Types of bites and how to identify them

Types of bites and how to identify them

When we think of oral pathologies that orthodontics is capable of solving, it is usually alignment problems that come to mind first. However, bite problems, which are very common among children and adult patients, are a major aesthetic and functional problem that requires the intervention of our orthodontic service in Tarragona.

The importance of a correct bite lies in its influence on the composition of the face, facial harmony and the functions of speech, chewing and breathing. Therefore, any anomaly in the bite can condition them and can also cause physical discomfort (jaw, head, neck, ear and other pains).

At Clínica Dental Drs. Moreno-Montalvo, your dentist in Salou and Sant Pere i Sant Pau, we offer you an overview of the main types of bites that exist, so that you can learn to identify them and know when to go for a consultation. Attention!

What types of bites are there?

The bite is the way in which our joints occlude and fit our teeth together when we close our mouth. In this closure, there are sometimes anomalies that must be corrected with the appropriate dental treatments, with orthodontics being the most effective and the most indicated in most cases.

• Neutroclusion: this type of bite interacts with the molar at the moment of closure and favours crowding. Caused by the lack of space, it facilitates the displacement of the teeth, generating crooked and overlapping teeth.
• Crossbite: the upper teeth, in this case, occlude in the centre of the lower teeth.
• Open bite: the lower and upper arches fail to meet. Subtypes include anterior open bite (no contact between incisors), posterior open bite (no contact between molars) and complete open bite (contact only between the last molars).
• Overbite: occurs when the lower molar is positioned behind the upper molar. This causes the incisors to overlap the lower molars.
• Underbite: the lower first molar is positioned in front of the upper molar, causing the upper teeth to recede. This type of bite is further subdivided into crossbite, closed bite and overbite.

The intervention of the dentist will be crucial to restore, in all these cases, the aesthetics and optimal functionality of the smile. If you feel identified with any of these symptoms, don't hesitate. Make an appointment with your trusted dentist in Tarragona and get a personalised assessment.