A deep bite, a common malocclusion seen in children and adults, is tough to treat. A successful bite correction treatment usually takes around 1.5 to 2 years. However, the treatment time for deep bite correction varies depending upon the type, severity, and nature of the deep bite. Today advanced orthodontics has made the correction treatment less challenging.
Read on to learn everything about the deep bite problem and its treatment.
What is a deep bite?
Closed bite or deep bite is the result of your lower front teeth biting into the gum tissue at the back of your upper front teeth. This can lead to unnecessary wear and tear of the upper and lower teeth, significant pain, and even periodontal damage.
What causes a deep bite?
A deep bite problem can occur due to the following factors:
- Misalignment of teeth and jaws
- Smaller lower jaw
- Genetic factors
- Worn or decayed teeth
- Teeth crowding
- Failing dental work
- Missing back teeth
Why do deep bites need to be fixed?
Fixing a deep bite can significantly improve your smile. Other reasons to fix your deep bite include:
- Patients who clench their lower teeth against their upper teeth experience excessive wear that can cause damage to the tooth structure.
- Painful ulcers and sores tend to develop in patients who bite into the roof of their mouth, making eating very unpleasant.
- If a considerable part of the tooth structure has been damaged, the orthodontist can open the bite by recreating the space required for restoration by moving the lower and upper teeth apart.
- Deep bites are usually accompanied by crowding and crookedness of teeth. If you want to align your teeth, deep bites need to be corrected.
How do orthodontists correct a deep bite?
An orthodontist often corrects deep bites using several methods, including:
- Moving up either the lower or upper front teeth or both into their supportive bones.
- Elongating the back and side teeth to open the bite. This has the same effect as intruding on the front teeth.
- Make room for the correction of the front teeth by moving the molar teeth backward.
Our Des Moines dentist will help you to determine what deep bite treatment is best for you. Contact us to book an appointment today!
