Occlusion is a term dentists used to describe how teeth come together. When a patient has proper occlusion, it means that their teeth touch as intended, much like gears coming together in an engine. In some cases, a patient’s upper molars line up forward over their lower molars, causing the upper teeth to protrude forward in what is commonly called an overbite. Depending on the patient, the upper front teeth will usually be either tilted outward towards the lip or inward toward the lower teeth. Bite misalignment or malocclusion can result in a number of consequences as the teeth come into contact in unintended ways. These can include jaw and muscle pain, difficulty eating and speaking, excessive or uneven tooth wear, and cracking and potential loss of the affected teeth. There are several options available to treat bite misalignment issues. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause and the severity of misalignment, making it critical to work closely with your doctor to develop a plan that best meets your unique needs.
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