An uneven bite is about a lot more than appearance. Although teeth may look misaligned, have an underbite or overbite, the problem is much deeper than cosmetic. When a bite is not in harmony, the result can be discomfort or pain, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. At times, there may be no discomfort, yet damage is occurring.
In fact, when part of a tooth strikes prior to the remainder of the teeth, it frequently causes that tooth to have sensitivity to cold. Additionally, when there is a new crown or filling that is too high an imbalance can occur, causing tenderness or soreness in the jaw muscles along with sensitivity.
When the bite is properly aligned, it should be possible to bite hard and grind the teeth together in all directions without feeling discomfort in any single tooth. When hard biting causes discomfort or pain in the jaw joint, there may be a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but more frequently the pain is due to the muscles that move the joints attempting to adapt to a misaligned bite.
Another indication of a bite problem may be severe wear on the teeth. The enamel can become worn off the biting edges of the teeth, revealing a darker colored surface known as dentin, which can wear down seven times faster. The front teeth are especially vulnerable, often noticeable on the lower front teeth. Through severe wear, the nerves will be exposed and teeth may become abscessed.
Although these are some common signs of an uneven bite, there are many other subtle indicators that a dentist can evaluate during an examination. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, or pain or discomfort in your head, face, jaw or teeth, Dr. Heidi Finkelstein at My Plantation Dentist can help diagnose the exact source of your pain, treat your discomfort, and help to prevent future damage to your teeth and gums. To schedule your appointment, please contact us today at 954-584-1030.
