Many individuals overlook the significance of a properly aligned bite, assuming it to be a minor concern. However, an improper bite can cause a cascade of dental issues, affecting your oral health and quality of life. Common signs of bite misalignment often go unnoticed or are attributed to other causes, including chronic headaches, a receding gum line, and broken teeth. If you are experiencing these issues or any others, it may be time to get your bite checked by an experienced oral specialist.
The experienced medical professionals at Union City Oral Surgery Group are ready to help you achieve an optimal bite in a comfortable and professional setting. Our talented specialists use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat various oral and maxillofacial conditions accurately. We understand how vital jaw cohesion is to your health and comfort, and we will work to ensure you leave our office with the smile you deserve.
5 Signs You Should Get Your Bite Alignment Checked
Although some individuals experiencing bite misalignment–also known as malocclusion–may be able to feel their bite is off when they open and close their mouths, many symptoms are more subtle. If you experience any of the signs below, consider getting your bite checked by a trusted specialist:
You Broke a Tooth From Eating
Teeth can break from injuries or biting down on extremely hard surfaces. However, if your bite is misaligned, you may break a tooth from just eating a slice of bread, fruit, or another unlikely culprit. Because malocclusion can wear down your teeth over time, they may become more brittle and susceptible to breaking.
You Had a Recent Dental Procedure
Dental procedures such as crowns and fillings can cause interference with your bite alignment. If the crown or filling is not fitted correctly, it can cause overcrowding or too much space between your teeth, throwing off your bite. A protruding nub on a filling or crown can shorten the distance between your upper and lower teeth, leading to alignment issues.
You’re Experiencing Jaw Discomfort
When your bite is misaligned, your muscles may become strained. If you are experiencing jaw soreness and clicking, it may be a symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. This condition can develop if malocclusion is left untreated.
Your Gums Are Receding
If your gums are constantly irritated, they may begin to recede. A misaligned bite can lead to gum irritation by putting excessive pressure on the gum line or allowing too much space between teeth for food particles and bacteria to become lodged. Gum recession should be taken seriously. If left unchecked, tooth and bone loss may occur.
You Have Chronic Headaches
Sometimes, the stress a misaligned bite places on your muscles is felt through headaches rather than jaw pain. A skilled oral surgeon can evaluate if your jaw is causing your headaches and perform an occlusal adjustment to provide relief.
Schedule an Appointment with a Skilled Oral Surgeon at Union City Oral Surgery Group
If you have noticed one or more signs your bite may be misaligned, do not hesitate to call the experienced professionals at Union City Oral Surgery Group. Our trusted surgeons and oral specialists are dedicated to prioritizing your health and comfort and will customize every stage of your treatment plan to your unique needs.
Our founder, Dr. Nancy Herbst, has over 25 years of experience treating patients across New Jersey and is ready to apply her knowledge and skills to help you achieve a pain-free bite. To learn more about how our team can help you, call us today at (201) 601-9262 or complete our contact form.
