Malocclusion (or a bad bite) is a source of distress for many people. If you have a bad bite, you may feel embarrassed to smile or laugh in public. You may even increase your risk for dental damage and enamel loss. The professionals at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA now offer the advanced T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis, an innovative new way of understanding how the teeth fit together.
When you visit Dr. Sangiv I. Patel in Melbourne, FL, we can provide a brief introduction to what a bad bite or misalignment entails, how a T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis works, and how this technology helps us create personalized treatment options. Call our office to schedule a dental appointment with our team. We work hard to improve the overall function and appearance of your teeth.
What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is a term that refers to irregularities in the alignment of your teeth and bite. A malocclusion can be caused by one or more crooked teeth, which can lead to uneven wear and tear on your enamel. These problems affect the appearance of your smile and lead to other issues, such as damaged teeth, jaw pain, and chronic headaches.
There are several different types of malocclusion, but the most common are:
-
Overbite: the upper teeth protrude past the lower teeth
-
Underbite: the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth
-
Crossbite: some or all of your top and bottom teeth do not meet up when closing your mouth
How is a T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis performed?
The only way to understand the best treatment for a bad bite is to undergo a comprehensive dental exam in Melbourne, FL. During this appointment, Dr. Patel will carefully assess your teeth and jaw, including any misalignment issues that impact your smile. We also ask about any symptoms that impact your day-to-day life before moving forward with the advanced T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis.
We begin the analysis by having you bite down on a thin sensor so our computer can record your teeth and how they fit together. These images help us to determine where changes should be made and what kind of treatments could improve your bite. Our solutions for malocclusion vary in scope and severity. You may need to wear a night guard or participate in minor orthodontic treatment, while other patients require surgery.
What happens if I don’t fix malocclusion?
If you don’t address an existing malocclusion or misalignment issue, your dental problems will only get worse. For example, an underbite or overbite can wear down and damage your existing enamel. In addition, other issues may develop as a result of a bad bite, including:
-
Jaw pain
-
Headaches or migraines
-
Difficulty chewing food
-
TMJ problems
-
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
-
Enamel erosion
Straighten your smile
A T-Scan Digital Bite Analysis is an exciting new technology that can help us gain insight into your bite patterns in Melbourne, FL. If you need more information about the benefits of using bite analysis in dental care, call Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA to meet with Dr. Sangiv I. Patel. Our team is happy to provide our team with ongoing support throughout your journey toward improved oral health.
