Why Does Malocclusion Cause Pain When I Bite?

Do you often feel a sudden jab of pain while biting down on certain food items? One sneaky culprit behind that surprise pain is malocclusion. You might not always be able to identify it through crooked teeth. It can sneak in and make your daily life much more difficult than it should be. A smile makeover treatment might help.

Read this blog to learn what might affect the harmony of your bite and how you can deal with its symptoms.

What Is A Malocclusion?

According to studies, almost 66% of adults in the U.S. suffer from untreated malocclusion. It refers to the misalignment of the jaws and teeth. Your upper and lower teeth are supposed to come together a certain way. When they don’t align correctly, pressure is poorly distributed over your jaw muscles and teeth.

• Overbite: The Teeth of the upper jaw protrude too far over the lower teeth.
• Underbite: Lower teeth overlap the upper teeth.
• Crossbite: Upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth rather than outside.
• Open bite: Front teeth won’t meet when the mouth is closed.
• Crowding or spacing: Teeth are packed too tightly together or have gaps that stick out.

Why Does It Hurt When You Bite?

Here are the reasons why malocclusion hurts when you bite:

• Unbalanced Pressure: Teeth can withstand some level of pressure. When your bite is not aligned correctly, some of your teeth experience more pressure than others. That repeated pressure can grind away the enamel, crack the tooth, or irritate the surrounding tissues.
• Jaw Joint Tension: This condition puts your whole jaw out of rhythm. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where your jaw attaches to your skull, can be pushed into uncomfortable positions. Over time, that causes soreness and pain.
• Tooth Sensitivity: When certain teeth keep experiencing constant pressure, they experience microtrauma. The nerve within the tooth can become irritated and lead to pain that only gets worse with every bite.
• Swollen or Receding Gums: Misaligned teeth are harder to clean properly. So plaque can build up in tough-to-reach spots. This can inflame your gums, making them more sensitive to chewing or brushing. 

Different oral appliances and sometimes a smile makeover treatment in Sugarland, TX, can solve your problems.

Smile Makeover Treatment Options For Malocclusion 

If you’re experiencing pain when biting and suspect malocclusion, don’t ignore the pain. Treatment options vary based on the type and severity of your bite issue. Here are some effective solutions:

• Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can gradually shift teeth into better alignment. This evenly distributes the bite force.
• Bite adjustments: Minimal reshaping of specific teeth can improve the way your teeth fit together.
• Nightguards: They can help if you suffer from clenching or grinding while sleeping.
• Jaw therapy or physical therapy: Treats muscle tension and joint dysfunction.

In other instances, a Smile Makeover treatment may be the best option, particularly when multiple cosmetic and functional issues are involved. Such customized treatment programs can involve orthodontics, veneers, crowns, and more to create stunning results.

Constant pain while biting can be bothersome. It’s usually an indication that your bite is out of alignment. Malocclusion isn’t something to be ignored. The effects of this condition can extend to your jaws, neck, and shoulders without timely treatment. So don’t suffer in silence and discuss the treatment options.

Contact us today to take the first step towards oral wellness with qualified dental professionals.