Often, asymmetry in the lower face, distorted shape of the chin, or lips is caused by an incorrect bite.
In this article, we will explain how improper teeth alignment affects a person’s facial appearance and how an orthodontist can help patients with facial proportions altered for this reason.
Types and External Signs of an Incorrect Bite
Pathologies associated with bite anomalies can vary in their specifics:
- Distal bite – in this case, the chin area appears recessed, the chin looks small, the lower lip is retruded, and soft facial tissues may sag, creating a “double chin” even in young people;
- Mesial bite – a protruding chin gives the lower jaw a bulky appearance, making the face look disproportionate;
- Narrowing of the upper and lower jaws – crowded teeth can alter the contour of the face;
- Open bite – caused by anterior tooth malocclusion, leading to sunken cheeks and inability to fully close the teeth;
- Deep bite – a condition where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth by more than one-third of their height.
A deep bite can cause impaired chewing function and repeated injuries to the oral mucosa, affecting the cheeks and gums.
Why Bite Disorders Should Be Treated
Our dentists are convinced that correcting an improper bite is extremely important. Proper alignment helps prevent both aesthetic and health-related issues.
Key points to consider:
- With an incorrect bite, teeth are uneven – people may feel self-conscious about their smile;
- Malocclusion causes enamel wear – patients with worn teeth often appear older than their age;
- Bite pathology leads to uneven load distribution on chewing muscles and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, potentially causing degenerative changes and pain;
- Untreated malocclusion affects muscle tone in the face and neck, and can also impact posture;
- Malocclusion may disrupt blood circulation in the brain, leading to frequent headaches.
Speech difficulties may also arise – misaligned teeth can interfere with clear articulation.
Our dental specialists help patients of all ages correct bite anomalies. Modern bracket systems are used in orthodontic treatment. The process is effective, though it requires time – typically, correcting a bite takes several months.
