If a dentist has told you or your child that there are issues with a bite, you may be tempted to wait to get those bite issues fixed until you or your child is older. However, waiting to get bite issues fixed does more harm than good. It may also mean you pay more money to get teeth fixed later as you or your child grow older.

Bite Issues

Bite Issues, or malocclusions, usually become apparent when the child reaches age 7. Many people are born with malocclusions that are mild. If you have mild malocclusion, you may not need orthodontic treatment at all. More serious bite issues require treatment.

You or your child may have an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite. If your child has an overbite, their top teeth come down too far over their bottom teeth. If you have an underbite, you notice your top teeth fall behind your lower teeth when you bite down. People with crossbites might notice their teeth do not line up together when they bite down.

Problems With Bite Issues

If you or your child have bite issues, you’ll notice that your jaw may ache more often. You may develop headaches or ear pain. You may have trouble biting down or opening and closing your mouth. Many people with malocclusions have difficulty with their jaw joint or temporomandibular joint. Their jaw joints may become inflamed, and this causes pain.

Often, people with malocclusions need treatment. Treatment for malocclusions usually includes braces or clear aligners. If you know that you need help with your biting issues, your dentist will be able to refer you to an orthodontist for treatment. Once your treatment is complete, you’re on your way to a healthy mouth for life.