Although the human body is a machine perfectly designed to fulfil its vital functions, there are different factors that can influence the correct formation and development of some body structures. Thus, persons can have different types of bite different types of bite that affect the alignment of the teeth.

Known by the dental dental term malocclusionan incorrect alignment of the dental arches and jaw bones can be related to some health problems. to some health problems.

We analyse the types of bite, the characteristics of each one, and the related effects that can be corrected through dental intervention.

What is the 'bite'?

In dentistry the closing of the teeth in the mouth is known as the 'bite'.. When the mouth closes, the upper and lower teeth must fit together so that the bite is perfect and fulfils its function.

If the fit is not right, the bite could lead to different problems related to the teeth or the shape of the jaw.

An incorrect bite is not only related to dental aesthetics. Patients who suffer from it can suffer from headaches, ear or neck pain, difficulty chewing, and even major or minor oral problems.

Different types of bite

The position of the teeth or type of bite is very important for the optimal health of the patient. A bad bite can lead to problems with chewing, for example, increasing the possibility of food debris accumulating in certain areas of the mouth.For example, increasing the likelihood of food debris accumulating in certain areas of the mouth.

As time goes by, muscular and dental problems appear, such as muscle tension in the jaw area, tooth decay, periodontitis and other ailments.

The bite types are based on the Angle classification according to the position of the dental arches. The position of the upper first molars is taken into account.

Class I occlusion

Also known as normocclusion, this is the correct position where the first molar should fit above and slightly in front of the lower first molar.

A person with this type of bite can present problems of crowding, rotation of teeth or other positional changes, usually located in the anterior sector.

Class II occlusion

When the upper first molar occludes far in front of the lower first molar, it is a class II bite.

Often, in addition to the malposition of the molars, in this type of patient there is also a malposition of the upper incisors. position of the upper incisors which may be inclined towards the lips creating a horizontal overbite or the central incisors may be inclined inwards and the lateral incisors outwards.

Class III Malocclusion

As opposed to the Class II occlusion, in Class III bite the upper first molar is wedged behind the lower first molar. the lower first molar.

Also known as the protruding jaw, the lower dental arch is in front of the upper dental arch.

Most common bite problems

Depending on the type of bite and the degree to which the teeth have become misplaced, patients may have various problems. Let's take a look at the most common ones: 

Overbite

An overbite is the overlapping of the upper front teeth with respect to the position of the lower teeth. In extreme cases, when the teeth completely cover the lower teeth, they can come into contact with the gums, causing wounds and chronic wear.

Closed bite

Closed bite causes constant wear of the teeth. When the wear is severe, if the patient has not undergone corrective treatment, the damage to the tooth enamel becomes severe.

Crossbite

Naturally, the upper teeth should be slightly in front of the lower teeth. It is known as a crossbite when the position of the upper teeth is slightly in front of the lower teeth., on the contrary, with the lower teeth forward when closing the mouth, causing the chin to protrude.causing the chin to protrude.

Open bite

The open bite does not allow the teeth to come together at some point in the dental arches. It usually occurs in the front part, although it can also affect the back teeth. It is due to genetic reasons, or due to the constant repetition of a habit, making the chewing and speaking process difficult.

Protrusion

Known colloquially as 'buck teeth', more than genetic factors, it is influenced by certain habits that affect the placement of the teeth. This is a bite in which the upper front teeth are forwardThis even prevents the lips from closing properly.

Treatment for malocclusions

Most of the bite types that present malocclusion can be easily corrected through orthodontic treatment. can be easily corrected through orthodontic treatment.. An expert orthodontist will analyse the particular case of each patient, choosing the most appropriate treatment for the correct positioning of the affected teeth.

To find out which of the different types of bite you have, the best thing to do is to go to the dentist or make an appointment with an orthodontist.The orthodontist will carry out an exhaustive study to determine the state of your oral structures and, if necessary, apply corrective treatment.