Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite) in San Francisco
An uneven bite can affect more than just your smile’s appearance. At Financial District Dentistry, we help patients throughout San Francisco, CA understand and treat malocclusion for a healthier, more comfortable bite.
What Is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion refers to a misaligned bite, where the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when the jaw closes. This can include overbites, underbites, crossbites, or general crowding and spacing issues.
Types of Malocclusion
Common types include an overbite, where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth; an underbite, where the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth; and a crossbite, where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them. Crowding and excessive spacing are also considered forms of malocclusion.
What Causes Malocclusion?
Malocclusion can be caused by genetics, childhood habits like thumb-sucking, early or late loss of baby teeth, or jaw growth patterns. In many cases, it’s a combination of hereditary and developmental factors.
Why Malocclusion Matters
An uneven bite can contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort or TMJ-related symptoms, difficulty cleaning certain teeth effectively, and in some cases, speech or chewing difficulties.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of malocclusion. Options may include Invisalign® clear aligners for milder cases, traditional orthodontic treatment for more significant misalignment, or a combination of orthodontic and restorative care for complex cases.
Malocclusion in Adults
Bite issues aren’t just a childhood concern — many adults seek treatment for malocclusion that was never addressed earlier, or for bite changes that developed over time. Our adult orthodontic treatment options can help.
Schedule Your Bite Evaluation
Curious whether your bite needs attention? Our team at Financial District Dentistry is here to help. Contact us or request an appointment today.
Malocclusion FAQs
What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is a misaligned bite, where the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when the jaw closes.
What causes a misaligned bite?
Causes can include genetics, childhood habits like thumb-sucking, early or late loss of baby teeth, and jaw growth patterns.
Can malocclusion cause other health issues?
Yes, it can contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and difficulty cleaning teeth effectively.
How is malocclusion treated?
Treatment options include Invisalign® clear aligners for milder cases and traditional orthodontic treatment for more significant misalignment.
Can adults be treated for malocclusion?
Yes, adult orthodontic treatment can address bite issues that were never treated earlier or developed over time.
How do I know if I have malocclusion?
A dental evaluation can assess your bite alignment and determine if treatment would be beneficial.
Get a Healthier Bite
Contact us at (415) 399-9999 to schedule your bite evaluation.