If you’ve ever heard the term “bad bite,” you may have wondered what it really means and whether it’s something you should worry about. A bad bite, also known as malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not align properly when the mouth is closed. While some alignment issues are minor, others can affect your child’s comfort, confidence and long-term oral health.
At Kohrs Orthodontics, Dr. Keith Kohrs and our high-energy, patient-first team are here to help families throughout Aurora, Bennett and Strasburg understand how a bad bite develops, and how we can correct it with modern, personalized orthodontic care.
What Causes a Bad Bite?
Malocclusion can be something that you are born with, or it can develop over time. Some common causes include:
- Genetics and jaw size differences
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Crowding or spacing issues
- Jaw growth discrepancies
Because the upper and lower jaws must grow in harmony for teeth to align properly, even small developmental issues can lead to malocclusions. The important thing to remember is that most bite problems do not correct themselves without orthodontic treatment.
Why Is It Important to Fix a Bad Bite?
Untreated malocclusions can cause more than just crooked teeth. Depending on the severity, it can lead to several functional and cosmetic concerns, including:
- Speech difficulties
- Food getting trapped between teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Early enamel wear from uneven pressure
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Jaw strain or discomfort
- Teeth biting into the gums or roof of the mouth
- Changes in facial appearance
- Lower self-esteem or reluctance to smile
When teeth don’t fit together properly, it can place excess stress on the jaw muscles and joints. Over time, this strain may contribute to discomfort or even chronic jaw pain. The good news? A bad bite can be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
How Can Braces or Clear Aligners Fix It?
For most patients, braces or clear aligners are the primary solution to correct malocclusions. These orthodontic tools apply gentle, consistent pressure to gradually move teeth and guide the jaws into healthier alignment. At Kohrs Orthodontics, we offer several treatment options, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and clear aligners.
Braces are often recommended for more complex bite issues, such as severe overbites, underbites or crossbites. Clear aligners may be effective for mild to moderate alignment concerns and are especially popular with teens and adults seeking a more discreet option.
Early treatment makes a significant difference. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist around age seven. At this age, Dr. Kohrs can evaluate jaw growth and detect early signs of a bad bite and if braces are not immediately needed. While malocclusions can absolutely be corrected in adults, treatment may take longer because the jawbones are fully developed. That’s why early evaluation is so important.
What Happens at Your Orthodontic Evaluation?
If you suspect you or your child has a malocclusion, your first step is scheduling a complimentary consultation at Kohrs Orthodontics.
During your visit, Dr. Kohrs will examine your child’s teeth and jaw alignment, take digital X-rays to see below the surface, capture digital impressions using advanced scanning technology and review photos and bite measurements
Unlike traditional messy molds, our digital scanning technology creates precise 3D models of your child’s teeth quickly and comfortably. This allows Dr. Kohrs to clearly see how the teeth fit together and develop a customized treatment plan. Once the nature and severity of the bad bite are determined, we’ll walk you through your options in a relaxed, supportive environment.
At Kohrs Orthodontics, Dr. Kohrs carefully tailors every treatment recommendation to your child’s individual needs. Because he sees each patient at every appointment, you can feel confident knowing you or your child’s care is consistent and closely monitored from start to finish.
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
If your child has crooked teeth, an overbite, underbite or any other signs of a bad bite, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Kohrs Orthodontics today. We proudly serve families across Aurora, Bennett and Strasburg with high-tech, high-touch orthodontic care designed to make every visit comfortable and even fun.
Call us at (303) 750-3660 to book your complimentary evaluation. We can’t wait to help your child smile on with confidence and a healthy, properly aligned bite!