If you've landed here because you were searching for “how to straighten teeth without braces” (or something similar), you've come to the right place! SOLO Aligners use clear aligners to give you a straighter smile without braces and wires, and we'll explain how it works.
But first, let's understand the types of malocclusion and the reasons behind it, and most importantly, how SOLO aligners can help you address this issue.
Regular dental check-ups are a crucial element in maintaining oral health.
However, some people may have bite problems that require additional treatment. Bite abnormalities can arise from various causes, and they can have visible consequences for oral and facial health.
What is a bite?
A bite is the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A healthy bite should be comfortable and effective for chewing food and speaking. However, some people may have bite abnormalities that can lead to problems with teeth, the oral cavity, and other health issues.
The bite begins to form in early childhood, so a child's first visit to the orthodontist should occur at the age of 5-6 years to prevent bite disorders in the future.
Causes of bite abnormalities
There are several reasons that can lead to bite abnormalities. Genetics may be one of the reasons, as jaw structure can be inherited. Tooth loss can also result in bite abnormalities, as the remaining teeth may start to move and change their positions. Poor bite in childhood can also be a cause of bite abnormalities in adulthood. Improper tooth alignment, habits such as finger or pen chewing, lip biting, mouth breathing, biting on objects like pens or pencils can also contribute.
Bite disorders can lead to various consequences, including:
Facial aesthetics
It is known that the bite affects not only the harmony of the smile but also the overall facial aesthetics. Pronounced nasolabial folds, wrinkles, and creases on the facial skin, drooping corners of the mouth – all of these can be consequences of a disturbed bite. Individuals with thin lips or prominent cheekbones do not necessarily need to rush to get cosmetic injections. First and foremost, it is necessary to check the bite.
The position of the teeth directly influences the support of facial soft tissues.
Pain
This is probably one of the most unpleasant issues. Frequent headaches (migraines), pain in the neck and shoulder area, jaw joint clicking during chewing or yawning, difficulty in opening your mouth wide, muscle tension in the temple area – these symptoms indicate a disruption in the functioning of the temporomandibular joints, specifically an incorrect bite forces the joint to function improperly, leading to these symptoms.
Tooth Decay
Firstly, crowded and uneven teeth are very challenging to clean properly and thoroughly. Residual food forms a dense plaque that changes the color of the enamel and triggers the development of cavities. It can be difficult to detect such cavities on time.
Secondly, the incorrect positioning of teeth leads to frequent chipping, which can injure the oral mucosa.
Conducting quality treatment in such cases can be challenging. Placing a filling becomes more complicated, veneers may chip, and a crown may simply not fit between crowded teeth.
Moreover, when chewing load is distributed incorrectly, enamel wears out faster, leading to tooth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures, sometimes even to changes in air temperature. Various bite anomalies, accordingly, can have different effects on front and side teeth, thus exacerbating the problem.
Breathing Difficulties
Bite and breathing are interconnected! Let's explain: frequent colds, allergies, combined with other factors, increase the risk of developing an improper bite. When nasal breathing is disturbed, the mouth is constantly open. The development and growth of the jaw occur with consequences that lead to the development of various ENT diseases.
Physiological (correct) and pathological (incorrect) bites are distinguished.
Orthognathic bite – upper incisors overlap the lower ones by 1/3.
Straight bite – upper and lower incisors meet with cutting edges.
Physiological biprognathia – front teeth along with alveolar processes are tilted forward.
Physiological opisthognathia – front teeth along with alveolar processes are tilted backward.
The determining factor is the nature of the occlusion of lateral areas. If the fissure-cuspal contact is correct, the bite is considered physiological and does not require correction.
There are different types of bite anomalies.
There are several types of bite anomalies, and each of them can have its consequences for oral health and facial appearance. Now let's consider the types of improper bites:
Distal Bite
This is a type of bite where the upper jaw is more developed compared to the lower jaw. For this reason, the upper teeth noticeably protrude forward.
Mesial Bite
In this case, the lower jaw noticeably protrudes forward compared to the upper jaw. Sometimes, retrusion of the upper lip is observed. Often, with a mesial bite, the functioning of the temporomandibular joint may be impaired.
Crossbite
Occurs when the jaw is shifted to the right or left. In this case, 1-2 teeth are in an incorrect position.
Deep Bite
In this case, the upper teeth cover the lower teeth by more than half. A deep bite can lead to speech defects and can also cause damage to the oral mucosa.
Open Bite
Another type of bite anomaly is an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not come together when the mouth is closed. This can be a result of improper jaw development or misalignment of teeth. An open bite can lead to speech problems and difficulties during eating.
Teeth Crowding
This pathology develops due to a lack of space in the upper or lower jaw, which can be caused by underdevelopment of the jaw or the eruption of wisdom teeth. It is essential to undergo a thorough diagnosis to clearly understand the true causes of tooth crowding.
How to correct an improper Bite
Getting rid of all the unpleasant consequences or preventing their occurrence can be achieved through orthodontic treatment.
The treatment of bite anomalies depends on the type and severity of the problem. For mild bite anomalies, special braces and tooth appliances may be sufficient to help correct the bite. More serious anomalies may require orthodontic treatment, such as braces or other appliances, to restore the proper bite.
In some cases, surgical correction of the bite may be necessary, especially if the anomaly is a result of trauma or structural jaw abnormalities. Surgical correction may involve cutting and repositioning jawbones or removing certain teeth to create additional space for teeth that need to be moved.
The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age, the type of anomaly, and then on the patient's preferences and possibilities.
In addition to treating bite anomalies, it is important to also take care of the health of teeth and gums. This may include daily oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist, and a balanced diet with low sugar and acid content.
Furthermore, avoiding bad habits such as finger or nail biting or tobacco use is crucial, as they can lead to the development of bite anomalies and other oral health problems.
Overall, bite anomalies are a fairly common issue that can arise for various reasons. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the anomaly, but in most cases, effective methods exist to restore the proper bite and improve oral health. Regular visits to the dentist and adherence to a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent the development of bite anomalies and other problems with teeth and gums.
Stages of orthodontic treatment are as follows:
Consultation
Diagnostic procedures (3D scanning, CT scans, Transparent head X-ray, photo protocol, assessment of bite in a diagnostic articulator)
Production of aligners using advanced 3D printers, packaging, and delivery to the clinic
Attachment placement, issuance of the initial set of aligners with all necessary accessories for treatment, and guidance on caring for aligners during treatment
Monitoring visits and scanning every few months to assess the progress of the treatment, already included in the cost and unlimited in quantity
Removal of attachments and aligners
Upon completion of the active correction period of the bite, consolidation of the result is performed. For this purpose, retention appliances are used – a non-removable retainer, retention thermoplastic caps.
How SOLO Aligners straighten teeth
SOLO Aligners progress over the course of several months. Each month, you will have a series of aligners that change one after another, applying proper and even pressure throughout the entire journey to gently and safely move your teeth.
You switch your aligners from one set to the next as indicated in the individual treatment plan created based on your 3D scan.
Stay on track, and you'll have a new smile in just 4–6 months. Here, you can review the already achieved results of our patients' treatments.
Modern methods for correcting bite abnormalities allow us to work with patients of any age, so don't hesitate to consult with an orthodontist – it's never too late.
Come to us for a consultation and get more information specifically about your case from our orthodontists.
We look forward to meeting you!
Ivan Solovei
Orthodontist
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