Occlusion is a term dentists use 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 behind their lower molars causing what is commonly called an under bite. This causes the lower jaw to protrude outward with the lower front teeth sitting out in front of the uppers. 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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