Correct teeth bite - how to determine, characteristics and varieties

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Crooked, unhealthy teeth can ruin the appearance of an otherwise attractive person. Oral health is important not only for our attractiveness, because the main function of teeth is to grind food. The condition of the stomach and intestines depends on this, which directly affects health and life expectancy .

How is the bite formed?

The process of bite formation is long - from birth to adolescence. There are 5 periods.

• Initial (up to 6 months): no teeth, the upper jaw is larger in size than the lower jaw. At this time, an active feeding process is extremely important for the proper development of the jaw apparatus.
• Emerging temporary bite (6 months - 3 years): baby teeth and a bite appear, but it is still temporary. This stage is accompanied by inflammation of the gums, a rise in temperature, often grinding of teeth (bruxism), and emerging teeth may be crooked. It is important to maintain hygiene without taking any orthodontic measures.
• Formed temporary occlusion (3 - 6 years): baby teeth have erupted and can close in different ways, jaw growth continues. This is the time of active use of teeth. Characteristic wear of temporary teeth is considered normal before the upcoming change.
• Changeable dentition (6-12 years): jaw growth, loss of baby teeth and appearance of permanent teeth. Often new teeth, especially the lower ones, erupt unevenly. During this period, it is necessary to decide on a plan for further correction of the bite.
• Permanent dentition (12 - 15 years): replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones, all 28 teeth are visible, no wisdom teeth. The period is most favorable for orthodontic treatment.

In order for the bite to form correctly, there must be careful attention to teething, oral hygiene, and a timely plan to correct emerging problems.

Features of correct bite in a child

If we consider this problem in terms of age, then the characteristics of the correct bite at any period of a person’s life will be similar. The only exceptions we can put aside are children, in whom only after changing their baby teeth can we say with 100% probability that they have a correct or incorrect bite.

In fact, an adult bite is no different from a child’s bite from an anatomical point of view.

The correct arrangement of the dentition is comparable at any age, as is the structure of the jaw. But still, it is worth paying attention to the state of the bite of children more often due to the rapid growth of all parts of the chewing apparatus and the gradual replacement of milk teeth with primary ones.

The bite is formed from birth, and the process lasts up to 15 years. Development occurs in stages, from the moment the first primary incisors appear. After changing all the elements, the bite becomes permanent. Its formation is directly influenced by both hereditary and external factors.

In childhood, it is important to pay increased attention to the prevention of the development of correct bite, so that the jaw bones and teeth alignment correspond to the physiological norm.

For proper development of the bite, it is necessary to: keep the child breastfed from birth; Try not to accustom your baby to a pacifier and pacifier. If this is difficult to achieve, you need to use rubber as little as possible; prevent the development of bad habits such as sucking fingers and toys. During sleep, the child's mouth should be closed and the head should not be thrown back. From the beginning of the growth of baby teeth, it is necessary to include solid foods in the diet.

You should consider visiting an orthodontist after teething.
If necessary, the specialist will prescribe a comprehensive examination and radiography to identify the causes of dental pathologies. Then you should get advice from doctors in related fields. Specialists will determine contraindications, the likelihood of complications and assess the condition of the baby’s entire body.

Based on the data obtained, the orthodontist will draw up a treatment plan for approximately 2 years with monthly clinic visits.

There are several risk factors that may indicate that your child needs to correct his bite: deformation of the spinal column, a genetic predisposition to pathologies of the development of the dental system, difficulty breathing through the nose, diseases of the central nervous system and bad habits (grinding teeth, pushing the lower jaw forward or swallowing, clicking jaw joints, etc.). But only a doctor can give an accurate conclusion on the issue of correcting the bite.

Therefore, it is best to contact myofunctional centers, which unite orthopedists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists and osteopaths. The joint work of specialists guarantees accurate diagnosis and successful resolution of the issue.

In modern dentistry, there are various devices for correcting malocclusion in children, designed to achieve the following goals:

1. prevention of bad habits;
2. expansion of the jaw arch;
3. correction of speech defects;
4. normalization of the functioning of the masticatory muscles;
5. tongue position control.

Correct teeth bite

An ideal orthognathic bite implies the presence of the following features:

• The upper dental arch is slightly inclined forward and has the shape of a semi-ellipse, the lower, in the shape of a parabola, is slightly backward.
• When the jaws close, each upper tooth contacts the opposite tooth below.
• There are no obvious gaps between the teeth.
• The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by about a third of their height.

Despite the fact that there are the above parameters for a perfect smile, the question “What should be the bite of the teeth?” cannot be answered unambiguously. In addition to the orthognathic bite, modern orthodontics allows for several options for the normal structure of the dentition and the location of the jaws.

Orthognathic

The upper row of teeth overlaps the lower one by 30% of the height, there are no gaps between the teeth or spaces between the rows.

Biprognathic

The dentition is slightly directed towards the vestibule of the mouth.

Progenic

The lower jaw moves forward slightly.

Straight

When the jaws close, the upper teeth come into contact with the lower cutting edges.

A perfect smile with veneers and lumineers

Restoration of the smile area using veneers and lumineers is suitable if you have absolutely healthy, but not very beautiful teeth. Indications for the use of veneers are:

• Chips, microcracks in teeth;
• Darkening of the enamel that cannot be eliminated by bleaching;
• Noticeable stains on the surface of the teeth;
• High-quality fillings, but darkened over time;
• Large interdental spaces;
• Slight crowding of teeth;
• Deviation of the position of the teeth from the axis;

Microprostheses are fixed on the outer surface of the teeth to change the visual perception of the dentition and create a beautiful smile. The color of the veneer is chosen so that it matches your own teeth. In this case, the presence of veneers is invisible. People around you simply notice your beautiful smile. They are not suitable for restoring severely damaged teeth. In such cases, it is better to choose ceramic crowns rather than veneers.

Installation of veneers and lumineers requires grinding of teeth. Since without it, the lining will protrude above the teeth due to its own thickness. Your teeth won't look beautiful and your smile won't look perfect. The amount of grinding depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and his teeth. In some cases, it is indeed possible to completely do without turning, but the doctor will be able to tell how microprosthetics will work in your case only after an examination.

Dental restoration with lumineers and veneers takes time, since microprostheses are made individually. The entire process of creating a Hollywood smile takes place in several stages:

• Preliminary inspection. The task of this stage is to identify indications and contraindications for the installation of veneers;
• Sanitation of the oral cavity. Plaque and stone are removed from the surface of the teeth;
• Grinding of teeth for veneers. This step is not always required;
• Preparation of casts. After the teeth are completely prepared for restoration, the doctor takes impressions to make veneers;
• Manufacturing. Veneers are made in a dental laboratory using CAD/CAM technology. Lumineers must be ordered from the manufacturer;
• Installation. Once the veneers are ready, they are fixed to the teeth with dental adhesive.

You can see the result of dental restoration and decide whether it is necessary even at the preparation stage. To do this, the doctor will make a 3D computer model of your new beautiful smile.

Malocclusion of teeth

Look at your reflection in the mirror. If you notice an excessively protruding upper or lower lip, teeth that “overlap” each other, or gaps between the dentition when the jaws are closed, this is a clear reason to consult a specialist. Descriptions of dental anomalies and photographs of teeth with malocclusion pathologies are presented in the table below.

Distal (prognathic)

In a distal bite, the upper jaw is more developed than the lower jaw.

Mesial (medial)

With a mesial bite, the lower jaw is pushed forward.

Cross

In a crossbite, the rows of teeth intersect in the manner of scissors when the jaws close.

Deep

In a deep bite, the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth.

Open

The presence of pronounced gaps between the dentition when the jaws are closed indicates an open bite.

Bite in the absence of teeth

A person without teeth has problems with the functioning of the temporomandibular joints, facial aesthetics deteriorate, and wrinkles appear due to loss of skin tone. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to restore the bite using a complete denture made using a special technique.

Bite restoration with complete dentures

1. The central ratio of the jaws is determined - the position of the lower jaw in relation to the upper in three planes: vertical, sagittal and transversal. The role of the dentition is played by wax rollers.
2. Measurements are taken using a device consisting of an external facebow-ruler and an intraoral plate with a flat frontal part and curved distal parts.
3. The plaster model marks the boundaries of the future structure, the line of the middle of the alveolar process, the tubercles of the upper and lower jaw, and the midline.
4. Artificial teeth are placed in such a way that when you smile, the part of the prosthesis that imitates the gum is not visible.

What types are there?

There are temporary and permanent bites. The bite in children before the eruption of permanent teeth is called temporary. 6-9 years – time of replacement bite. During this period, the child has simultaneous presence of permanent teeth and milk teeth.

Peculiarities of eruption influence the formation of the maxillofacial system. Any removal of replacement teeth earlier than a year before natural loss causes the risk of various deformities:

• asymmetrical dentition;
• midline shift;
• blocking chewing movements of the jaw.

A permanent bite is formed when a teenager reaches 15 years of age, when the formation of roots in relation to the position of the teeth ends. Their number during this period is 28 (32 - if the third molars have erupted).

Permanent dentition can be physiological or abnormal.

Physiological

photo: this is what a correct bite looks like from the side

Physiological ones include types of occlusions that provide:

• the most efficient and comfortable chewing of food;
• correct speech formation;
• aesthetic appearance of the maxillofacial area.

There are several varieties:

1. Orthognathic. This is the standard bite that provides maximum functionality of the jaws. Premolars and molars intersect with antagonists of the opposite row. The upper incisors and canines overlap the lower ones due to a slight outward slope.
2. Straight. It differs from orthognathic in the type of closure of the incisors. The edges of the upper ones do not overlap the lower ones, but touch end to end. The molars have good tight contact. A big disadvantage is the rapid wear of the upper and lower incisors due to contact of the cutting edges.
3. Progenic . The lower jaw is pushed forward. The dental arches close tightly, the chewing function of the jaw is preserved.
4. Biprognathic. The incisors and canines have a greater angle of inclination forward than with orthognathic. The contact of the anterior teeth is good. The incisors meet at the edges.
5. Opisthognathic . The upper and lower incisors are inclined towards the oral cavity. The molars and premolars are tightly closed.

Abnormal

photo: malocclusion

Malocclusion is characterized by a complete or partial absence of tooth contact in occlusion. Such a bite distorts the face, disrupts the chewing process and can affect the formation of speech defects.

There are several types of abnormal bite:

1. Deep. Its peculiarity is that the upper incisors overlap the antagonists by more than a third. The wear of the cutting edge is increased, causing the masticatory muscles to experience hypertonicity. This type of bite is also determined by constant sensations of tension in the temporomandibular joint and headaches.
2. Open. A rather complex defect that entails disruption of several body systems at once. With the open type, some teeth do not have contact with the antagonists. There are lateral and frontal types.
   Symptoms indicating the presence of an open bite are elongation of the mandibular part of the face, constant tension of the facial muscles, speech disturbances, difficulty swallowing, discomfort when chewing.

   This type may have a rachitic and traumatic origin. The rachitic variety is difficult to correct and usually requires surgical intervention. The traumatic variety is formed in childhood as a result of bad habits or trauma; at a young age it is quite easy to correct.

3. Cross. The displacement of the lower jaw to one side forms a noticeable asymmetry of the face, the dentitions close like scissors crosswise.
   A person with such a defect has difficulty chewing food and chews only on one side. Poorly chopped food provokes stomach diseases, discomfort in the jaw joint during eating, and the development of periodontal diseases.
4. Distal. The defect is formed as a result of good development of the upper jaw and at the same time underdevelopment of the lower jaw.
   With this anomaly, the upper incisors stick out forward, leaving a large gap between the upper and lower incisors. In the formation of such an anomaly, heredity, poor posture, and removal of baby teeth (more than a year before the appearance of permanent teeth) become decisive.
5. Mesial . Characterized by a protracted lower jaw. With such a defect, the chin protrudes strongly and the facial profile is curved. The lower teeth are located in front of the upper teeth during occlusion.

Bite after wisdom tooth removal

Some doctors are convinced that wisdom teeth are an atavism and must be gotten rid of. In ancient times, they were used to chew tough foods, such as raw meat. With the development of civilization, the human diet changed, his jaw began to gradually decrease - and the “eights” turned out to be superfluous. Most often, before starting to correct the bite, wisdom teeth are removed. This frees up space for the correct formation of rows, and the result of teeth alignment will be much better.

Restoration of anterior teeth before and after photos

However, each medical procedure has its own contraindications and limitations that the patient needs to be aware of.

What affects the bite of teeth?

The negative impact of defects in the dental system on the condition of the entire organism has been repeatedly proven by scientists. The list of identified health risks is impressive even for ardent optimists.

• Due to improper distribution of the chewing load, tooth enamel wears off faster, teeth begin to react painfully to cold and hot, their necks become exposed, and noticeable gaps form between the teeth.
• Diseases of the temporomandibular joints occur, accompanied by headaches and a characteristic clicking sound when the jaws move.
• The aesthetics of the face suffers: its proportions change, wrinkles form, teeth become crooked, and the smile becomes unattractive.
• It becomes difficult to bite food, chewing functions are disrupted, causing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Speech defects appear, facial expressions are distorted, and self-esteem decreases.
• Crowding and crooked teeth cause accelerated tooth decay due to frequent chipping and carious lesions.
• The oral mucosa is injured - cheeks, gums, tongue, and the tissues of the oral cavity become inflamed.
• The quality of breathing deteriorates, which leads to diseases of the nasopharynx, trachea, and hearing aid.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis in its final form is a serious infection that damages soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports the teeth. Periodontitis can not only lead to tooth loss, but worse, it can cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and other serious health problems.

Periodontitis is a common disease, but largely preventable. Periodontitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, daily, and regular dental checkups can significantly reduce the chance of developing periodontitis.

Symptoms

You may find that you have gingivitis:

• Swelling of the gums (edema)
• Bright red or purple gum color
• Gums sensitive to touch
• Gum that “pulls away” from your teeth, making your teeth appear longer than usual
• Pus from under the gums
• Bad breath
• Bad taste in mouth
• Movable teeth

There are different types i.e. severity of periodontitis. Periodontitis is characterized by a chronic course, with exacerbations occurring.

When to see a dentist

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color. If your gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, or show other signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, see your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you seek medical help, the better your chances of reversing the damage from periodontal disease, potentially preventing other serious health problems.

Causes

Periodontitis is thought to begin with plaque, a sticky film made primarily of bacteria. Plaque forms on teeth when sugar starches in foods interact with bacteria that are normally found in the mouth. Brushing and flossing remove plaque. But plaque re-forms quickly, usually within 24 hours.

Constant inflammation eventually leads to pockets between the gums and teeth that become filled with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Over time, these pockets become deeper and bacteria accumulate, moving under the gum tissue. This deep inflammation is the cause of bone resorption. If too much bone is destroyed, you may lose one or more teeth.

What can cause periodontitis?

Factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontitis include:

• Gingivitis
• Heredity
• Insufficient oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Elderly age
• Decreased immunity, such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy
• Poor nutrition
• Some medications
• Alcohol or drug abuse

Complications

Some complications associated with gum disease include:

• Complete loss of teeth
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Problems with pregnancy, low birth weight
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Breathing problems
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Asthma

Some research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter the bloodstream through the gum tissue, affecting your lungs, heart, and other parts of your body. For example, bacteria can travel in the arteries to the heart and cause inflammation of the heart muscle, which contributes to heart attacks.

Treatment of dental malocclusion

How to change the bite of teeth? Pathologies of the dental system can only be eliminated through orthodontic treatment. An exception is the correction of a low bite, when the height of the teeth decreases with age due to their wear. In such cases, the bite is corrected by dental prosthetics with crowns or veneers, as well as by implantation. Other anomalies of teeth and bite can be removed at any age with special orthodontic structures or through surgical intervention.

However, maxillofacial operations are performed only in case of serious deviations from the norm. Usually, to correct dental malocclusion, doctors suggest correction with braces or aligners.

Now that you know about all the health risks that can cause pathologies of the dental system, and how to correct your dental bite, all that remains is to take specific actions. Even if at first glance it seems that your teeth are straight, make an appointment with an orthodontist. Diagnosing the condition of the dentition will help maintain the health of other organs and systems. And timely orthodontic treatment will make your smile more attractive and significantly reduce the number of future visits to the dentist.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation, irritation and redness. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have inflammation. But it's important to take gingivitis seriously and act quickly. If you do not undergo careful treatment, gingivitis may eventually develop into a more serious disease – periodontitis. Ultimately, this can all lead to complete tooth loss.

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Good habits such as brushing, flossing at least twice a day, and regular dental checkups can help prevent gingivitis.

Symptoms

Healthy gums are firm, painless and pale pink in color. If your gums are puffy, dark red, and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. Because the disease is rarely painful in its early stages, you may have gingivitis without even knowing it.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Swollen gums
• Soft, plump gums
• Sensitive gums

Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.

Redness or pinkishness on the brush or toothpick is sometimes seen.

• Changing the color of your gums from a healthy pink to red

When to see a dentist

Most dentists recommend regular exams to screen for gingivitis, tooth decay, and other dental diseases. The doctor eliminates the causes of the disease - treating only the symptoms of the disease at home can lead to more serious problems. If you notice any signs and symptoms of gingivitis, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your dentist. The sooner you seek medical help, the better your chances of reversing the damage from gingivitis and preventing it from progressing to periodontitis.

Causes

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, which contributes to plaque formation. Plaque is invisible - it is a sticky film consisting mainly of bacteria. Plaque forms on teeth when starches and sugars in foods interact with bacteria normally found in the mouth. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing every day are recommendations from any dentist. Plaque requires daily removal because it forms quickly, usually within 24 hours.

Plaque that remains on the teeth for longer than two or three days can harden under the gums into tartar. Tartar can also develop as a result of minerals in saliva. Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a protective shield for bacteria. You usually can't get rid of tartar by brushing or flossing—you need ultrasonic teeth cleaning to remove it.

The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gums around the base of your teeth. Over time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. It can also lead to tooth decay.

Risk factors

Gingivitis is common and anyone can experience this condition. Many people first experience gum problems during puberty and then to varying degrees throughout their lives.

Factors that may increase your risk of developing gingivitis include:

• Insufficient oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Elderly age
• Decreased immunity due to leukemia, HIV/AIDS
• Some medications
• Some viral and fungal infections
• Dry mouth
• Hormonal changes that are associated with pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, or the use of birth control pills
• Poor nutrition
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Unsuitable dental restorations
• Poor quality prosthetics

Complications

In its chronic form, gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to the tissue and bone of the jaw, which can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontitis and poor oral hygiene in general can also affect your overall health. Also, today it is not entirely clear whether this is true, but the disease may be associated with:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Lung disease
• Premature birth or the birth of a child with low body weight or other pathology

Tests and diagnostics

Dentists usually diagnose gingivitis based on complaints and an examination of your teeth, gums, mouth and tongue. Your dentist will look for plaque and tartar on the teeth and check the gums for redness, swelling and bleeding - this will help him make an accurate diagnosis and determine the form and extent of the disease.

If it is not clear what caused your gingivitis, your dentist may recommend that you get a physical examination to check for underlying health conditions.

Procedures and drugs

Prompt treatment usually reverses the symptoms of gingivitis and prevents it from progressing to more serious gum disease and tooth loss. Effective treatment requires professional care followed by oral hygiene at home.

Professional prevention includes:

• Initial assessment and thorough teeth cleaning to remove all traces of plaque and tartar
• Instructions for effective home flossing
• Regular professional inspections and cleanings
• Special cleaning in places where crowns and fillings are attached, implants installed

Your initial professional cleaning will include the use of dental instruments to remove all traces of plaque and tartar.

Uneven teeth or poorly fitting crowns, bridges or other dentures can irritate your gums and make at-home plaque removal more difficult. If problems with your teeth or dentures are contributing to gingivitis, your dentist may recommend correcting these problems.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Steps you can take at home to prevent and reverse gingivitis include:

• Regular professional dental cleanings on a schedule recommended by your dentist.
• Using a soft toothbrush—replace it at least every three to four months.
• Using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
• Brushing your teeth twice a day, or better yet, after every meal.
• Use toothpicks at least once a day.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.

If you are consistent with your home hygiene, you should see the return of pink, healthy gum tissue within a few days or weeks. You will need to practice good oral hygiene every day.

Prevention

The best way to prevent gingivitis is a good oral hygiene program that is followed consistently throughout your life. Brushing and flossing for three to five minutes is as much a daily ritual as eating.