The way your teeth meet when your top and bottom jaws close down on top of each other is known as your 'bite'. If your teeth don't fit together properly, you could have malocclusion or 'bad bite', which can cause problems with your teeth, gums, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles in your face.
This misalignment, often referred to as TMJ disorder, can also cause some people to clench the jaw and grind their teeth at night. This can lead to facial pain, headaches, discomfort and clicking when biting or chewing, migraines as well as neck and shoulder pain, even back pain.
If you recognise any of these symptoms or suffer with these on a daily basis, you will need to see a dentist to treat your problems or refer you to a specialist if necessary.
In some cases, the treatment includes wearing a hard plastic appliance at night. This is made to measure and fitted onto your bite accurately, so that when you bite on it, your teeth are in a position where your muscles are relaxed. This also stops your teeth from becoming worn down by grinding and protects them. Depending on the origin and severity of your problem, you may need orthodontic treatment or maxillofacial surgery. Other solutions may include replacing missing teeth or adjusting any ill-fitting bridgework that you may have.
The important thing to do is see your dentist as soon as possible so your problem does not become worse over time and require more drastic measures to correct.
I have been coming to Benhill Dental Practice for a number of years' now and purely because of the treatment and service provided by Dr Alexandra Fivey and support staff.
My 9 year old daughter recently had to have two fillings and an extraction, Dr Alexandra handled her so well and we were so pleased with the outcome! I couldn't recommend her enough as a dentist! Thank you!
Alex and Rachel always provide a professional and thorough service for myself, my husband and daughter. We have been going to see them for the last few years and have always had a positive and personal experience. They are very patient and gentle with my 10 year old daughter, who before going, was not keen on seeing the dentist or hygienist! I would highly recommend!
Great, friendly dentists! Dr Alexandra and her colleagues go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and offer the best advice.
I would like to thank Dr Alexandra for making our first visit in the practice an amazing experience. My son who is 6 years old needed his tooth taken out after being inflamed for some time. Dr Alexandra is a BRILLIANT dentist, clearly with lots of experience and professionalism and someone who loves her job…We are very happy that we found Dr Alexandra! Thank you so much!!!