A malocclusion is a misalignment in your bite, where your teeth do not match up quite like they should. There are a few different types of malocclusions, namely crossbites, overbites and underbites. Often times, they do not cause you much trouble. Other times, they can cause difficulties for you, but these difficulties can be treated.
If you have a malocclusion, you may feel discomfort around the jaw or even throughout your face. You may find it difficult to talk and eat because of the discomfort. The source of this problem can be the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is where the upper and lower jaws attach to each other and hinge. A misalignment of the jaws can put strain on the TMJ.
Sometimes, teeth can rub together if they are misaligned. As they rub together, they can wear down enamel on each other. Enamel protects the inner layers of the tooth from decay. Without the enamel, the risk of tooth decay can increase.
Now, these symptoms are not common for every case of a malocclusion. These generally happen with more extreme misalignments. If your case is mild, you should be okay. Nevertheless, any kind of malocclusion can be treated to help you feel more comfortable with yourself and your smile.
If you do struggle with a malocclusion, please come see us at Payson Dental and Orthodontics in Payson, Utah, for help. Our dentist, Dr. Brian Kraft, can help you get the smile you want and relieve any discomfort, if that is an issue. Feel free to call 801-465-7966 if you would like to learn more or to set up a visit.