Isn’t it refreshing when the day goes as planned? No fires to extinguish, no curveballs or hiccups—just a satisfying feeling when everything is in sync and balanced. That sense of alignment applies to your dental health, too. When your bite is misaligned, your oral health and overall well-being can suffer. You might experience jaw pain, headaches, or even digestive issues. These problems can interfere with your daily life, affecting everything from how you eat to how you sleep. That’s why it’s important to choose the best orthodontist in East Aurora—someone who understands how proper alignment supports your overall health. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we’ve spent decades helping patients find lasting relief through personalized orthodontic care. More than just straightening teeth, our goal is to bring balance back to your bite and your everyday life.
What Is a Misaligned Bite?
When you close your mouth, your teeth come together in a specific way. This is what we call “occlusion.” Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, is when your upper and lower teeth do not align properly when the mouth is closed. This orthodontic problem can significantly impact your oral health and overall wellness.
There are many different forms of malocclusion, including:
- Overbite: The upper teeth and jaw excessively cross over your lower teeth.
- Underbite: The lower teeth and jaw cross further over your upper teeth.
- Crossbite: One or more lower teeth rest before the upper teeth when your mouth is closed.
- Open bite: The upper and lower teeth do not make contact when your mouth is closed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malocclusion is a highly prevalent oral health problem. Unfortunately, its effects can be significant. Patients who struggle with malocclusion may experience difficulty chewing, which leads to an improper breakdown of food. This can result in digestive issues as your system works harder to process inadequately chewed food.
Because malocclusion places excessive and uneven pressure on your jaw and teeth, it can also cause various oral health issues, such as jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A misaligned bite disrupts the delicate balance of the jaw joints and muscles by forcing the jaw to work inefficiently. As a result, it can cause muscle strain, joint stress, and inflammation.
Relatedly, uneven pressure on the teeth can cause damage throughout your mouth. This pressure leads to enamel erosion and increases the risk of cracks, chips, or fractures. In turn, your teeth are more prone to decay, sensitivity, and even tooth loss. You may also struggle with gum and bone issues. Excessive force from an imbalanced bite can lead to gum recession and bone loss, increasing your risk of gum disease.
While malocclusion can cause functional problems, its impact on appearance is just as significant. Many people feel self-conscious about their smile due to misalignment, which can lead to reduced self-esteem and a tendency to hide their teeth. Fortunately, we offer effective treatment options to correct malocclusion and help restore function and confidence.
Solutions for Misalignment With the Best Orthodontist in East Aurora
We use a variety of methods to treat malocclusion. For younger patients, treatment often falls under the category of dentofacial orthopedics. The most common approach in this branch is traditional metal or ceramic braces. We bond brackets to the teeth and connect them with wires, which we periodically tighten to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment. Depending on the severity of the case, Invisalign® clear aligners may also be an option. These offer a more subtle and discreet alternative to braces.
For children and adolescents, we can use palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw. A palatal expander helps address crowding and crossbites before braces treatment. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we advocate for early intervention. Using removable or functional appliances can guide jaw growth and tooth eruption in children, possibly reducing the need for future surgical treatment.
In some situations, we cannot correct malocclusion with orthodontic appliances alone and may recommend surgery. We consider surgery necessary for extreme cases so that we can reposition the jaw for proper alignment and function. Surgical orthodontics for children occurs between the ages of 16 and 18 years. We also do surgery for older patients.
There are plenty of treatment options to address malocclusion. The one that’s best for you depends on your needs, goals, and your specific situation. To learn more, we invite you to visit our practice in East Aurora!
Struggling With Malocclusion? We Can Help!
A misaligned bite affects more than just your smile—it can impact your comfort, your confidence, and even your overall health. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this challenge alone. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we combine decades of experience with advanced technology to provide customized care tailored to every age and need. Whether you or your child needs early orthodontic intervention, traditional braces, Invisalign, or surgical treatment, we’re here to help you find the right path to a healthier, more harmonious smile. If you’re searching for the best orthodontist in East Aurora, look no further.
Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward long-term dental health, functional balance, and the confidence that comes with a smile you love.
