Many patients visit an orthodontist because they are told by their dentist that they have an improper or misaligned bite. Before the initial consultation with the orthodontist, patients may feel that they are satisfied with their smile and believe that only a short treatment time is necessary. Unfortunately, there is more to a healthy smile than just an outward appearance and looks can definitely be deceiving. In order to fully understand what a “good bite” should look like or what it is, we need to look at all aspects of the bite.
Looking At Your Bite On All Sides
There are three views that orthodontist look at when determining an ideal bite:
Front View
The front view of your teeth is the first thing that you see when you look in the mirror. The edges of the upper front teeth should be parallel to your lower lips. The length of your upper teeth will determine the appearance of your smile and we want to avoid a “gummy” or toothless look. When the teeth are closed together, two thirds of the bottom teeth should be visible with the upper arch being slightly wider than the lower arch. If you teeth are not aligned within these conditions, you may experience a deep bite, open bite, or crossbite depending on the position of your teeth.
Inside View
Another view is from the inside of your mouth. You can easily see the bottom set of teeth if you are looking down on them in a mirror. Your teeth should be aligned in a flowing curve shape like an arch and should not be overlapping or overly spaced between each other. The top set of teeth is a bit harder to see in a mirror, but should be aligned in the same way as your bottom teeth.
Side View
The most difficult view to see is the one from the side. The pointed ends of the top row of teeth should fit perfectly between two bottom teeth. The backs of the top front teeth should rest on top of the lower ones, so that the upper teeth are in front when the bite is closed. Any bite that deviates from this position will be known as an underbite or overbite.
Contact Our Longview & Vancouver, WA Orthodontist
Through an in-depth consultation with Dr. Lauren Cai, she can determine whether or not you have a “good bite.” She has worked with many patients in the surrounding Vancouver and Longview, WA area and has experience with various cases of misaligned bites. She will determine which of our orthodontic services such as braces or Invisalign will be right for you in order to meet your treatment needs. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you with this process.