Have you ever wondered how your teeth should fit together? If not, why not consider it now – simply close your mouth and see how your top row of teeth fit onto the bottom row. This is known as the bite and can tell us a lot about someone’s dental health.

How Should Your Bite Look?

How Teeth Fit Together From The Front

If you close your teeth, open your lips, and take a look in the mirror then you will be able to see your bite from the front view.

Ideally, the top teeth should cover about one-half of the bottom teeth.

The bottom edges of the top teeth should also be parallel with the lower lip.

The upper arch should also be ever so slightly wider than the lower one too.

One more thing to note is that the middle lines between your central incisors should also line up with the centre of your lips.

How Teeth Fit Together From The Side

Now take a look at your bite from the side.

Generally speaking, the back upper teeth should always sit on the teeth underneath them.

All of the upper teeth should also comfortably fit in between those on the lower arch.

How Teeth Fit Together Within The Arch

You can also tell a lot about your bite if you open your mouth and take a look at the lower teeth.

The teeth should be evenly aligned.

Not only that though, there should be no gaps in between the teeth as they all should be touching.

Different Kinds Of Bites

Of course, a perfect bite isn’t very common without specialist orthodontic treatment.

Here are the most common types that most dentists see on a regular basis.

• Underbite – the top front teeth site behind the bottom front teeth.
• Crossbite – the bottom teeth end up outside the top teeth.
• Open bite – the front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed together.
• Deep bite – the top teeth cover up the bottom teeth.

Why Is Your Bite So Important?

You might be wondering why the shape of your bite is so important.

There are a number of reasons why that is, as a poor bite can cause considerable problems.

60% of the most common orthodontic problems to look out for in kids are related to bite issues.

• If the bite isn’t’ quite right, then chewing food can be very inefficient and problematic, sometimes even painful.
• In some cases, a poorly shaped bite can make it difficult for the individual to speak properly.
• Some bites can cause a strain on the lower jaw which leads to aches and pains for the individual.
• If teeth don’t line up unevenly, it can lead to uneven wear and tear of enamel on the teeth.
• It can increase your risk of damaging your teeth.

Fixing an incorrect bite

Correcting an improper bite is very common in the world of orthodontics.

In fact the Australian Society of Orthodontics recently wrote that 60% of the most common orthodontic problems to look out for in kids are related to bite issues.

So if you’re feeling nervous that your bite isn’t quite right, you should feel relieved that it’s an extremely common problem, and most likely won’t be too difficult to achieve with orthodontic treatment.

Bite problems can be resolved using a variety of different orthodontic treatments and appliances including regular braces, Incognito (inside braces) braces and even Invisalign.

This means that there are plenty of options when it comes to correcting your bite, and you won’t be restricted in the treatment options available to you.

Speak with a Specialist Orthodontist

If you are worried about your bite and think that braces could be the best solution, then make an appointment with one of our Specialist Orthodontists.

They are the experts and have experience helping patients fix their bit issues and will be able to give you a strong understand of what treatment you’ll require to correct your bite.