Why do I need a good “bite”?

Why do I need a good “bite”?

Orthodontic treatment has two major components: getting the teeth straight so they look good, and getting the “bite” correct so that they function as they should.  Now, in general, it is much easier to just straighten the teeth than it is to fix a bite, and often we have the teeth “straight” very early in orthodontic treatment, yet spend months more doing things to fix the bite.

So the question we often get is: “Doc, how important is it to fix the bite”

Our answer runs something like this:

Say you go to your regular doctor for a checkup.  The doctor checks your blood pressure, studies your blood profile, exams you and finally says: “Well everything checks out fine EXCEPT the fact that you are slightly overweight.  Now it is your turn to ask: “doc, what does that mean to my health to be overweight?  Does it mean I will get diabetes, have an early heart attack? Should I be worried?

Now, if your doctor is honest, she should answer you like this: “NO, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything bad will happen, but, all things being equal; it would be BETTER if you weren’t overweight”

And this is the same answer we give for the question: “do I need my bite fixed?”

Of course everything is relative, so you should watch your diet and lose the weight, but should you get your stomach stapled if you are 20 pounds overweight?….we don’t think so!  By the same reasoning, if we can fix your bite with a reasonable degree of effort, we think it is worth it.  If it would take 3 years or jaw surgery…maybe the “cure is worse than the disease” and we should settle for straight teeth and a less than ideal bite.  In these situations, we are happy to spend whatever time is necessary to help you make the right decision!