Even if you can’t see any problems with your teeth, you may still have an orthodontic issue. You may not notice it by feeling either. This is usually the case with a deep bite. But a deep

bite indicates an underlying issue that needs to be corrected. Dr. Ami Barakat of Villanova Dental Studio, a provider of orthodontics in Stittsville, ON, describes what you need to know about a deep bite.

What is a Deep Bite?

A deep bite is fairly commonly seen in both children and adults. It’s a malocclusion problem that occurs when your upper front teeth excessively overlap the bottom front teeth when your back teeth are closed. The lower incisors touch the gum tissue that’s behind the upper incisors. You may also hear this referred to as an overbite or a closed bite.

Why Does My Deep Bite Need to Be Fixed?

If you don’t really notice your deep bite and it isn’t causing you discomfort, why do you need to get it corrected? Just because you haven’t had problems with your deep bite yet doesn’t mean they won’t come. For instance, if your lower incisors are constantly coming into contact with your gum tissue, you’re likely to get ulcers and sores in that area.

You may also grind your lower incisors into the cingulae of the upper incisors without realizing it. This can wear down your teeth, causing a loss of tooth structure and possible damage to your teeth. If this happens, Dr. Barakat will have to do something that’s called opening up the bite. The upper and lower incisors need to be spread apart for restoration to take place.

Lastly, you may have crooked or crowded teeth that you want to get straightened. Like with restoring the teeth, your crooked teeth can’t be treated until the deep bite is taken care of. We want to make sure that your teeth straightening is successful and won’t be impacted by troubles with your deep bite.

How is a Deep Bite Fixed?

Before any treatment is performed, Dr. Barakat will do a thorough orthodontic evaluation with you. He’ll look at your jaw, teeth, and oral health and determine the issues he sees that you’re dealing with. If he notices that you have a deep bite, he’ll explain the significance of it and why it needs to be taken care of. He’ll also talk to you about any orthodontic goals you may have.

Treatment for a deep bite usually involves multiple phases. We have to get both the jaw positioned correctly and the teeth in place as well. Commonly, the upper or lower incisors (or both) need to be moved into their supportive bones more. We can also work with an option to make the side and back teeth longer.

There are many things Dr. Barakat may use to treat your condition. These include a palate expander, traditional braces, Invisalign, two-phase treatment, or a combination of these. Depending on your particular case, Dr. Barakat will create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Orthodontics in Stittsville, Ontario

Are you struggling with issues related to your bite? Call us or schedule an appointment online for an orthodontic evaluation.