Dental Malocclusion in Chester Springs, PA

Dental malocclusion is an orthodontic condition that involves a misalignment of the teeth or jaws. This can result in a number of concerns for Chester Springs, PA patients, including overcrowding, crooked teeth, and bite problems. Occlusion is a term that describes how the teeth fit together when you bite down and is differentiated into three classes. Class I is generally regarded as "normal occlusion" and occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower row in a proper, balanced way. In class II, the upper teeth and jaw majorly overlap the bottom jaw and teeth. Class III is observed when the lower jaw juts out, causing it to overlap the upper teeth and jaw. Our general dentists at Byers Station Dental are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of dental malocclusion and offer years of experience in treating patients with bite conditions. Let our team help you overcome occlusion issues to improve your oral function and appearance.

Though it is commonly a genetic condition, malocclusion might also be caused by thumb-sucking as a child, teeth grinding, or physical trauma. If not properly treated, dental malocclusion can result in functional difficulties, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), and additional dental problems. Common signs and symptoms of dental malocclusion include:

• Overbite, crossbite, or underbite
• Crooked or overcrowded teeth
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Broken fillings or other restorations
• Jaw or tooth pain
• Tension in the jaw joints
• Uneven biting surfaces

There are a number of treatment options that our dentists may recommend, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. Children, teenagers, or adults who have bite conditions, poorly aligned teeth, or other occlusion-related conditions may all benefit from treatment. In most circumstances, treatment will include orthodontics, such as braces, clear aligners, or retainers. Chester Springs, PA patients with acute overcrowding of the teeth may need to have teeth removed before beginning orthodontic therapy to aid in achieving proper tooth alignment. If the jaw is badly misaligned, a surgical approach may be recommended.

When you visit Byers Station Dental for a consultation, our dentists will perform a bite analysis to determine your needs and identify appropriate treatment options. Our team may also use advanced digital imaging to gain a greater understanding of the position of your teeth and jaws. As certified Invisalign dentists, our practitioners can often treat several forms of malocclusion with this clear aligner system. In other cases, we may partner with a specialist to fully address your treatment needs. Throughout the treatment process, it is important to maintain routine dental exams so that our dentists can continue to monitor your bite for changes. A retainer may be recommended once orthodontic treatment is complete to help maintain results until your jaw stabilizes.

The cost of treatment for dental malocclusion can vary, depending on the procedure required. If you carry dental insurance, our financial team can review your benefits and prepare an estimate of any personal costs you may incur. Byers Station Dental strives to make the treatment process as convenient as possible and accepts a range of simple payment options.

Dental malocclusion issues can cause emotional and physical discomfort and may create more serious problems if they go untreated. At Byers Station Dental, we seek to identify and treat malocclusion to help Chester Springs, PA patients enjoy straighter and more comfortable smiles. Get in touch with our friendly team soon to schedule a consultation with our dentists, and take one step closer to realigning your smile.