RevitalizeInTurkey: Understanding the ‘Incorrect Bite’

Malocclusion means that the teeth or jaws do not meet in an expected alignment when the mouth closes. People sometimes call it an “incorrect bite” or “bad bite”, but those informal terms do not describe the type, severity or cause. Some differences are mainly aesthetic; others can affect cleaning, tooth wear, chewing or speech.

A dentist or orthodontist must assess the teeth, jaws, oral health and individual goals before recommending treatment. Photographs or an online description cannot establish whether braces, aligners, jaw surgery or no treatment is appropriate.

Common bite and alignment terms

• Crowding: there is insufficient space for teeth to align normally.
• Spacing: gaps may occur because of tooth size, missing teeth or jaw-tooth relationships.
• Overjet: the upper front teeth sit horizontally ahead of the lower front teeth.
• Deep bite: the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically to a greater degree.
• Underbite or reverse overjet: some lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
• Crossbite: one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
• Open bite: selected upper and lower teeth do not contact when the other teeth meet.

These patterns can occur together. Their clinical importance depends on function, tooth and gum health, jaw growth, trauma risk and the person’s concerns—not the label alone.

What can contribute to malocclusion?

Jaw and tooth size, facial growth and inherited characteristics can affect alignment. Missing or extra teeth, early loss of baby teeth, impacted teeth, cleft conditions, injury and some prolonged oral habits may also contribute. A bite can change with growth, tooth loss, gum disease, wear or previous dental treatment.

Jaw pain, headaches or clicking should not automatically be blamed on malocclusion. Temporomandibular symptoms can have several causes, and orthodontic treatment is not a universal cure for them.

When should a bite be assessed?

Consider a dental or orthodontic assessment when there is difficulty cleaning or chewing, trauma to teeth or gums, marked crowding or spacing, an unerupted tooth, speech concerns, progressive tooth wear or a change in the way the teeth meet. Children may benefit from timely assessment when tooth eruption or jaw growth appears unusual, but early assessment does not mean treatment must begin immediately.

New bite change after injury, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, signs of infection or an inability to close the mouth requires prompt clinical advice.

How dentists and orthodontists assess alignment

The assessment may include dental and medical history, previous treatment, symptoms, facial and jaw relationships, tooth position, gum health, oral hygiene, jaw movement and the way the teeth contact. Photographs, scans or impressions and selected X-rays may be used when clinically justified.

The clinician should explain:

• the diagnosis and which findings support it;
• whether the concern is dental, skeletal or a combination;
• the functional and appearance-related treatment goals;
• reasonable alternatives, including no treatment;
• the expected limitations, risks, duration and retention plan.

Possible treatment options

Monitoring and preventive care

Mild differences do not always require active correction. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential before and during orthodontics. Read the Revitalize dental-care guide for general preventive principles.

Fixed braces

Fixed braces use brackets and wires to move teeth gradually. The NHS braces guide explains that braces may be considered for crowding, protruding teeth, large gaps or upper and lower jaws that do not meet properly. Regular adjustment and good oral hygiene are required.

Removable appliances or clear aligners

Selected problems may be treated with a removable appliance or a sequence of clear aligners. They are not suitable for every movement or level of complexity. Success depends on diagnosis, appliance design, wear and review; “invisible” does not mean risk-free or maintenance-free.

Extractions or restorative coordination

Some plans discuss creating space, managing missing teeth or coordinating orthodontics with restorative dentistry. Tooth removal is not automatically necessary and should be justified within the complete plan.

Jaw surgery

Where a substantial jaw discrepancy cannot be corrected by tooth movement alone, combined orthodontics and orthognathic surgery may be considered. This is a complex pathway involving an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, general anaesthesia, surgical risks and a longer treatment course. Braces alone and jaw surgery are not interchangeable options.

Our orthodontic-treatment guide provides a broader overview of treatment planning.

Risks and limitations of orthodontic treatment

Possible risks include discomfort, mouth irritation, decay or permanent enamel marks if cleaning is inadequate, gum recession, shortening of tooth roots, loss of tooth vitality in uncommon cases, incomplete correction and relapse. Broken appliances and missed appointments can delay progress.

NHS orthodontic risk guidance emphasises that active decay, gum disease or poor plaque control can make treatment unsafe. Oral health must be maintained throughout treatment.

Why retainers matter

Teeth can move after active treatment. Retainers are used to reduce relapse, and the required type and wear schedule depend on the case. Before starting treatment, ask who supplies replacements, how retainers will be reviewed and what long-term maintenance may cost.

No provider can guarantee perfectly stable alignment for life. Growth, ageing, gum health, tooth loss and retainer use can all affect later position.

Planning orthodontic treatment in Turkey

Orthodontics often requires repeated appointments and long-term retention, so travel planning must cover the whole course rather than an initial package. Request written confirmation of:

• the named Revitalize contracted dentist or orthodontist and facility;
• the diagnosis and records used for planning;
• the exact appliance, proposed stages and realistic duration range;
• how routine adjustments, breakages and urgent problems are managed;
• whether extractions, restorative dentistry or surgery are part of the plan;
• fees, exclusions, retainers and replacement costs;
• who provides reviews after returning home.

Current GOV.UK Turkey health guidance advises people considering dental treatment to discuss plans with a UK clinician, conduct independent research and not rely solely on commercial literature.

Frequently asked questions

Does every malocclusion need treatment?

No. Treatment depends on severity, health, function, likely benefit, risk and the individual’s informed preference.

Can adults have orthodontic treatment?

Yes, adults may be suitable for braces or aligners, but gum health, restorations, missing teeth and jaw relationships can affect the plan.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Neither is universally better. The appropriate appliance depends on the required tooth movements, complexity, wear requirements and clinical assessment.

Can veneers correct a bite?

Veneers change selected tooth surfaces and do not move jaws or provide the same correction as orthodontics. Removing healthy tooth tissue solely to disguise alignment requires careful consideration of alternatives and long-term maintenance.

Will treatment permanently prevent movement?

No. Retention reduces relapse, but teeth can continue to move. Long-term retainer planning is part of informed consent.