Aesthetic changes to the face and teeth
- Teeth look crooked, overlapping or widely spaced.
- Facial asymmetry: chin displacement, overly elongated or shortened face.
Chewing and speech difficulties
- Difficulty chewing food (teeth do not close properly).
- Diction disorders, sounds are not pronounced clearly (e.g. ‘hissing’ or ‘whistling’).
Discomfort in the jaw and joint
- Clicking or crunching in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Fatigue or pain in the jaw, especially after chewing or long conversations.
Changes in the teeth
- Tooth erosion, enamel sensitivity.
- Misalignment of the teeth (e.g. the midline of the upper and lower jaws do not match).
Breathing problems
- Snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose or the need to breathe through the mouth.
- Sleep disturbances due to lack of oxygen (sleep apnoea).
Self-reported bite tests
Clenching test
- Relax your jaw and slowly close your teeth together.
- It is normal for the upper teeth to slightly overlap the lower teeth and for there to be no gaps between the back teeth.
- If the teeth are not coming together evenly or if there are noticeable gaps, it may indicate an improper bite.
Smile test
- Smile and pay attention to how your teeth look.
- Your upper teeth should be evenly visible without overlapping your lower lip, and your lower teeth should be barely visible.
Chewing test
- Chew something hard (such as a carrot or apple).
- If you feel that one side is working harder or there is discomfort, this is a reason to see a specialist.
Breathing tests, ESPECIALLY IN CHILD
- Close your mouth and try breathing through your nose.
- If nasal breathing is difficult and you automatically start breathing through your mouth, it may be due to a bite disorder or a narrow upper palate.
Important:
Self-tests can only give you a general idea of the state of your bite. If you notice anything unusual, it is best to see a dentist or orthodontist for a professional diagnosis.