Understanding What a “Bad Bite” (Malocclusion) Means
A bad bite, medically known as malocclusion, occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly when your mouth closes—often due to crowded or misaligned teeth, or mismatched jaw relationships. While mild misalignment may not need treatment, more severe malocclusions can impact oral health and function
Overbite / Deep Bite: Upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth vertically.
Overjet (“Buck Teeth”): Upper teeth protrude horizontally beyond the bottom teeth .
Underbite: Lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, often due to jaw positioning .
Crossbite: Upper teeth may sit inside the lower ones, affecting either side or group of teeth .
Open Bite: A gap remains between upper and lower front (or back) teeth even when biting down .
Crowding: Insufficient space causes teeth to overlap or twist out of position .
2. Spotting the Signs of a Bad Bite
Watch out for these telltale signs:
Visible Misalignment: Crooked teeth, “buck teeth,” underbite, crossbite, or openbite.
Chewing or Biting Trouble: Difficulty biting into food or uneven wear on teeth.
Speech Issues: Lisping or trouble pronouncing certain sounds.
Jaw Discomfort: Pain, clicking, or locking of the jaw joints (TMJ)
Headaches and Facial Strain: Muscle tension from a misaligned bite can cause chronic headaches
Uneven Tooth Wear & Gum Problems: Excessive pressure can lead to enamel erosion, sensitivity, gum recession, or even exposure of tooth roots .
Poor Sleep Quality: Bite misalignment may contribute to snoring or sleep apnea by affecting airway alignment.
Oral Injuries: Protruding front teeth are more prone to trauma; overjet > 9mm dramatically raises the risk of incisal injury
3. Why It Matters for Your Oral Health
Ignoring bite issues can lead to:
Difficulty in cleaning teeth effectively, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease .
Strain on the jaw muscles and joints, potentially causing or worsening TMJ disorders .
Facial asymmetry or altered aesthetics in advanced cases.
Speech and chewing inefficiencies, which over time may affect nutrition and confidence
4. How Dentists Diagnose a Bad Bite
During a check-up, your dentist will:
Observe your bite—ask you to bite down to see tooth alignment .
Use x-rays, dental models, or photographs to assess tooth and jaw relationships
Sometimes apply classification systems like Angle’s system (Classes I–III), or assess using the IOTN index to determine treatment need severity
5. Treatment Options at VR Dental Clinic
Braces or Clear Aligners: Traditional metal braces or Invisalign-style treatment to reposition teeth
Palatal Expanders / Jaw Appliances: Especially useful to correct crossbites and expand narrow arches .
Extractions or Restorative Dentistry: Removing teeth or repairing them to balance crowding or spacing
Orthognathic Surgery: For complex jaw discrepancies in adults, surgery combined with orthodontics may be recommended
Post-Treatment Retainers: To maintain alignment after correction
