Bite Correction

Having a healthy bite is important and allows you to eat and speak properly. At Full Smile Orthodontics, we offer many solutions to correct malocclusion or a “bad bite” and create a custom treatment plan for every patient. If you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, we invite you to contact us in Amarillo, Childress, Dalhart, and Hereford, TX, to schedule an appointment with our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Astuto. We will explore all of your treatment options and help you achieve a healthier bite and a happier smile.

Why Bite Correction Is Important

Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly. The reason for a bad bite can stem from genetics, developmental problems, or environmental factors like excessive thumb-sucking or using a pacifier.

A bad bite can cause jaw pain or TMJ pain, speech issues, or difficulty brushing and flossing. When the teeth are aligned, they withstand the right amount of pressure when you eat. When they are crooked or overcrowded, uneven pressure is distributed, straining certain teeth and possibly leading to chipping or breaking. Aligned teeth are easier to keep clean because you can reach around each tooth and floss properly.

Undergoing bite correction treatment can be a life-changing experience because it can significantly improve your ability to perform everyday activities like eating and speaking. Misaligned teeth may negatively impact your ability to breathe, and bite correction can improve breathing and treat symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

If you experience difficulty or discomfort due to a bad bite, we encourage you to contact Full Smile Orthodontics to explore your treatment options. A healthy bite can help you feel more confident about your smile and make it easier and more enjoyable to maintain good oral hygiene.

Types of Bite Issues

There are several types of malocclusion that can occur, and we can manage these conditions for patients of all ages with a variety of orthodontic treatments.

• Overbite: The upper jaw extends further than the lower jaw.
• Underbite: The lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw.
• Crossbite: The teeth overlap unevenly when they come together.
• Open bite: The front teeth don’t overlap the bottom teeth and may not come together at all.
• Overcrowding: There is not enough room in the dental arch for all of the teeth.

Bite Correction Treatment Options

During your first visit, Dr. Astuto will evaluate your dental health and create a treatment plan that addresses your orthodontic concerns. Our offices are equipped with advanced 3D scanning technology, which we can use to examine your teeth and facial structures below the surface, detect hidden issues, and plan out the details of your treatment. There are several options for bite correction available, and the right option for you will depend on your bite and if there are other issues you wish to address.

Braces

Braces use brackets, wires, and rubber bands to align teeth and improve your bite. With gradual force, braces guide crooked, protruding, and irregularly spaced teeth into their proper positions in the dental arch. Braces are also used to treat impacted teeth and correct more severe orthodontic issues that may be contributing to a bad bite.

Invisalign^®

Invisalign uses clear aligners to align teeth and correct bite problems by placing gradual pressure on the teeth, similar to braces. These aligners are virtually invisible and removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush. Invisalign is great for all ages and for patients who seek an alternative to brackets and wires.

Bite Correction in Amarillo, Childress, Dalhart, and Hereford, TX

A healthy bite is a vital part of a healthy smile. If you have bite problems, contact Full Smile Orthodontics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Astuto and explore your options for bite correction. We offer braces and Invisalign to help you achieve a healthier bite and have offices in Amarillo, Childress, Dalhart, and Hereford, TX, to care for patients in the Texas Panhandle.