6 Signs That You Have A Crooked Bite And Need A Bite Specialist Dentist
A crooked bite can cause a number of different dental health issues, and affect your self-esteem. But it can be hard to tell if you have bite problems, especially if you have not consulted with a dentist.
If you suspect that you may have a crooked bite, and need to see a bite specialist dentist for orthodontics or surgery, you may recognize the following signs – and you should see a dentist right away to begin correcting your bite, and prevent further oral health issues.
1. Your Teeth Are Crooked In Appearance
This is the most obvious sign. Teeth that are twisted, crooked, overcrowded, or misaligned are fairly easy to recognize. However, there are other more subtle indicators that you may have a crooked bite.
For example, look at yourself in the mirror and see how your teeth line up with the midline of your face. Are your front teeth in the proper position? Do they look off-center?
Consulting with a dentist is the best way to confirm your amoxil-info.net if you have crooked teeth, and think your bite may be crooked or improperly aligned.
2. You Suffer From Frequent Headaches
An uneven or crooked bite can actually contribute to frequent headaches. Your teeth and jaw cannot work properly when your bite is misaligned. This means that, over time, the muscles of your face and jaw can become strained, which often leads to chronic headaches.
Even if it’s not due to a crooked bite, it still may be a good idea to see a dentist for X-rays if you have chronic headaches. It could be due to another oral problem like an infected tooth or gum disease.
3. You’re Grinding Or Clenching Your Teeth
Teeth grinding is a common symptom of an uneven bite. Grinding and clenching often occur because your teeth and jaw muscles are attempting to compensate for your uneven bite. This often occurs during sleep.
Over time, clenching and grinding can lead to permanent damage to the teeth, so it’s best to get an appointment and have this treated by your dentist, even if your jaw is not misaligned.
4. You Have Jaw Pain Or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
Like headaches and teeth grinding, TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) can be caused by a misaligned bite.
The TMJ is located under the ear, where the jaw connects to your skull, and it’s responsible for moving your jaw when you speak, smile, chew, and more.
An uneven bite can cause strain to these muscles, causing issues like “clicking” sounds, chronic migraines, stiffness of the jaw, and inflammation.
5. Your Dental Work Is Loose Or Failing
If your teeth are misaligned, you could damage dental work like fillings, and caps and crowns. If your teeth do not meet properly, excess stress could be placed on these pieces of dental work, causing them to loosen. This, in turn, can cause tooth decay if bacteria is able to enter the teeth, bacterial infections info tooth infections.
Failing dental work should be examined and restored by a dentist immediately, even if you do not suspect that you have serious bite problems.
6. Your Teeth Are Wearing Unevenly, Or You’re Suffering From Tooth Sensitivity
The changing pressures caused by bite misalignment can cause uneven wear on your teeth. In turn, the worn-out enamel means your teeth are more sensitive, and vulnerable to tooth decay. It can also lead to chipping or cracking of one or more teeth.
Get Help From A Bite Specialist Dentist Right Away
If you recognize one or more of the above signs, your bite may be uneven – and unless you get treatment, your oral health could be at risk.
So don’t wait. Make an appointment with a bite specialist dentist now, and get the treatment you need. By doing so, you can safeguard your oral health, and prevent future damage and discomfort.
