Health Effects of Bite Misalignment

It’s no secret that your smile impacts your confidence. Many people believe that having a “Hollywood smile” is an indicator of having a healthy grin. But crafting a healthy smile goes beyond appearance. Your smile could appear picture-perfect and yet suffer from oral health issues related to bite alignment behind the scenes. 

How can crooked teeth affect your overall health? The issue may seem cosmetic, but misaligned teeth make everyday tasks like brushing and eating more challenging than they should be. And if left untreated, poor bite alignment could affect digestion and lead to poor sleep quality. 

Misalignment won’t go away on its own. But there are multiple restorative dental treatments available to correct it. Placing dental crowns, for example, is one such treatment, with zirconia crowns becoming an increasingly popular choice.

Precisely Crafted Zirconia Crowns

A cracked or broken tooth creates a cosmetic problem and causes functional issues. When something is amiss with a single tooth, you end up putting extra pressure on surrounding teeth. Speaking and chewing may also become difficult. However, zirconia crowns can help restore your tooth alignment and prevent additional damage.  

At Valley Dental Clinic, we use an intraoral scanner and digital software to create a clear, detailed 3D model of the tooth. This allows us to create a crown that fits precisely over your tooth for excellent protection. Your custom crown also improves overall bite comfort and oral function while matching the color of your natural teeth. 

Capable of Withstanding Heavy Forces 

Dental crowns made from zirconia are exceptionally durable and resistant to cracking and chipping caused by heavy biting pressure. And compared to other restorative options, zirconia crowns preserve more of the natural tooth structure. This means your dentist doesn’t have to remove as much enamel in the preparation stage, which helps the overall strength and integrity of the tooth.

Correcting Functional Issues With Zirconia Crowns 

A severely misaligned bite may require significant changes to a few teeth. Zirconia crowns are an increasingly popular way to fix this condition. Your dentist will discuss the aesthetic goals you have for your smile as well and will take this into consideration when designing your crowns. 

You can also use zirconia crowns to address uneven enamel wear by building the teeth back up and distributing biting pressure evenly. Zirconia’s durability is such that you won’t have to worry about it wearing down like some other crown materials. 

Regardless of the dental issue in question, the results will be the same: better chewing ability and a more comfortable bite. 

Advantages of Using Zirconia Crowns for Bite Alignment 

After your new crowns are securely in place, your dentist will check your bite again to ensure it is appropriately aligned. Your smile looks better, but that’s not the only benefit. You may experience less jaw pain, making it more comfortable for you to chew. This encourages better digestion so your body gets the nutrients it needs.

Other possible benefits of correcting your bite alignment include: 

• No more jaw-related headaches
• Clearer speech
• Easier brushing and flossing 
• Less neck and shoulder discomfort

Correcting your bite using zirconia crowns may even improve your sleep!

What Happens During Treatment

The zirconia crown process begins with an initial evaluation of your oral health and dental needs. Next, your dentist administers a local anesthetic before preparing the tooth and taking a digital impression. If your dentist is using a dental lab to create your crown, you’ll receive a temporary crown on the prepared tooth to protect it until your next appointment.

Once your crown is ready, your dentist makes any final adjustments and then cements it in place. Taking care of your crown is easy: You just brush and floss regularly to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. It’s also important to schedule routine checkups so your dentist can monitor the integrity of the crown.

The recovery period after a zirconia crown only lasts a few days at most. Slight sensitivity or gum tenderness is normal but subsides quickly.

Treating Your Misaligned Bite With Care 

Zirconia crowns help protect your teeth and restore their alignment. Patients often can’t believe the difference it makes in their comfort and overall well-being. If you have damaged teeth, you don’t need to search any longer for the best dentist in Wasilla. Call Valley Dental Clinic today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Rob.