What Happens If You Don’t Fix Your Bite?

Beecroft Orthodontics | Fredericksburg, North Stafford & Spotsylvania, VA

What Is a Bite Problem?

A bite problem—also called malocclusion—happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly. The most common types of bite issues include:

  • Overbite – upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much

  • Underbite – lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth

  • Crossbite – upper teeth sit behind lower teeth

  • Open bite – front teeth don’t touch when you bite down

While some patients notice visible signs, others may not realize there’s a problem until symptoms show up.

1. Tooth Damage and Wear

Misaligned bites cause certain teeth to hit harder or in the wrong spots. Over time, this can result in:

  • Enamel erosion

  • Cracks or chips in your teeth

  • Increased sensitivity

Without treatment, the damage may require fillings, crowns, or even root canals.

2. TMJ Pain and Jaw Problems

An untreated bite can strain your jaw joints (TMJ), leading to:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness

  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth

  • Frequent headaches or migraines

  • Locking or limited jaw movement

These issues may worsen over time without orthodontic correction.

3. Difficulty Speaking

Bite problems can interfere with speech development, especially in teens. You might experience:

  • Lisping

  • Slurred or unclear pronunciation

  • Difficulty with specific sounds

Orthodontic treatment can help improve clarity and confidence.

4. Chewing and Digestion Issues

When your bite doesn’t align, it makes chewing difficult—leading to:

  • Uneven or inefficient chewing

  • Jaw fatigue

  • Swallowing larger pieces of food

  • Digestive discomfort

Correcting your bite improves function and helps your body process food more effectively.

5. Shifting Teeth and Relapse

When your bite is off, your teeth may move or crowd, even if you’ve had braces before. This can undo years of progress and make future treatment more complex.

6. Poor Oral Hygiene

Crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to clean, which increases the risk of:

  • Cavities

  • Gum disease

  • Bad breath

A proper bite can make brushing and flossing easier—and more effective.

Why Fixing Your Bite Matters

At Beecroft Orthodontics, our goal is to give you a healthy, functional bite that lasts. Treating bite issues early can help you avoid pain, expensive dental work, and more serious complications down the line.

Whether you need braces, Invisalign®, or a specialized appliance, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Book Your Free Consultation

Not sure if your bite needs attention? We’d love to take a look. Schedule your free consultation at any of our offices in Fredericksburg, North Stafford, or Spotsylvania and get expert advice from our experienced team.

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