An improper bite, also called a malocclusion, is a misalignment between the top and bottom jaw. Malocclusions can affect your appearance and even the function of your teeth and jaw, which can lead to discomfort and other problems.

There are several different kinds of improper bites, including overbites, underbites, cross bites, and open bites. For some people, these poor bites develop in childhood or early adulthood, while for others, a bad bite can happen due to a jaw injury, ill-fitting dental restorations, or teeth shifting over time.

Why is it important to fix an improper bite? Here are a few reasons why getting your bite aligned is essential at any age.

An article by Dr. Quoc Lu. Originally published by Your Dental Health Resource.