5 Signs You Need Bite Correction: A Guide From Dr. Sara Makary

Is your bite causing you discomfort? A properly aligned bite plays a crucial role in your oral health. At Northpoint Dental in Jacksonville, we help patients identify their issues, and we perform bite correction to address issues before they lead to serious problems.

1. Jaw Pain and TMJ Symptoms

Do you experience pain while chewing? A misaligned bite puts extra pressure on your jaw joint, also known as the TMJ. Bite correction may help reduce this pressure. You might notice:

• Pain during meals
• Clicking sounds when you open your mouth
• Stiffness in your jaw

Early treatment can prevent these symptoms from becoming chronic issues.

2. Recurring Headaches

Those frequent headaches might be coming from your teeth. When your bite is misaligned, it creates tension in your facial muscles. This tension often leads to headaches, especially around your temples. Many patients don’t realize that bite correction can alleviate these chronic headaches stemming from bite problems.

3. Signs of Tooth Wear

Take a close look at your teeth. Do some look more worn down than others? Uneven wear patterns often signal bite problems. When your teeth don’t meet correctly, some areas bear too much pressure during chewing. This can lead to:

• Flattened tooth surfaces
• Chips and cracks
• Sensitive teeth

What Causes Uneven Tooth Wear?

Your bite should distribute pressure evenly across all your teeth. When it doesn’t, some teeth work harder than others. Over time, these overworked teeth show signs of wear. Correcting your bite helps protect your teeth from further damage. Bite correction is essential in maintaining your oral health and preventing these complications.

4. Changes in Speech

Have you noticed changes in how you speak? Your bite affects your ability to form certain sounds. Misalignment can cause:

• Whistling while speaking
• Difficulty pronouncing specific words
• Changes in speech patterns

5. Visual Signs of Misalignment

Some bite problems are visible when you smile or speak. Common signs include:

• Crooked teeth
• Overbite (upper teeth overlap lower teeth too much)
• Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
• Crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth)

How Northpoint Dental Can Help

At our Jacksonville office, we offer modern solutions for bite correction. Our approach includes:

Professional Evaluation

We start with a thorough examination of your bite. This helps us understand the root cause of your alignment issues. Bite correction begins with identifying these root causes.

Customized Treatment Plans

Every smile is unique. We create personalized treatment plans that may include:

• Clear aligners
• Bite adjustments
• Custom oral appliances
• Neurotoxin Injection (available at Northpoint Dental)

Coordinated Care

For some cases of TMJ, you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Our neighbors at Jacksonville Chiropractic & Rehabilitation can work with us to coordinate your care to ensure you live pain free. Bite correction, combined with coordinated care, will help you achieve optimal results.

Take Action for Your Smile

Don’t ignore signs of bite problems. Early treatment can prevent more serious issues from developing. At Northpoint Dental in Jacksonville, we’re ready to help you achieve a comfortable, healthy bite, with our extensive experience in bite correction.

Ready to address your bite concerns? Contact us today at (904) 439-8300 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you create a healthier, more comfortable smile.