A properly aligned smile is no doubt nice to look at, but the functionality and health behind it are what matters most. Crooked teeth or an uneven grin can do a number on your self-confidence, but it can also be detrimental. A misaligned bite can actually wreak havoc on your health.

A misaligned bite is also referred to as a dental malocclusion, which is the misalignment or improper positioning of the teeth and jaws that can affect the bite. If left untreated, it can lead to any of the following issues or conditions:

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic migraines
• Tooth Decay
• Gum Disease
• Bad posture
• Hip Issues
• Body Pain

So if you’re suffering from a misaligned bite, is there a way to treat it? According to Dr. Buck, there is! Contrary to traditional dentistry, the jaw can effectively be reshaped to create a healthy and functional bite. Many traditional orthodontists were taught that the jaws couldn’t develop or grow after puberty. Therefore many orthodontists may recommend a more invasive approach to treating a misaligned jaw. But current research suggests the jaws can develop and grow well after the puberty years.

“At any age, you can develop and remodel the jaws and develop jaw size,” Dr. Buck said.

By using techniques that help grow and expand the jaw, we can realign the jaw to its optimal position.

“We use appliances with correct stimulation in the correct spots causing the jaw to remodel and grow,” Buck said.

This approach to treating dental malocclusion is considerably less invasive than the more traditional courses of treatment recommended by orthodontists. If you’re living with a misaligned bite, Dr. Buck’s approach may be for you. Save yourself the headache of being at risk for a whole host of conditions, and contact our office today at 425-361-7499 to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.