Problems with the way your teeth fit together occur in many different ways.An uneven bite, such as an underbite, overbite, or a misaligned bite, can be very obvious.
Not only is it detrimental to cosmetic appearance, but an uncorrected uneven bite can result in discomfort, pain, and difficulty chewing.
An uneven bite can also lead to an increased risk of tooth decay or tooth loss.
Here are some signs and symptoms of an uneven bite;
Appearance – is obviously, the easiest way of telling if your teeth are crooked.
Examining the alignment of your teeth in the mirror is a good way of noticing any misalignments.
If there are minor alignment flaws, you may not be able to spot them right away, but a well-trained dentist may be able to.
Headaches
An uneven bite causes the muscles in the jaw to tense and strain.
This tension can spread through the head and cause frequent headaches.
Any pain around the jaw or head can be a symptom of an uneven bite, as the muscles must strain to compensate for the misalignment.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity in the teeth may be a sign that your tooth enamel is wearing down.
If you have an uneven bite, your teeth may be grinding in a specific spot, causing a breakdown of enamel.
Additionally, if you grind or clench your teeth the enamel can also wear down.
Enamel is very important in protecting our teeth from decay, so if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity it’s best you see your dentist as soon as possible.
Teeth Grinding – or jaw clenching are other signs that you may have a poorly aligned bite.
Grinding and clenching can lead to tension in the jaw as your jaw tries to overcompensate for its misalignment.
Grinding and clenching is very bad for the teeth, as it wears their enamel down over time.
TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) – is a jaw disorder that can cause pain and clicking in the jaw.
If your bite is uneven, the muscles in the jaw have to work hard to compensate, which can lead to tension and straining during talking or chewing.
If you feel any pain, discomfort, or muscle tension in your jaw, or if you often hear a clicking noise while talking or chewing, you may have TMJ due to an uneven bite.
If you have any of the above symptoms or any other discomfort or pain in your mouth and jaw, it’s best to see your dentist right away.
They are trained to spot even small misalignments that you may miss, as well as suggest treatment options to correct your dental alignment!