of position. This often leads to crooked teeth, which may impact both the function and appearance of your smile.

What Causes Bite Alignment Problems?

There are several causes of bite alignment problems, and sometimes more than one factor may contribute to the position of your teeth. 

Genetics is a common cause. You may inherit features from your parents that define the size and shape of your jaw in relation to your teeth. A small jaw with larger teeth will likely contribute to a crowded smile with crooked teeth. If your jaw is larger, your teeth may develop spaced out leading to gaps. 

Habits during childhood are another prevalent factor. If you sucked your thumb or a dummy for too long, it may have caused your teeth to lean inwards. Habits like tongue thrusting may have caused your teeth to stick out. 

Other factors like illness, injury, and medication can all play a part in the development of alignment issues. 

What Are the Symptoms of Bite Alignment Issues?

Bite alignment symptoms will vary depending on the severity and type of misalignment. The appearance of your smile may cause confidence issues which may extend into many areas of your life. 

One of the most common signs is discomfort when chewing or biting down. If your teeth don’t meet properly, you may find it difficult to chew food, or you might experience pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw while eating. 

This discomfort can also occur when speaking, as misaligned teeth can interfere with normal speech patterns. In some cases, bite issues may cause clicking or popping sounds in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth, and cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Other symptoms include frequent headaches, especially in the temples or around the jaw area, which can occur due to the strain placed on the jaw muscles from improper alignment. In more severe cases, untreated bite issues can lead to further complications, such as worn-down teeth, gum irritation, or even jaw joint damage. 

How Do We Correct Bite Alignment Issues?

Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular option for correcting bite issues, especially if you want a more discreet approach. The treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit over your teeth. These aligners gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, gently moving them over time. 

One of the key benefits of Invisalign is its flexibility—since the aligners are removable, you can take them out when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. The clear aligners are nearly invisible, so they’re perfect for image-conscious adults or teenagers.

We can use Invisalign for addressing various mild to moderate  bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overcrowded teeth. The process takes from several months to a couple of years. 

Incognito Lingual Braces

Incognito lingual braces are perfect if you want a more traditional orthodontic treatment but prefer discretion. Unlike standard braces, Incognito braces are placed on the backs of your teeth, completely hidden from view.

These braces are ideal if you have more complex bite issues, such as severe misalignments or jaw problems, which may not be suitable for clear aligners like Invisalign. 

Because they’re fixed to your teeth, there is no risk of forgetting to wear them as there can be with removable aligners. While treatment with Incognito braces can take longer than Invisalign—typically between 18 to 36 months —it is highly effective in correcting bite misalignments and improving overall dental health. 

Tooth-Coloured Braces

Tooth-coloured, or ceramic braces, are more aesthetic alternatives to traditional metal braces. They use clear or tooth-coloured brackets and wires that blend in with the natural colour of your teeth, making them less noticeable. 

Their subtlety makes tooth-coloured braces a good option for both adults and teenagers who are looking for a less obvious treatment but still need the comprehensive correction traditional braces offer.

Tooth-coloured braces are highly effective in treating a range of bite issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overcrowding. They are particularly useful if you have a moderate to severe misalignment which cannot be addressed using Invisalign. 

Addressing Bite Issues in London

A misaligned bite can make it difficult to eat and speak, cause jaw pain, and lead to various dental health issues. Added to this, the appearance of your smile can impact your self esteem. 

With Invisalign, Incognito lingual braces, and tooth-coloured braces, we can address these issues and give you a straighter smile you can feel good about. 

Contact us today to schedule your teeth straightening consultation.