Bite correction in adults

We correct even complex forms of malocclusion with stable results

Only state-of-the-art protocols and evidence-based medicine

Treatment period — from 8 months

An overbite is a misalignment of the teeth, a lack of proper contact when chewing. This problem is often accompanied by an externally unaesthetic dentition. Therefore, patients usually come in for teeth alignment rather than bite correction.

If a patient says they have a bad bite, 95% of the time they were told about it by an orthopedic or implant dentist when they wanted to get dentures. It is quite common to have an implant placed and the patient is turned down because: «We can't give you an implant with that bite."

Of course, it's very common to have an implant.

A misbite is usually not noticed if the teeth in the smile area are relatively straight. But getting your bite corrected in time is important for future dental health.

How to identify a malocclusion

In a correct bite, the upper masticatory teeth are tightly interlocked with the corresponding lower teeth, with the upper teeth covering the lower teeth in front by about a third. The midline between the central incisors of the upper and lower tooth rows coincides and runs in the middle of the facial oval.

The main symptom of a malocclusion — lack of contact or loose teeth. You can recognize that the bite is incorrect by external signs: asymmetry of the facial oval, protruding jaw, underdeveloped chin, gaps between the teeth. Misaligned teeth can traumatize the mucosa, making chewing and diction difficult.

Types of malocclusion:

Distal. The upper jaw is strongly developed and protruding, the lower one is underdeveloped.
Mesial. The lower jaw protrudes strongly.
Open. Some of the teeth, for example, incisors and canines, do not connect with each other at all. It is considered one of the most difficult anomalies.
Deep bite. The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than half.
Crossed. The jaw is underdeveloped on one side, and the upper and lower teeth cross over each other.

Consequences of a bad bite

The bite is the least of patients' concerns. But what happens if an adult does not treat misaligned teeth? The bite does not correct itself as we age: crowding of teeth progresses, teeth shift and tilt, and gum health is affected. In the end, orthodontic treatment may not be enough to solve all the problems that have arisen.

Loss of teeth. The chewing load on the teeth is not evenly distributed — they wear down, tilt and loosen the roots. After tooth loss, it is difficult to carry out implantation, because the place for the implant and crown is occupied by fallen «neighbors». The return of chewing function and aesthetics in this case will require long-term treatment with an orthodontist, surgeon and orthopedist.
Gum problems. Improper chewing causes the periodontium — the tissue surrounding the tooth root and gums to suffer. As teeth tilt and shift, they leave a space between the tooth and gum where bacteria enter and cause inflammation. The gum tissue shrinks and exposes the root of the tooth. The result — periodontitis and tooth loss.
Gastrointestinal and ENT diseases. Misaligned teeth cannot chew food thoroughly, which puts additional strain on the gastrointestinal tract. Improper jaw structure and positioning causes otitis media, maxillary sinusitis and other diseases.
Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Neglected TMJ disorders are extremely debilitating and difficult to treat. There are headaches, clicking and crunching when opening the mouth, spasms. Sometimes it can even be difficult and painful to open the mouth.
Mucosal trauma. Protruding teeth scratch the soft tissues of the oral cavity. In addition to discomfort and pain, micro-traumas cause inflammation and ulcers.
Aesthetics and hygiene. The bite is not only responsible for an attractive open smile, but also for the harmony of the face as a whole. An untreated bite over the years will increase facial asymmetry and an irregular profile line. Clenched and uneven teeth impair aesthetics and are more difficult to clean. The result of poor hygiene — is dark plaque, bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.
Early wrinkles. With an improper bite, the masticatory muscles receive an uneven load — some are constantly tense, while others are overstretched. These changes are reflected in the skin, which stretches and gathers in folds. From constant misuse, the joint is strained and worn out. The lower jaw droops and forms a second chin.

Methods of bite correction for adults

Correcting the bite — is a long process, impossible without special orthodontic treatment. The older the patient is, the longer it will take to align the teeth, as the tissues have already formed and regeneration is slower.

Braces installation

Classic orthodontic structures can cope with almost any bite anomalies and complex curvatures. Modern braces are comfortable for the patient and the doctor, can be transparent or completely invisible. Some systems are custom-made and can correct the bite quite quickly.

All braces work by the pull of a metal arch, which tends to return to its original, correct, position and gently moves the teeth. In addition to the arch, elastics, chains or springs are used to detail the position of the teeth. Conventional vestibular braces, which are placed on the outer surface of the teeth, come in metal as well as clear — ceramic or synthetic sapphire. Lingual braces can be installed on the inner surface of the teeth — they are not visible to outsiders. Such systems are not used in case of severe crowding, small jaw.

Removable mouth guards and trainers

Transparent plastic mouth guards & aligners, can correct simple curvature of the bite and teeth. They should be worn constantly, taking them off only during meals and brushing your teeth. About once a month, the cap is changed to a new one.

Trainers — are also transparent mouthguards, but made of silicone. They differ from braces and eliners in that they do not press on the teeth to correct them, but distribute the chewing load evenly. Trayners do not cope with serious pathologies. They are used mainly as an auxiliary technique to improve nasal breathing, swallowing and diction. Trainers should be worn only at night and only a few hours during the day, but strictly at the same time.

Surgical bite correction

A radical method of correcting complex abnormalities that braces cannot handle. It is usually used after maxillofacial trauma or for an open bite that prevents you from chewing or speaking normally.

Correction of bite and aesthetics

Competent orthodontic treatment corrects not only the bite, but also the external defects of the teeth: curvatures, gaps, and midline. But there are times when orthodontists focus on one thing at a time and do not provide proper comprehensive treatment. An orthodontist should be attentive to the patient's request, perform a detailed diagnosis, and create a treatment plan, while explaining their actions and decisions to the patient.

In cases where the bite has been corrected but the teeth still look unattractive or missing, an orthodontist should be consulted for veneers or crowns.

It is not too late to correct your bite, even as an adult. The earlier it is done, the more problems can be avoided in the future. Orthodontic treatment will help to preserve healthy teeth, restore the aesthetics of the smile and harmony of facial features, and gain self-confidence.

Diagnostic consultation with a leading orthodontist