Do you find your teeth aren’t lining up properly when you bite? This can be caused by a misalignment of the upper and lower jaw, known as an underbite or overbite. While these issues can be addressed with traditional orthodontics (braces), veneers offer a potential alternative for some patients seeking both functional improvement and a beautiful smile.
Can veneers help bite alignment?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of chipped, discoloured, or slightly misaligned teeth. However, in some cases, veneers can also play a role in minor bite alignment!
Types of bite misalignments
Here are some of the most common types of bite misalignments:
- Overbite is the most common type of malocclusion. It occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by more than a few millimetres.
- Underbite is the opposite of an overbite. It occurs when the lower jaw juts out further than the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to bite in front of the upper front teeth.
- Crossbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly in a side-to-side manner. There are two types of crossbite: anterior (front teeth) and posterior (back teeth).
- Open bite occurs when there is a vertical space between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
- Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit comfortably. This can cause the teeth to overlap or become twisted.
- Spacing occurs when there is too much space between the teeth. This can be caused by missing teeth, small teeth, or a large jaw.
If you think you may have a bite misalignment, why not speak to our qualified dentists for diagnosis and treatment? Treatment for bite misalignments typically involves braces, aligners, and retainers.
How do veneers help bite alignment?
Veneers primarily address cosmetic concerns, but they can indirectly contribute to improved bite alignment in certain cases. Here’s how:
Minor adjustments: Veneers are custom-made shells that adhere to the front surface of your teeth. By carefully adjusting the veneer’s thickness and shape, dentists can address minor misalignments like slight rotations or overlaps. This can improve the way your teeth meet when you bite or chew!
Balancing tooth length: Uneven tooth length can disrupt your bite. Veneers can be used to lengthen shorter teeth or shorten longer ones, creating a more uniform and balanced appearance. This can improve how your upper and lower teeth meet.
Closing gaps: Small gaps between teeth can be aesthetically unpleasing and may also contribute to bite problems. Veneers can effectively close these gaps, leading to a more aligned and functionally optimal bite.
Can porcelain veneers fix bite issues?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are often used to improve the appearance of teeth, but their benefits go beyond aesthetics and can also be used to correct bite issues.
1. Improving tooth alignment
If your bite issues stem from slightly misaligned teeth, veneers can help. By reshaping and repositioning the teeth, veneers can create a more harmonious alignment between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the strain on your bite.
2. Balancing the bite
An unbalanced bite can cause uneven wear on certain teeth, leading to premature ageing of your smile and potential damage. Veneers can be used to even out your bite by adjusting the size and shape of your teeth. This improves the appearance of your smile and helps distribute the biting forces more evenly, reducing the risk of wear and tear.
3. Closing gaps and correcting spacing
Veneers can be an effective solution for patients with gappy teeth or spacing issues. By filling in these gaps, veneers can help prevent food from getting stuck and reduce the chances of developing gum issues. Additionally, closing these gaps can improve your bite’s overall functionality.
4. Protecting worn teeth
If your bite issues have already led to significant wear on your teeth, veneers can serve as a protective layer. They can cover worn-down teeth, restoring their appearance and preventing further damage. By addressing the root cause of the wear—an unbalanced bite—veneers can help you avoid more severe dental problems down the road.
Are you a candidate for porcelain veneers?
If you’re dealing with bite issues and are considering porcelain veneers, the next step is to consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist. Your dentist will assess your bite, discuss your goals, and determine whether veneers are the right option for you. In some cases, veneers might be combined with other treatments, such as orthodontics or bonding, to achieve the best results.
Veneers for underbites
Veneers can be an option for mild underbites! Veneers can improve the appearance of your smile by:
- Masking the misalignment of your teeth
- Making your teeth appear straighter
- Closing gaps between your teeth
However, it’s important to note that veneers cannot correct the underlying skeletal issue that causes an underbite. In other words, they won’t change the position of your jaw. If you have a moderate or severe underbite, you may need braces or orthodontics to correct the bite itself. Then, veneers may be a good option to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth!
Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about getting veneers for an underbite:
- The severity of your underbite: Veneers are only effective for mild underbites.
- Your bite: If you have a severe underbite, veneers can put extra stress on your teeth, which could lead to them chipping or breaking.
If you’re considering veneers for an underbite, why not speak to us to discuss your options and determine if veneers are right for you.
Veneers for overbite
Again, veneers can be an option for minor overbites, but orthodontics are generally the preferred treatment for correcting an overbite. Veneers can improve the appearance of your smile in the case of a mild overbite by:
- Masking the misalignment of your teeth, making them appear straighter.
- Lengthening the appearance of your front teeth to minimise the overlap with your lower teeth.
If you have a moderate or severe overbite, you may need braces or other orthodontics to correct the bite itself. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about getting veneers for an overbite:
- The severity of your overbite: Veneers are only effective for mild overbites.
- Your bite: Even in mild overbite cases, veneers can sometimes interfere with your bite and may require additional dental work.
Veneers offer a potential solution for those seeking to address minor bite alignment issues and achieve a beautiful smile. If you’re looking for ways to improve your smile’s function and aesthetics, schedule a consultation with our experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss if veneers are right for you.
Are your teeth not aligned when biting? Are you exploring different options to correct your bite? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your smile goals!