What Happens If I Don’t Fix My Bite?

Jul 14

What Is a “Bad Bite,” Exactly?

A “bad bite,” or malocclusion, happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly. Common types of bite problems include:

Overbite – upper teeth sit too far over the lower teeth
Underbite – lower teeth extend past the upper teeth
Crossbite – some upper teeth sit behind lower teeth
Open bite – upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed

These issues aren’t just about looks, they can affect everything from how you chew to how your jaw functions.

1. Increased Tooth Wear and Damage

If your bite is off, your teeth may hit each other in ways they’re not supposed to. Over time, this can lead to:

Chipped or cracked teeth
Enamel erosion
Tooth sensitivity or pain

Left untreated, this damage may require fillings, crowns, or even root canals.

2. Jaw Pain and TMJ Problems

Misaligned bites can put extra pressure on your jaw joints (TMJ). This can cause:

Popping or clicking sounds
Tension headaches
Jaw stiffness or pain when chewing
Facial pain or earaches

Long-term TMJ issues can become chronic and difficult to manage without treatment.

3. Speech Difficulties

A bite that doesn’t align properly can interfere with how your tongue moves. This might lead to:

Lisps
Slurred or unclear speech
Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds

Bite correction often improves clarity in speech, especially when paired with early orthodontic treatment.

4. Trouble Eating and Digesting Food

If it’s hard to chew your food properly, you’re more likely to swallow larger pieces, which makes your digestive system work harder. Bite issues can also:

Limit the foods you can eat comfortably
Cause jaw fatigue after meals
Lead to uneven chewing patterns

5. Shifting Teeth & Crooked Smiles

When your bite is off, your teeth may drift or crowd over time. Even if you’ve had braces in the past, an untreated bite can undo that progress.

6. Harder to Clean Teeth = More Cavities

Crowded or misaligned teeth can be difficult to brush and floss properly. This increases the risk of:

Cavities
Gum disease
Bad breath

Straightening your bite can help keep your whole mouth healthier.

So... Do I Really Need to Fix It?

If you’ve been told you have a bite issue, it's worth addressing early, especially during your teen years while your jaw is still developing. Bite correction doesn’t just improve your smile, it protects your long-term oral health.

At Virginia Braces, we use modern orthodontic solutions like Invisalign®, braces, and appliances to gently guide your bite into a healthier position.

👋 Let’s Talk About Your Bite

Not sure if your bite needs fixing? We’re here to help. Schedule your free consultation at our Woodbridge or Arlington office today and get personalized answers from our experienced orthodontists.

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