What About My Bite?
What does an ideal bite look like?
The Perfect Bite
Ideally, your teeth should interlock like the gears of a clock or a zipper. When biting, you will see about 50% of your lower teeth, and the midline between the upper and lower front teeth will line up.
Keep in mind, your teeth can be straight, and your bite can still be unhealthy. This is because many bite issues originate from skeletal (jaws) misalignments.
Learn more about common bite issues in Columbia, Maryland, below, and call NuClear Smiles at 443-812-0993 to schedule an appointment with our team!
Overbite
- What is an Overbite?
An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Most people have at least a little overbite. - What Kinds of Problems Can an Overbite Cause?
When your overbite is too large, our orthodontist might tell you that you have a deep bite. This can cause problems, from your teeth wearing down to pain in your jaw. Doctors use a percentage to describe overbites, and 5 to 25 percent is ideal. - Can Invisalign Clear Aligners Fix an Overbite?
Yes, Invisalign® clear aligners can fix an overbite or deep bite. We can help!
Underbite
- What is an Underbite?
An underbite is when you close your mouth, and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. In many cases, this is actually a problem with your lower jaw being too far forward. - What Kinds of Problems Can an Underbite Cause?
An underbite can make it hard to chew properly and speak clearly, and it might cause your teeth to wear down more quickly. - Can Invisalign Clear Aligners Fix an Underbite?
Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can fix some underbites. Severe underbites might require Invisalign treatment combined with surgery.
Open Bite
- What is an Open Bite?
If your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed, your doctor calls this an open bite. - What Kinds of Problems Can an Open Bite Cause?
An open bite can make it hard to chew or difficult to bite into some common foods, like apples. - Can Invisalign Clear Aligners Fix an Open Bite?
Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can fix an open bite.
Bite Classifications
Many variations exist to “bites”. The are three primary categories which are then further subclassified by other contributing factors such as tooth alignment and skeletal balance. When Dr. Jon Moles determines a patient’s bite classification, the molars and canines are the two sets of teeth used for measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ideal bite is when your upper and lower teeth fit together properly, similar to gears or a zipper. Typically, about 50 percent of your lower teeth should be visible when you bite down, and the center lines of your upper and lower front teeth should align. A proper bite supports both function and long term oral health.
Yes, even if your teeth appear straight, your bite can still be unhealthy. Many bite issues are caused by jaw alignment rather than tooth position alone. That is why a full orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Jon Moles is important to assess both teeth and jaw relationships.
The most common bite issues include overbite, underbite, and open bite. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. An underbite happens when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. An open bite means the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
Yes, Invisalign can treat many types of bite problems, including overbites, underbites, and open bites. However, more severe cases, especially those involving significant jaw misalignment, may require additional treatment such as surgery. Dr. Moles will recommend the best approach based on your specific case.
Untreated bite issues can lead to problems such as uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, speech issues, and jaw discomfort or pain. Correcting your bite not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps protect your teeth and overall oral health.
Ready To Smile Again?
New Patient Consult
Prior to your complimentary new patient consultation, you will be asked to fill out an online inquiry into your desires for treatment outcome, medical history and insurance benefits. After gathering the necessary diagnostics, our team will show you a quick view of your potential results with the Invisalign simulator and discuss financial planning options with you
Develop A Treatment Plan
Before any decisions on treatment can be made, our orthodontist must collect great diagnostics. Dr. Moles will combine his 30 years of expertise as a specialist in orthodontics with the diagnostic data collected, to design a plan using Invisalign aligner’s world class treatment planning software, Clincheck® Pro.
Manufacture Your Plan
Typically, the planning process takes about one to two weeks. Dr. Moles will then send your plan to manufacturing. Manufacturing typically takes another two to three weeks before they arrive at our office. Dr. Moles may need to discuss your plan with you personally. In these instances, either an in-office or virtual consultation will be arranged.
Next, we will set up an appointment with you. Dr. Moles, and one of our technicians will deliver your first sets of aligners, place any attachments needed and go over instructions.
Then it’s up to you! Wearing your aligners as prescribed will speed you along to the smile of your dreams! We will be monitoring your progress weekly and arrange for the delivery of your remaining aligners every three to four months as needed.