When I was in grade school, we used to sing a song that went, “The head bone’s connected to the neck bone, and the neck bone’s connected to the shoulder bone, and the shoulder bone’s connected …” while touching each body part as we sang. While this gave us a fun way to get some exercise while learning about body structure, I sometimes still think of this song as a Dentist.
When I find improper bite alignment in a patient, there is typically more going on than the repercussions this can cause in the mouth. As research has shown, an improper bite can create a long list of problems, including:
• Worn, cracked or chipped teeth
• Frequent headaches, migraines and sore jaw joints
• Ear ringing
• Feeling off-balance and dizzy at times
• Disrupted sleep from clenching and/or grinding teeth
• Pain from strained face, neck and shoulder muscles
Imagine having one leg shorter than the other. Although the body adjusts so you don’t notice this in your gait, it can lead to hip pain, back and knee problems, pain in the shoulders and neck, headaches and even sciatica.
If your bite is off, there are several ways to resolve the problem. Sometimes, simple recontouring of teeth at certain points will help. Some cases require more involved treatment, such as Invisalign to move teeth into proper position, or crowns placed to restore correct height so the teeth meet properly. However, ignoring bite misalignment typically allows a bad problem to become far worse. It is not something that will correct itself.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call toll free 1-855-9-Smiles to schedule a free consultation. I’ll be happy to explain methods to correct bite realignment and answer your questions during this time.
