A stunning smile catches attention, but the secret to a perfect smile goes beyond straight teeth—it’s all about achieving the ideal bite. The way your upper and lower teeth align plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and oral health. While only a lucky few are born with a flawless bite, modern orthodontics offers solutions for everyone.
What Is a Perfect Bite?
Your bite—also known as dental occlusion—refers to how your top and bottom teeth fit together when your mouth is closed. An ideal bite means:
✔️ Upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.
✔️ Back teeth (molars) fit together smoothly, allowing for proper chewing.
✔️ There are no major gaps, crowding, or misalignment issues.
✔️ Bite is balanced, avoiding unnecessary strain on the jaw and teeth.
Why Is Proper Bite Alignment Important?
A well-aligned bite isn’t just about looking good—it impacts your oral health, comfort, and overall well-being. Bite issues can lead to:
- Tooth wear & damage – Misaligned teeth wear down unevenly, leading to premature aging of teeth.
- Jaw pain & headaches – Bite problems can put extra strain on the jaw, leading to TMJ disorders.
- Difficulty chewing & speaking – If your teeth don’t meet correctly, it can make eating and speaking more challenging.
- Gum disease & tooth decay – Gaps or crowding can make it harder to clean your teeth properly, increasing the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
How Orthodontists Evaluate Your Bite
At Orthodontix Northbridge & Forestville, our expert orthodontists assess your bite from every angle to determine the best treatment:
✔️ Frontal View – Your upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower teeth, showing about half of the bottom row.
✔️ Side View – The cusps of your upper and lower teeth should align without edge-to-edge contact.
✔️ Top View – Your teeth should form a U-shape, with no major gaps or overlaps.
Common Bite Problems (Malocclusions) & How to Fix Them
Misaligned teeth—known as malocclusion—can take several forms, including:
🔹 Overbite – The upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth.
🔹 Underbite – The lower teeth extend in front of the upper teeth.
🔹 Crossbite – Some lower teeth sit outside the upper teeth.
🔹 Open bite – The front teeth don’t meet when biting down.
🔹 Crowding & Spacing Issues – Teeth may be too close together or have gaps between them.
Braces & Invisalign: The Best Treatments for Achieving the Perfect Bite
At Orthodontix, we offer a range of orthodontic solutions tailored to correct bite misalignment:
🦷 Braces – The traditional and highly effective method for realigning teeth and correcting severe bite issues.
🦷 Invisalign & Clear Aligners – A discreet, removable alternative to braces that gradually shifts teeth into place.
🦷 Tooth Extraction – Used in cases of severe crowding to create space for proper alignment.
🦷 Jaw Surgery & Braces – Recommended for extreme bite misalignment cases requiring structural correction.
Ready to Fix Your Bite & Perfect Your Smile?
If you’re concerned about your bite or your child’s orthodontic needs, Orthodontix Northbridge & Orthodontix Forestville are here to help. Our specialists—Dr Roger Hammond, Dr Ash, and Dr Ishan—will create a personalised treatment plan to achieve your ideal bite and perfect smile.
📞 Contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile!