The Foundation of a Healthy Smile

At Ashlow Orthodontics, we’ve dedicated our careers to helping patients achieve not just straight teeth, but optimal dental function. When discussing braces Stoke-on-Trent, many people focus solely on aesthetics, but there’s a crucial aspect that deserves attention: dental occlusion.

What is Dental Occlusion?

Dental occlusion refers to how your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth or chew. A proper bite is essential for both oral health and overall well-being. When teeth don’t align correctly, it can lead to various complications that affect daily life.

Types of Malocclusion

In our practice, we regularly encounter different types of bite issues that require correction:

• Overbite: Upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth
• Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
• Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth when biting
• Open bite: Front teeth don’t meet when back teeth are closed

The Impact of Poor Occlusion

A misaligned bite can cause numerous problems that extend beyond aesthetic concerns. Through years of experience, we’ve observed how malocclusion affects patients in various ways:

• Difficulty in properly chewing food
• Increased wear on tooth enamel
• Jaw pain and TMJ disorders
• Speech impediments
• Headaches and facial pain

Modern Orthodontic Solutions

Today’s orthodontic treatments offer sophisticated solutions for correcting bite issues. When patients visit our clinic for braces in Stoke-on-Trent, we conduct thorough assessments to determine the most effective treatment approach. Modern orthodontic techniques allow us to address both aesthetic concerns and functional issues simultaneously.

The Treatment Journey

The process of correcting occlusion through orthodontic treatment requires careful planning and execution. Each patient’s bite is unique, which is why we take a personalised approach to treatment planning. When fitting braces in Stoke-on-Trent, we consider multiple factors including:

1. Current bite position and alignment
2. Jaw relationship and growth patterns
3. Muscle function and habits
4. Overall oral health condition

Beyond Traditional Braces

While traditional braces remain an excellent option for many patients, modern orthodontics offers various alternatives. The key is selecting the most appropriate treatment method for each case. Some patients might benefit from:

• Clear aligners for mild to moderate cases
• Self-ligating brackets for reduced friction
• Lingual braces for aesthetic concerns

Maintaining Results

Achieving proper occlusion is only half the battle. The retention phase is equally important for long-term success. We always emphasise to our patients that wearing retainers as prescribed is crucial for maintaining their new bite alignment.

Looking Forward

The field of orthodontics continues to evolve, with new technologies and techniques emerging regularly. These advancements allow us to achieve better results with greater comfort and efficiency. As we look to the future, the focus remains on providing comprehensive treatment that addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the role of occlusion in orthodontics is vital for achieving optimal oral health. Through careful treatment planning and modern techniques, we can help patients achieve not just straight teeth, but a properly functioning bite that will serve them well for years to come. The journey to perfect occlusion may take time, but the results are truly life-changing.