Unlike other smile imperfections, malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, cannot be easily hidden. Dental occlusions negatively impact your day-to-day life, whether by altering your looks, producing problems with speaking and chewing, or causing you to frequently bite your cheeks and tongue. Dental occlusion treatment can help San Diego patients achieve a healthier, more comfortable smile that boosts self-confidence and reduces overall jaw pain.
If you are struggling with the effects of a misaligned bite, call The Art of Dentistry to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our cosmetic dentists can improve your confidence and well-being.
Several factors may have caused your teeth to become misaligned, altering your bite. These malocclusions affect your dental health and can trigger changes in function, including:
Your bite’s misalignment can be corrected through various dental occlusion treatments at The San Diego Art of Dentistry, and the one you choose will depend on the severity of your condition and your cosmetic goals. Types of misaligned bites include:
Orthodontic solutions, including braces or clear aligners, will shift your teeth into proper alignment, while dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges, can reshape the teeth and correct minor bite issues.
In severe cases, some teeth may need to be extracted before treatment can begin to help reduce crowding in the mouth. Addressing malocclusions is crucial to protecting your oral health, improving your appearance, and reducing pain and your risk of gum disease.
Before beginning your smile enhancement, the dentists at our San Diego office will explain all available treatment options to correct malocclusions. Proper alignment is essential for long-term oral health and the success of any cosmetic treatments, and addressing bite issues early can help prevent complications such as uneven wear, jaw pain, and future dental problems. Our goal is to create a balanced, functional, and beautiful smile that not only looks great but also promotes your overall dental health.
At The San Diego Art of Dentistry, we treat a variety of malocclusions, including the following.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder that affects your jaw joint and surrounding muscles and tendons. TMJ is typically caused by bite misalignment and can result in pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the jaw.
Other common symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, and earaches. TMJ syndrome can also be caused by teeth grinding, stress, or trauma.
Comprehensive treatment options include night guards, orthodontic adjustments, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Addressing TMJ issues early helps prevent long-term discomfort and improves your jaw function, allowing you to regain comfort in everyday activities like eating and speaking.
Bruxism is characterized by grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. This can lead to abnormal tooth wear, headaches, jaw pain, chipped, broken, or cracked teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, or misaligned teeth may trigger bruxism.
Over time, this condition can increase tooth sensitivity and gum recession. A comprehensive treatment approach will involve stress management techniques, orthodontic correction for misalignment, and wearing a night guard to reduce stress on the teeth. Identifying and treating bruxism early can stop long-term dental damage and protect teeth and jaw function while improving your overall quality of life.
A misaligned bite can impact your ability to eat and speak properly, while also causing jaw discomfort and headaches. If you have questions about jaw or teeth pain, contact The San Diego Art of Dentistry for a consultation in which we can recommend appropriate dental occlusion treatment to protect your oral and overall health.