604.542.5420 
Most people schedule an initial consultation with an orthodontist because they do not like the appearance of their smile. “This tooth sticks out” – is something we commonly hear. At South Surrey Smiles, it is our priority to address your main concerns and help you achieve your dream smile. This is where a Functional Bite comes in.
What Is A Functional Bite?
While orthodontists excel at straightening teeth, there is actually much more to orthodontics. A functional bite is more important that one might think. Sometimes the upper jaw grows more than the lower jaw or vice versa. This can throw off the teeth alignment at the back and cause them to wear down. Some people even experience jaw joint problems because their bite is not working properly.
Orthodontic Treatments Are Recommended For Overbites
Another common reason orthodontic treatment is recommended is for overbites. When the upper front teeth hang down too far and overlap the lower teeth too much, people will experience significant wear on the edges of their teeth. Over time, this really ages a smile because the teeth look very flat and sheered off. Not only does it have a negative impact on appearance, sometimes the teeth can become sensitive as the enamel wears through to the inside layers of the teeth.
Be Sure To Go See A Certified Orthodontist
It is really important to know the value of a functional bite. This speaks directly to the importance of seeing a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics. If you are entering an orthodontic journey, it is important to make sure that you are getting the full package; straight teeth and a functional bite. The sad part is, if the teeth are straightened without bite correction, the result will likely relapse because it is unstable.
Bite correction at an early age sets kids up for smile longevity. If teeth are maintained with proper oral hygiene and a functional bite, there is no reason that the teeth cannot last a lifetime! Call South Surrey Smiles today for a free smile assessment. You deserve a healthy smile that not only looks fabulous, but will last! We look forward to meeting you.
Dr. Lesley Williams is a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics. She grew up in Victoria, BC with her parents and two sisters.
After being awarded her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree in 1989, Dr. Williams then spent six years as a dentist in general practice before deciding that she wanted to further her education by undertaking three extra years of highly specialized training in orthodontics. With her Masters in Science (Orthodontics) degree under her belt, she went on to sit the Orthodontic Specialty Fellowship exams through the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. To date, her status as an active leader in the orthodontic profession means that she holds the following qualifications and positions:
- Certified Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada
- Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
- Examiner for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
- Former president of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (representing 2900 orthodontists from the 4 western Canadian provinces and 8 western American states).
- Active member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists.