Occlusion Problems, Signs & Consequences

What is Occlusion?

Occlusion (or bite) is how your teeth come together when you close your jaw. Your bite is influenced by three main factors: (1) teeth, (2) nerves and muscles, and (3) bones. Your posture can also influence the way your teeth come together when you close. For example, when you tilt your head back and bite, your teeth will come together differently than when you tilt your head forward and bite. The lower jaw also tends to shift when you are lying down on your side. In an ideal Occlusion, there is no overbite, underbite, or crossbite. All the teeth should come into proper contact when repeatedly opening and closing. An ideal bite or occlusion also has the canine teeth (pointed corner teeth) sliding gently against each other as the jaw slides out to one side, causing the back teeth do not to touch.

What Are the Signs of a Poor Occlusion or Bite?

Some of the possible signs that your bite may not be aligned properly include:

• Wear facets or indentations on the chewing surfaces of the teeth

• Receding gums

• Erosion or notching of the root surfaces (abfractions)

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• Thinning and chipping of the front teeth, causing them not to touch

• TMJ pain (joint and muscle discomfort)

• Loss of enamel on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth

• Clenching or grinding of the teeth, also known as bruxism

If you're experiencing TMJ symptoms, TMJ disorder treatment in NYC may be necessary to prevent further complications and relieve joint stress.

What Factors Can Contribute to Developing an Improper Bite or Occlusion?

There are many early clues that indicate a poor bite may be forming. Over-retained baby teeth can interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth, leading to misalignment and spacing issues. Crowding of the lower front teeth can signal insufficient jaw space, while a narrow upper jaw may require orthodontic expansion in NYC to create room and balance the bite.

Habits like thumb sucking or abnormal swallowing can cause an anterior open bite, a misalignment where the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch.

What Are the Consequences of Having a Poor Occlusion or Bite?

An improper bite (malocclusion) can have both oral and systemic consequences. It often leads to clenching and grinding, causing enamel loss and increased sensitivity. Over time, the wear may require dental crowns in New York City or even root canal therapy to restore damaged teeth.

As tooth structure wears away, the bite collapses, contributing to facial aging. Grinding can also lead to tooth fractures and mobility. Bite misalignment strains the jaw joints and muscles, resulting in TMJ issues, chronic headaches, neck pain, and even postural changes.

In extreme cases, individuals who subconsciously grind their teeth during sleep can generate forces as high as 1,200 lbs/sq inch, placing tremendous stress on the teeth and supporting structures.

What Do You Do to Help Treat Teeth That Get Translucent at the Tip Due to Lost Enamel?

The first step is to determine the root cause of the enamel loss. If the translucency is caused by grinding, a custom nightguard in NYC is often recommended to protect the teeth and prevent further wear.

If parafunctional habits like nail-biting or chewing pens are to blame, behavioral interventions may be needed. In cases of crowding, cross-bite, or misaligned restorations, corrective treatment such as smile reconstruction with tooth bonding in New York City may be required to restore the bite and protect the edges of the teeth.

When enamel loss is severe and the bite has collapsed, full mouth reconstruction may be necessary. Simply adding material to the worn areas without adjusting the bite will result in additional grinding or future fracture. A comprehensive treatment plan that includes proper occlusal design ensures both durability and long-term success.