Before orthodontic treatment begins, it’s important to understand how your teeth come together. Bite analysis evaluates the relationship between your upper and lower teeth, helping identify issues that can affect both oral health and daily function. At Dr. Adams Orthodontics, this detailed approach supports high-quality orthodontic care for patients in Berkeley, CA.
A bite analysis is a detailed evaluation of how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite, chew, and speak. It looks beyond crooked teeth to assess jaw alignment, tooth contact, spacing, and how forces are distributed across your bite. This analysis allows our orthodontist to identify issues that may not be obvious at first glance but can significantly impact oral health if left untreated.
An improper bite - also called malocclusion - can affect much more than your smile. Bite problems can lead to:
Difficulty chewing or biting food properly
Uneven tooth wear or premature enamel damage
Jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness
Headaches or facial discomfort
Speech issues
Increased risk of tooth fractures or gum problems
By identifying these concerns early, a bite analysis helps prevent future complications and supports healthier, more efficient function of your teeth and jaws.
A thorough bite analysis can detect several types of bite misalignment, including:
Overbite: Upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much
Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth don’t align properly side-to-side
Open bite: Front or back teeth do not touch when biting down
Each of these issues can affect oral health differently, which is why personalized evaluation is essential.
Bite analysis is a foundation for effective orthodontic planning. It helps determine:
Whether braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances are most appropriate
How teeth should be moved for proper alignment and balance
How to improve jaw function while enhancing appearance
The ideal timeline and sequence for treatment
A healthy, functional bite is just as important as straight teeth. Bite analysis allows orthodontic treatment to go beyond aesthetics, addressing comfort, efficiency, and long-term oral health. By carefully evaluating how your teeth and jaws work together, orthodontic care can deliver results that look great and feel right.
Contact Dr. Adams Orthodontics to schedule a bite analysis and learn how expert orthodontics in Berkeley, CA can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced smile