Have you ever struggled with persistent jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or even frequent headaches without knowing why? You’re not alone. Many people face these challenges daily, not realizing that the root cause could be a bad bite—also known as malocclusion. A misaligned bite doesn’t just affect how your teeth come together; it can impact your comfort, oral health, and overall quality of life. But there’s good news: you don’t have to live with the discomfort.
With over 30 years of experience serving the Reno community, we’ve helped countless patients find relief from the challenges of a bad bite. At White Pine Family Dental, we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating malocclusion, whether it’s through orthodontic adjustments, restorative care, or other advanced techniques. Our goal is to help you achieve a comfortable, functional bite that enhances both your oral health and your confidence. With the right dental care, you can address the root causes and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable smile.
How Can a Dentist Treat a Bad Bite?
Ultimately, how your dentist can treat your malocclusion will be determined by the underlying causes, medical history, and lifestyle needs. There are many options that may be viable, including but not limited to the following:
- Invisalign
- Orthotic
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Implants
- Reshaping the teeth
- Enamel removal
- Composite resin or bonding
- Veneers
- Tooth extraction
In cases where the bite is too severe to treat in our office, we can call on one of our trusted specialists for bite-correcting treatment. For example, depending on the circumstances, a visit to an orthognathic surgeon (jaw surgery) and other treatments may be a better fit.
For help deciding what to do next, we encourage you to reach out to White Pine Family Dental and speak with our dedicated team. We would be happy to help you schedule a consultation, where you and one of our providers can discuss what options are available to you. We base our treatment recommendations on patient needs, so you can be confident you’re receiving practical and effective solutions.
Common Symptoms of Malocclusion and Bad Bite
Many patients experience malocclusion symptoms without realizing that their bite is to blame, rather than themselves or something they’re doing. If you experience any of the following symptoms, we urge you to speak with a dental provider and discuss your treatment options. The following are some of the common signs and symptoms an individual needs to treat malocclusion:
- Jaw pain
- Teeth grinding
- Difficulty chewing
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Speech difficulties, such as a lisp
- Mouth breathing
- Accidental cheek biting
- Your front teeth are open when your jaw is closed
- Changes in your facial structure or appearance
- Misaligned teeth
Many of these symptoms decrease dramatically with proper treatment from the dentist, meaning adjusting your bad bite may significantly improve your quality of life. To learn more about your symptoms and how to treat this problem, you can contact us at White Pine Family Dental. We look forward to hearing from you.
Getting Your Bad Bite Diagnosed
When you come in for a consultation at White Pine Family Dental, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your teeth and oral cavity. We’ll start with a visual assessment and some bite tests if you come in with malocclusion concerns. We’ll also use advanced imaging tools, like X-rays and digital scans, to assess your bite. We may also physically touch (palpate) and examine your muscles of mastication, teeth and TMJ.
From here, you and your provider will discuss what is going on with your bite, what treatment options you would be a good fit for, and what the general timeline of your care will look like. Again, the care you receive will depend on the type of malocclusion you have, as well as the severity of the misalignment.
When you come in for your consultation, we encourage you to come prepared to discuss your medical history. Feel free to bring in notes on your current medications and supplements, conditions that may affect treatment, allergies, surgical history, dental history, and lifestyle. You’re also welcome to speak with any prior dental providers and request that they forward your records to us, as this will give us a better understanding of your needs.
Malocclusion Treatment at White Pine Family Dental
A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, can lead to various discomforts, including jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even headaches. At White Pine Family Dental, we understand the profound impact of a bad bite on your daily life and oral health. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to diagnose and treat this issue effectively.
Whether your malocclusion requires minor adjustments or a more comprehensive approach, our team is here to guide you toward a healthier, more comfortable smile. Call us at (775) 825-6655 or complete our contact form to start your journey today!