Out of Whack?
Do you ever just feel “off”? It happens to all of us. Not enough sleep, not eating right, stress and other things can throw you off balance. There are a few things that can help restore your normal balance, such as improving your diet and relaxing. But what happens if your bite is off? What contributes to an unbalanced bite, and how do you get back in balance?
What Is the Bite?
The bite refers to how your upper and lower jawbones and your teeth come together when you close your mouth. A good, balanced bite is when the upper teeth fit slightly over the lower front teeth, and the grooves of the upper molars fit into the grooves of the lower molars easily.
What Causes the Bite to Be Off?
The bite can be off because of several things, such as jaw malformation or injury, but another thing that can cause the bite to be off is a missing tooth. When you have a gap in your smile, the teeth adjacent to the open space can shift and move. When this happens, they no longer fit with their counterparts on the opposite jaw.
Ways to Tell if Your Bite Is Off
Here are some signs that your bite may be off.
A crown on your tooth feels off. Do you have a crown or tooth that feels like it is sitting too high in your mouth? You may feel as if something is uneven when you bite down, or your tongue is exploring that area repeatedly because it doesn’t feel “right.” We recommend calling the dentist.
You have tooth pain. If you’re experiencing tooth pain and it has not been related to a dental issue such as cavity or abscess, the source of the pain could be your misaligned bite.
Your teeth have moved. Has one of your teeth moved? If you notice the smallest movement, we recommend seeing the dentist.
Jaw pain. Does your jaw hurt? This can also be because your bite is off balance. Missing teeth can cause you to clench your teeth as your bite tries to restore itself to its normal position.
Restoring Balance with a Dental Implant
Do you want to bring balance back to your bite? We recommend finding out if a dental implant is an option for you to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants are a prosthetic tooth-replacement that looks, feels and functions just like your natural teeth. They comprise a screw-like post, which is surgically placed below the gumline into the jaw bone. This post is then topped with a crown that looks just like your natural tooth.
Dental implants are durable, and they look, feel and function similarly to your natural teeth. Unlike with other tooth-replacement options, such as dentures, with tooth implants you don’t have to stress about your teeth slipping, managing messy adhesives or thinking about extra cleaning steps. And, dental implants do not have to be replaced as often as other tooth-replacement options, and in most cases, they can last the rest of your life with proper care.
If you’re noticing problems with your bite and have a missing tooth, call Dr. Pollock today at (469)264-8921 for a consultation.
