Need Help With Bite Problems?
Bite problems can affect more than just your smile. If your teeth don’t fit together comfortably, you may notice jaw pain, difficulty chewing, uneven wear on your teeth, or even changes in your facial appearance over time.
At Gentle Dental Centre, we assess bite problems carefully to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate next steps. While we are not orthodontists, we can help manage related dental issues, provide restorative solutions, and refer you to trusted orthodontic specialists if needed.
What Are Bite Problems?
Your bite refers to the way your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. Bite problems happen when this alignment is off, which can involve your teeth, your jaw position, or both.
Some people are born with uneven bites, while others develop bite issues over time due to tooth movement, extractions, accidents, or dental work that changes the way the teeth fit together. In many cases, these problems can be subtle at first but lead to discomfort or wear if left untreated.
Common Types of Bite Problems
Bite problems come in different forms, and each can affect your oral health in its own way. Some are obvious, while others are more subtle and develop gradually. Here are some of the most common dental bite issues we see:
Overbite
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than usual. A slight overbite is normal, but when the overlap is excessive, it can lead to problems such as uneven wear on the lower teeth, jaw discomfort, or cosmetic concerns about the appearance of the smile.
People with a pronounced overbite may also find it more difficult to bite into certain foods or notice that their bottom teeth press into the roof of their mouth. Over time, this can cause irritation and even changes in the shape of the smile.
At Gentle Dental Centre, we can assess the severity of an overbite, check for signs of tooth wear or jaw strain, and discuss whether restorative options or a referral to an orthodontist would be most suitable.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. Like overbites, some mild underbites don’t cause functional issues, but more significant ones can affect chewing, speaking, and the balance of the bite.
An untreated underbite can place extra stress on the jaw joints and lead to uneven wear on the teeth. Some patients also notice changes in their facial profile or develop habits to compensate when biting or speaking.
We can identify whether the underbite is causing functional problems, manage any related dental concerns, and refer you to a trusted orthodontist if alignment treatment is the best option.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This can affect a single tooth or multiple teeth and often causes uneven wear and jaw strain over time.
Open Bite
With an open bite, the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, leaving a noticeable gap. This can make it difficult to bite into foods and may affect speech clarity.
Crowding, Spacing and Shifting Bites
Crowded or widely spaced teeth can affect how the bite comes together, sometimes leading to an uneven bite. Bite changes can also occur gradually after extractions or dental work, especially if teeth shift position over time.
Even mild irregularities can cause functional issues if they place extra pressure on certain teeth or jaw joints.
Should I Just Book to See an Orthodontist?
If you’ve noticed bite problems, you might be wondering whether to book directly with an orthodontist. In most cases, it’s best to start with a comprehensive dental assessment first. Many bite issues are related to teeth position, existing dental work, or wear that can often be managed with restorative dentistry rather than braces.
At Gentle Dental Centre, we can determine whether your bite problem requires orthodontic treatment or can be addressed in another way. If specialist care is needed, we’ll refer you to trusted orthodontists and work closely with them to support your treatment plan.
Why Bite Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Ignoring bite problems can lead to more than just cosmetic concerns. When your bite is uneven or misaligned, some teeth may experience extra pressure, leading to premature wear, cracks or chipping. Jaw muscles may overwork to compensate, which can contribute to jaw pain, headaches or temporomandibular joint discomfort.
Bite issues can also make it harder to chew or speak clearly and may gradually affect the appearance of your smile and jawline. Early assessment gives you more options for managing the problem before it becomes more complex.
How We Can Help at Gentle Dental Centre
Our experienced team can help diagnose and manage bite problems through a thorough a dental examination. Depending on the cause and severity, we may recommend:
- Bite assessments to identify the underlying issue
- Restorative solutions such as crowns, fillings, or replacing missing teeth to correct bite imbalances
- Monitoring and professional advice if the problem is minor and doesn’t require immediate treatment
- Referral to trusted orthodontists if braces, aligners or other orthodontic treatment is the most suitable option
We take the time to explain your options clearly and refer you to reputable orthodontists if specialised treatment is required.
When to See a Dentist About Bite Problems
Some bite problems develop slowly, while others appear more suddenly. It’s a good idea to book a dental assessment if you notice:
- Jaw pain or clicking when chewing or speaking
- Difficulty biting into food or chewing comfortably
- Teeth that don’t seem to fit together like they used to
- Uneven tooth wear or new sensitivity
- Changes in your smile or facial appearance
Early intervention can help prevent discomfort and long-term complications.
Bite Problems FAQ
Is an overbite serious?
A mild overbite is common and usually not a problem. However, if the overlap is significant, it can cause uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, or affect the appearance of your smile. A dentist can assess the severity and recommend restorative solutions or refer you to an orthodontist if alignment treatment would be beneficial.
Can a dentist fix an underbite?
For some mild underbites, restorative treatments like crowns or fillings can help balance the bite. In more significant cases, orthodontic treatment may be the best option. At Gentle Dental Centre, we’ll assess your underbite and either manage the issue or refer you to a trusted orthodontist for specialist care.
Book an Appointment for Bite Problem Assessment in Wanneroo
If you’re experiencing bite problems, our team at Gentle Dental Centre can help identify the cause and guide you toward the right solution. Whether that involves restorative treatment, careful monitoring or a referral to a trusted orthodontist, we’ll make sure you understand your options clearly.
Book an appointment today or learn more about our Restorative Dentistry and Emergency Dentist services.
