A completely balanced bite is rare. Most people have only minor unbalanced biting forces and these minor discrepancies are clinically insignificant. Teeth change shape over time and the small problems can become big ones.
Chemical erosion of enamel can be cause from bulimia, but is also caused by the use of acid foods. Fruit juices, carbonated beverages, tomato based sauces, pickles and many other foods have enough acid in them to etch the surface of teeth. These foods collect in the uneven parts of the teeth and as a result, some parts of the teeth etch more than others. This results in a change in the shape of the teeth.
Mechanical factors also change the shape of teeth. Sleep studies show that approximately 80% of the population grind their teeth at night. Although these studies focus on people with sleep difficulty, it is evident that most people grind. Eating an extremely high fiber diet also cause extra wear on teeth. A variety habits such as chewing on toothpicks, also change the shape of teeth. Additionally, having dental work done usually changes the shape of teeth.
When tooth shape is changed, the way the teeth meet together is also changed. This is one cause of the imbalances. Other causes are due to the change in the way teeth come together without changing their shape. One good example is holding objects between the front teeth as a habit can cause the back teeth to come closer together and the front teeth to no longer touch.
Gum disease, some bone abnormalities, and trauma can also contribute to a change in the bite.
Like any well running engine, the better balance the bite is, the better it will work. We can analyze your bite to determine if it is out of balance and if so, what should be done to rebalance it.
©2003 Dr. James S. Eaves, DDS
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