Malocclusion or shifts in the bite can occur in patients of all ages for a variety of reasons. Although you can prevent some of the resulting problems through proper oral health care and regular dental appointments, others require more advanced procedures. The most common causes of a shifting bite include: Time: The older you grow, the tighter and smaller your lips become. This change in facial features also puts pressure on your teeth from the outside. Over time, your mouth feels crowded, and changes in dental alignment occur. Tooth Loss: Tooth loss is one of the most common dental problems. Causes include physical trauma, decay, bone disease, gum disease, and normal wear and tear. If you lose one or more teeth, the remaining ones will shift towards the new gap and adversely affect your bite. Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the tissue around your teeth. When it progresses further and becomes periodontitis, it can cause gum shrinkage and bone loss, increasing the likelihood of tooth loss and misalignment. Genetics: It’s possible to inherit malocclusion. If you have the condition, your parents, siblings, and other relatives are likely to have it as well. Genetic disorders such as cleft lip or palate also affect your bite by changing your dental structure. Injury or Trauma: Kids, teens, and young adults are at higher risk of traumatic dental injuries which affect their bite. Examples are fractures, extrusion, subluxation, and avulsion. If you’ve noticed a slight change in your smile or teeth alignment, it may be an indication that your bite has shifted. This condition is known as malocclusion and results from crooked or crowded teeth and misalignment between the lower and upper dental arches. Severe malocclusion can cause speech problems, breathing difficulties, facial changes, bruxism, and chewing issues. A properly aligned bite allows you to clean your teeth more efficiently and helps prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health problems. Dr. Deepak Kamalanathan, one of the leading prosthodontists in Chennai, brings years of experience in advanced dental care to his flourishing practice at Apple Dental. He is well-versed on advanced dental technologies. Services provided by the doctor include Zirconia, DMLS and PFM Crowns, Implant Prosthesis, Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation, Veneers, BPS Dentures Fixing, Smile Design, Implant Retained Dentures etc. With highly trained dental team and state-of-the-art facilities, he is passionate about bringing high quality dental care to his patients at affordable costs. Want to make an informed decision about your dental treatment? Visit us @Apple Dental for a consultation where our dental experts can provide recommendations based on your medical history and clinical assessment to help you choose the most effective treatment option. Don’t wait any longer to achieve your perfect smile. Let us help you restore your confidence and improve your oral health. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, our team of dental experts at Apple Dental have got you covered.