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It’s not uncommon to notice your bite feels off. Maybe your front teeth overlap too far, or your bottom jaw seems too prominent. You might be wondering if that discomfort when chewing or the way your teeth meet is normal. For many people, bite alignment affects not just appearance but how comfortably their teeth and jaws function every day. An experienced orthodontist in Columbia, TN, can help guide you through options that make real improvements.

What Is a Bite Problem?

Bite problems, or malocclusions, refer to how your upper and lower teeth meet when your mouth is closed. Ideally, the teeth should fit together evenly, but that’s not the case for many people. Here are three of the most common bite issues:

Overbite

An overbite happens when the upper front teeth stick out too far past the lower front teeth. Some degree of overbite is normal, but if it's too deep, it can wear down teeth and cause jaw discomfort. In kids, it’s often noticed early on, especially if they suck their thumb or use a dummy beyond toddler age.

How it’s fixed: Braces and clear aligners are both effective for overbites. They gently move the upper and lower teeth into a more balanced position. For younger patients, growth guidance appliances may help reposition the jaw while it’s still developing.

Underbite

An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This can make chewing difficult and put extra pressure on jaw joints. In some cases, the lower jaw may appear to protrude.

How it’s fixed: Braces or aligners, sometimes with elastics, are often used to shift the jaw back. If the bone structure is involved and the issue is more severe, jaw surgery might be needed, especially for adults.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth instead of in front. It can affect the front or back teeth on one or both sides of the mouth. Over time, this can lead to tooth wear or shifting of the jaw.

How it’s fixed: Treatment often involves braces or expanders to widen the upper jaw and encourage better alignment. Early treatment in children is ideal, but adults can benefit too.

Other Bite Concerns

• Open bite: Front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.

• Deep bite: Lower teeth are almost hidden behind the top teeth.

• Edge-to-edge bite: Upper and lower front teeth meet directly.

Each condition affects oral function and long-term comfort. Your orthodontist will evaluate your type of malocclusion and suggest treatment options.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic care doesn’t just straighten teeth; it helps guide jaw growth, align bite pressure, and improve how your teeth function.

• Braces

Braces work by applying steady, controlled pressure through wires and brackets. Over time, this pressure moves teeth into a healthier position. Specific tooth movements are planned for bite issues to address how the arches meet. Elastics are often added to assist with jaw alignment.

• Clear Aligners

Clear aligners use a series of custom-molded trays to shift teeth into place. These trays are worn for most of the day and changed every 1–2 weeks. Aligners are discreet and removable but must be worn consistently to work.

For mild to moderate bite problems, aligners can adjust both tooth position and bite alignment. More complex cases may require braces or a combination of both.

• Expanders and Appliances

Certain devices, such as palatal expanders or functional appliances, can help guide jaw development in growing children. These tools are especially useful for crossbites or deep bites caught early.

• Surgical Options

In some adult cases, the issue isn’t just the teeth—it’s the bone structure. Orthognathic surgery may be necessary if the jaws don’t align due to skeletal differences. Surgery is typically paired with orthodontic care for the best bite and smile outcome.

Why Fixing a Bite Matters

Misaligned bites aren’t just about appearance. They affect how your teeth come together during everyday functions, from eating to speaking. If your bite is off, your jaw muscles may overcompensate, leading to headaches, soreness, or chronic tension in the neck and shoulders. A poorly aligned bite may also cause teeth to wear down faster, chip more easily, or develop stress fractures over time.

Beyond that, chewing efficiency often suffers. When teeth don’t meet properly, it takes longer to break down food, which can affect digestion. Some bite patterns can even affect how air flows through the mouth and nose, subtly impacting breathing—especially during sleep. Speech clarity may also be affected, with certain sounds becoming harder to pronounce clearly.

Here’s what an improved bite can do:  

• Reduce strain on jaw muscles and joints

• Protect teeth from uneven wear or cracking

• Improve digestion by making chewing more effective

• Support speech clarity

• Enhance comfort while smiling or resting the mouth

Many patients don’t realize how much their bite influences daily function until it’s improved.

What to Expect During Your Bite Assessment

If you’re concerned about how your teeth line up, the first step is a consultation. Your orthodontist will take digital images and examine your bite in detail. They’ll check how your jaws align, how your teeth fit together, and whether there’s strain on certain areas.

A plan is created from there to move your teeth into a healthier, more comfortable position. For children, this may include early intervention appliances. For teens and adults, braces or aligners are often the go-to options. Treatment time varies based on how complex the bite is and the method used.

If you've been avoiding orthodontic care because you're unsure what's involved, it helps to know that today's options are more comfortable and customizable than ever.

Need to See an Orthodontist in Columbia, TN?

Every smile has its own needs, and every bite deserves attention. At Spring Hill Smiles, we take time to explain the “why” behind your treatment options so nothing feels confusing or rushed.

If you're wondering whether a bite issue affects your comfort or smile, we’re happy to take a look.

Schedule your consultation with Spring Hill Smiles today. We’re here to help you feel confident and comfortable with your bite.