Have you ever considered what kind of dental bite you have? In dentistry, the bite, also referred to as the occlusion, is the way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed. It is a critical aspect of dentistry and a great predictor for future problems with your teeth. Anyone who has had or who is considering having a full mouth reconstruction, should be very well acquainted with this concept because it is a central consideration for the esthetics, proper function, and the correct fit of your restoration. In here, we will go over the kinds of bite that exist and the implications they may have in your oral health.
There are six main bite classifications:
- Class 1 bite: This is a normal, healthy bite in which the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, and the molars fit together perfectly. People with this bite have a proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws, well-aligned teeth, and full chewing functions. This is also the kind of bite in which there is the least amount of tooth wear over time.
- Class II bite: Considered a malocclusion, this means that the upper teeth and jaw significantly overlap the lower teeth and jaw. It is also known as an overbite, and it is characterized by a prominent upper jaw or receding lower jaw. It can cause difficulty in chewing, speech issues and increased risk of trauma or wear to the protruded teeth.
- Class III bite: Also problematic, it refers to when the lower teeth and jaw protrude beyond the upper teeth and jaw. These patients usually have a prominent or lower jaw which is frequently associated to chewing and aesthetic concerns.
- Edge-to-edge or vis-a-vis bite: Also a malocclusion, it is when the upper and lower front teeth meet edge-to-edge when the mouth is closed. These patients often present wear and chipping on their front teeth and jaw discomfort, especially when there are missing back teeth.
- Crossbite: This is when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, either at the front or back of the mouth. These patients usually have teeth misalignment. It is easy to correct most times but can lead to tooth wear, chipping, or gum disease if left untreated.
- Open bite: Refers to when the upper and lower teeth do not touch at all when the mouth is closed. This leads to difficulty chewing certain foods, speech issues, and increased wear on the back teeth.
Good dentists pay close attention to the bite to ensure that all teeth function correctly and contribute positively to the overall well-being of the patient. Remember that all teeth work together to allow efficient chewing and proper pronunciation of sounds when speaking. An improper bite generally results in bruxism, fractures or chipping of teeth. It can also lead to gum problems, as teeth might be harder to clean. Some extreme cases result in severe cases of painful muscle strain or TMJ disorders.
Correcting malocclusions often involves orthodontic treatment or full mouth reconstructions with crowns or fixed implant-supported dentures (All on 4). A good alignment of teeth will enhance your overall facial structure, give you a fresh, youthful look and a bright, confident smile. In fact, most of our patients comment that after their full mouth reconstructions they needed some time to adjust to their new bite, but quickly grew accustomed to it. Some wonder how they lived so long without it. Indeed, obtaining a good bite for a patient is quite a challenge both for the dentist and the dental technicians, but with years of experience and the right team and technology as support, we make it so for all our patients. At the Costa Rica, we are able to change your life in just 5 to 7 days. Contact us now to find out how this would work for you!
