ProviderBite Correction
Smiles that Work as Great as They Look
A healthy bite does far more than add symmetry and balance to the appearance of your smile; it allows you to speak clearly, chew efficiently, and avoid excess stress on your jaws and muscles.
Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites are examples of common misalignments that can lead to painful and problematic issues such as uneven tooth wear, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort.
Correcting these problems early not only improves oral function but also helps prevent future complications that may require more extensive treatment.
At Nalchajian Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive bite evaluation using the latest diagnostic tools to get an in-depth understanding of the full scope of your orthodontic issue, then create a personalized treatment plan to craft a smile that works and feels as great as it looks.
Flexible Payment Plans to Make You Smile
Investing in a straighter, healthier smile has never been easier. At Nalchajian Orthodontics, we help patients and their families manage the cost of orthodontic treatment with flexible in-house payment plans and convenient financing with CareCredit.
What Causes a Bad Bite?
Malocclusion is the fancy name for a bad bite, or the misalignment of teeth and jaws that leads to the top and bottom teeth not meeting as they should when the jaws are closed.
A bad bite can exist for several reasons. In many cases, it is the result of pressing the tongue against the back of the teeth, genetics, tooth loss, gum disease, thumb-sucking, or the use of a pacifier.
There are several common types of malocclusion, including overbite, underbite, and crossbite. An overbite occurs when the upper jaw and teeth severely overlap with the lower jaw. When the lower teeth extend further than the upper jaw, this is called an underbite. Patients with a crossbite have jaws that meet slightly to the left or right of one another.
Why Fix an Unhealthy Bite?
Bite misalignments vary in severity, and if left untreated, they can lead to a number of issues, including:
- Jaw pain
- Damaged enamel, tooth decay, or bad breath due to misalignment and difficulty brushing and flossing
- Gum disease
- Speech issues
- Facial pain
- TMJ pain
The good news is that there are effective options for correcting a bite misalignment, such as the Herbst appliance and the use of elastics. By correcting a bad bite, you can ensure proper oral function and keep your smile healthy.
Correcting Bite Misalignment
The first step in treating a bad bite is to schedule a consultation with us. Dr. Greg, Dr. Nicole, or Dr. Victoria will evaluate your oral health and determine the right treatment for your needs. We will use advanced 3D imaging technology to scan your facial structure, which helps us design a highly accurate treatment plan.
Many bite problems are corrected using a Herbst appliance. The Herbst appliance is placed on the back molars using a metal connector piece between your upper and lower jaws. Once the Herbst appliance is placed, the patient is only able to close their mouth with their jaw in its new position. Because the Herbst appliance is not removable, it ensures consistent use and can even speed up the treatment process.
Elastics are removable rubber bands manually attached to your braces. You should wear your elastics 24 hours a day and only remove them when you are brushing, flossing, or replacing your elastics with new ones. Elastics should be changed at least every 12 hours to ensure proper elasticity and tension.
Bite Correction in Fresno & Clovis, CA
If you or your child has a bite problem or experiences difficulty closing their mouth and chewing foods completely, orthodontic treatment can help.
Contact Nalchajian Orthodontics in Fresno and Clovis for more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Greg, Dr. Nicole, or Dr. Geren.