September 23, 2026

Your bite affects much more than the way your teeth look when you smile. The way your upper and lower teeth come together influences how you chew, distribute pressure across your teeth, maintain your oral hygiene, and protect your dental structures.

When the teeth do not meet in an ideal relationship, the condition is generally called malocclusion. Some differences in tooth alignment are minor and may not require treatment. Others can contribute to difficulty chewing, excessive tooth wear, problems cleaning between teeth, or complications when dental restorations are needed.

Understanding how your bite works can help you recognize why your dentist evaluates tooth alignment and contact patterns during routine examinations.

At Nuttall Smiles in Auburn, WA, a bite evaluation can be part of a comprehensive dental examination when tooth position, wear, missing teeth, or other concerns suggest that the way your teeth come together may be affecting your oral health.

What Is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion refers to an irregular relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. The term can describe differences in tooth position, jaw relationship, or the way individual teeth contact one another.

A healthy bite does not necessarily mean that every tooth is perfectly straight. Human bites naturally vary, and many people have some degree of crowding, spacing, or altered tooth position without experiencing significant problems.

Treatment decisions are therefore based on the individual's oral health, function, symptoms, dental development, and goals rather than appearance alone.

Common types of malocclusion include:

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth. A certain amount of vertical overlap is normal. A significantly deep overbite may place additional contact or pressure on the lower teeth or surrounding tissues.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth extend in front of the upper front teeth when the teeth are closed. The relationship can involve tooth position, jaw development, or both.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the corresponding lower teeth rather than outside them. Crossbites can affect individual teeth or larger sections of the dental arch.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when certain upper and lower teeth do not contact when the mouth is closed. Depending on its location and severity, an open bite may affect biting into food or other oral functions.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space for teeth to align properly. Overlapping teeth can make brushing and flossing more difficult, potentially creating areas where plaque accumulates.

Spacing

Spacing refers to noticeable gaps between teeth. Some spaces are naturally occurring, while others may develop because of tooth loss, changes in tooth position, or differences in dental anatomy.

How Does Your Bite Affect Oral Health?

Your teeth are designed to withstand repeated forces. Every time you chew, your teeth experience pressure that is transferred through the tooth structure and the tissues supporting the teeth.

When contacts are uneven or excessive, certain teeth may receive more force than others. Over time, this can contribute to changes in tooth structure or surrounding tissues in some patients.

1. Uneven Bite Forces Can Increase Tooth Wear

Enamel is highly mineralized, but it is not indestructible. Repeated mechanical forces can contribute to wear, particularly when teeth experience unfavorable contact patterns.

Tooth wear may appear as:

• Flattened biting surfaces
• Shortened edges of front teeth
• Small chips or fractures
• Changes in tooth shape
• Increased sensitivity when underlying dentin becomes exposed

Tooth wear has many possible causes, including normal aging, acidic erosion, abrasive habits, and teeth grinding. Bite relationships can be one factor among several.

Your dentist can evaluate the pattern and location of wear to determine whether additional assessment is appropriate.

2. Crowding Can Make Teeth Harder to Clean

When teeth overlap or rotate, toothbrush bristles and floss may have difficulty reaching certain surfaces.

Plaque can accumulate in areas that are difficult to access, increasing the importance of careful oral hygiene. If plaque remains on the teeth, the bacteria within it can contribute to tooth decay and gum inflammation.

Malocclusion does not automatically cause cavities or gum disease. However, tooth positioning can make effective plaque removal more challenging for some patients.

3. Missing Teeth Can Change Your Bite

A missing tooth does more than create a visible gap. Teeth depend partly on their neighboring and opposing teeth for stability and functional contact.

After a tooth is lost, nearby teeth may shift toward the open space. The opposing tooth may also move into the area previously occupied by the missing tooth.

These changes can alter how the teeth meet during chewing.

This is one reason dentists consider tooth replacement options such as dental bridges, dental implants, or partial dentures when appropriate.

4. Malocclusion Can Affect Chewing

Your front teeth are primarily involved in biting, while your back teeth are important for grinding and breaking down food.

If the teeth do not contact effectively, chewing may become less efficient. Some people may compensate by favoring one side of the mouth or changing how they position their jaw during meals.

Difficulty chewing does not necessarily mean that malocclusion is the cause. Dental decay, missing teeth, restorations, jaw conditions, and other factors can also affect chewing function.

5. Bite Relationships Matter During Restorative Dentistry

Your bite is especially important when replacing or repairing teeth.

A crown, bridge, filling, veneer, or other restoration must function within the existing bite. The dentist needs to consider how the restored tooth will contact neighboring and opposing teeth.

For example, restoring a heavily worn tooth may require careful planning to ensure that the new restoration works appropriately with the surrounding teeth.

A comprehensive bite assessment can therefore be an important part of restorative treatment planning.

The Science Behind Your Bite

Every tooth is supported by a structure called the periodontal ligament. This specialized tissue connects the tooth root to the surrounding bone and helps absorb and distribute forces generated during chewing.

When you bite down, pressure travels through the tooth and into the supporting structures. Your nervous system also contains sensory receptors that provide information about pressure and tooth contact.

This feedback helps regulate chewing forces.

When tooth contacts are altered, the neuromuscular system can adapt to some degree. However, certain bite relationships may create areas of concentrated contact or interfere with normal function.

The clinical significance depends on factors such as the amount and direction of force, tooth structure, periodontal support, existing restorations, jaw relationships, and individual habits.

This is why a dentist should evaluate the entire oral system rather than determining that a particular bite pattern is problematic based solely on appearance.

Signs That Your Bite May Need Evaluation

Consider discussing your bite with a dentist if you notice:

• Teeth that repeatedly chip or fracture
• Significant or unexplained tooth wear
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Teeth that appear increasingly crowded
• A noticeable change in how your teeth fit together
• Difficulty keeping certain areas clean
• A missing tooth that has not been replaced
• A restoration that repeatedly breaks or becomes damaged
• Front teeth that no longer meet as they previously did
• A noticeable crossbite, underbite, or deep overbite

These signs do not automatically indicate malocclusion. A dental examination is needed to determine what is contributing to the change.

How Dentists Evaluate Your Bite

A bite assessment generally begins with a review of your dental history and concerns.

Your dentist may ask whether you have noticed changes in chewing, tooth position, tooth wear, or previous dental treatment.

The examination may include:

Visual Examination

Your dentist evaluates the position of your teeth, alignment of the dental arches, existing restorations, gum tissues, and visible patterns of wear.

Bite and Tooth Contact Assessment

Your dentist may ask you to close your teeth naturally and evaluate how the upper and lower teeth contact.

Depending on the situation, dental materials or digital technology may be used to identify specific contact areas.

Dental Photography

Clinical photographs can help document tooth position, alignment, wear patterns, and changes over time.

Digital Scans or Impressions

X-Rays

Not every patient requires every type of imaging. Your dentist determines which diagnostic tools are appropriate for your specific situation.

How Is Malocclusion Treated?

There is no single treatment for malocclusion. The appropriate approach depends on the cause, severity, function, oral health, age, existing restorations, and treatment goals.

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can gradually move teeth into different positions using appliances such as braces or clear aligners.

This may be considered when tooth alignment or spacing is contributing to functional or dental concerns.

Selective Occlusal Adjustment

In specific circumstances, a dentist may make a very small adjustment to a tooth contact.

This should only be performed when clinically justified. Healthy tooth structure should not be removed simply to create an idealized bite without a clear dental reason.

Restorative Dentistry

When teeth have been damaged, heavily worn, fractured, or altered by previous dental treatment, restorative procedures may be part of the treatment plan.

Depending on the situation, options may include composite bonding, fillings, crowns, bridges, or other restorations.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Replacing missing teeth can help restore chewing function and support a more stable dental relationship.

Dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures are among the options that may be considered based on the patient's anatomy and needs.

Protective Appliances

A night guard may sometimes be recommended when a patient has a documented need for protection against excessive tooth wear or grinding-related forces.

A protective appliance does not correct the underlying position of the teeth. It is a secondary protective strategy when clinically appropriate.

What Happens During a Bite Evaluation at Nuttall Smiles?

If you visit Nuttall Smiles in Auburn for concerns about your bite, the process begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

Your dentist can review your dental history, examine your teeth and gums, assess how the upper and lower teeth meet, and determine whether additional diagnostic records are useful.

If a bite-related issue is identified, the next step is understanding whether treatment is actually necessary.

Treatment planning may involve:

1. Identifying the specific bite relationship
2. Evaluating tooth wear and supporting tissues
3. Reviewing missing teeth or existing restorations
4. Considering your functional concerns
5. Discussing available treatment options
6. Explaining the benefits and limitations of each approach
7. Establishing a monitoring or treatment plan

Some patients may simply need continued observation and preventive care. Others may benefit from orthodontic, restorative, or other dental treatment.

Can Your Bite Change Over Time?

Yes. Your bite can change throughout adulthood.

Changes may occur because of:

• Tooth loss
• Dental restorations
• Tooth movement
• Gum or bone changes
• Tooth wear
• Orthodontic treatment
• Normal changes associated with aging
• Oral habits

A change in bite does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, a noticeable change is worth discussing with your dentist, particularly if it occurs alongside tooth damage, chewing difficulty, or other symptoms.

Protecting Your Bite and Oral Health

You cannot always control your natural tooth alignment, but you can reduce factors that contribute to dental damage.

Maintain consistent preventive care by:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between your teeth every day
• Attending recommended dental examinations and cleanings
• Addressing cavities before they compromise more tooth structure
• Replacing missing teeth when appropriate
• Wearing recommended protective appliances as directed
• Avoiding habits that can damage teeth, such as chewing hard non-food objects
• Seeking evaluation when you notice changes in tooth position or bite

Early evaluation can help identify changes before they become more difficult to manage.

Bite and Malocclusion FAQs

1. Is malocclusion a dental problem?

Malocclusion describes an irregular relationship between teeth or jaws. Not every form of malocclusion requires treatment. A dentist considers factors such as function, tooth health, periodontal support, wear, symptoms, and individual goals before recommending treatment.

2. Can a bad bite cause cavities?

A bite itself does not directly cause cavities. However, crowded or overlapping teeth can make certain surfaces harder to clean. When plaque accumulates, the risk of tooth decay may increase.

3. Can malocclusion cause tooth wear?

Certain bite relationships can contribute to uneven or concentrated forces on teeth. However, tooth wear can have multiple causes, including aging, grinding, acidic foods and beverages, and abrasive habits. A dental examination can help determine the likely contributors.

4. Does everyone with an overbite need treatment?

No. Some degree of overbite is normal. Treatment depends on factors such as the extent of the overlap, tooth health, function, development, and whether the bite is contributing to dental problems.

5. Can adults correct malocclusion?

Adults can receive orthodontic and restorative treatment when clinically appropriate. The treatment approach depends on the specific bite relationship, dental health, bone support, previous dental work, and desired outcome.

6. Can missing teeth change your bite?

Yes. When a tooth is missing, adjacent and opposing teeth may shift over time. This can alter the way the teeth contact during chewing. Tooth replacement may help restore function and maintain a more stable dental relationship.

7. Can a dentist fix my bite without braces?

It depends on the cause. Some bite concerns may be addressed through restorative dentistry or carefully selected occlusal adjustments. Other problems involving significant tooth-position changes may require orthodontic treatment. An examination is necessary to determine the appropriate approach.

8. When should I have my bite evaluated?

Consider an evaluation if you notice a significant change in how your teeth meet, unexplained tooth wear, repeated fractures, chewing difficulty, shifting teeth, or concerns related to missing teeth or restorations.

Discuss Your Bite With a Dentist in Auburn, WA

Your bite is an important part of your overall oral function. While not every difference in tooth alignment requires correction, identifying how your teeth contact can help your dentist understand patterns of wear, cleaning challenges, missing-tooth changes, and restorative needs.

If you are concerned about your bite, tooth alignment, chewing function, or changes in how your teeth come together, a professional evaluation can help determine whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.

Nuttall Smiles provides comprehensive dental care for patients in Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Pacific, Algona, Sumner, and surrounding communities in Washington.

Schedule an evaluation with Nuttall Smiles to discuss your bite and learn how your tooth alignment may relate to your long-term oral health.

Nuttall Smiles

722 12th Street SE Auburn, WA 98002