Hello! I’m Jessfor Baugh, DDS, of The Lewisville Dentist in Lewisville. I have been practicing quality general and cosmetic dentistry since 2003. Today’s post focuses on malocclusion, or bad bite.
Malocclusion is the dental term for a problem in the way your top and bottom teeth come together. The ideal bite is when the upper teeth are slightly forward of the lower teeth. You have probably heard of “overbites” and “underbites” but the two arches can be misaligned in many other ways as well. Crowded teeth can also cause a bad bite, as well as the opposite situation – teeth that are too far apart.
If the misalignment is very slight, there are often no related issues. However, if the malocclusion is moderate to severe, the patient is at risk for many other health issues such as difficulty chewing and speaking, headaches, hearing problems, increased decay, jaw pain, and gum disease.
The domino effect of these dilemmas can get pretty serious. For example, chewing difficulty can trigger ulcers and gum disease and increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Consider also how these problems can impact a patient’s emotional well-being and capacity to perform their job.
Putting health issues aside, these problems can get pretty pricey to treat.
There are several effective treatments for malocclusion, but first, you need a diagnosis. If you suspect that you have a misaligned bite, I hope this post has given you some good reasons to talk to Dr. Jessfor Baugh. Call 469-708-4713 to schedule a consultation and exam.
Contact The Lewisville Dentist:
469-708-4713
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
297 W FM 3040 Ste 127
Lewisville, Texas
75067