Thanks to their numerous benefits, veneers have surged in popularity over the past few years, so it comes as no surprise that they are one of our most sought-after dental cosmetic procedures. Individually made and paper-thin, these shells cover the front surface of your teeth, concealing imperfections for an even smile. However, veneers go beyond oral aesthetics as they play an important role in bite alignment, which is essential for oral health.
Correct alignment is essential as it ensures the longevity of the tooth’s structure. Inaccurate positioning between the lower and upper teeth often leads to discomfort, bruxism, and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders.
How Misaligned Veneers Affect Your Bite
Sometimes, veneers can look good but feel uncomfortable once you start chewing and speaking. That’s where alignment becomes more than merely cosmetic.
- A balanced bite distributes chewing force evenly across your teeth. When veneers sit either too far forward or further back, the upper and lower teeth may come into contact too forcefully or fail to meet at all. This misalignment creates an unstable bite.
- As you chew or speak, your jaw naturally tries to correct any imbalances that occur. These tiny adjustments can put strain on facial muscles and your joints, leading to jaw tightness, clenching, and discomfort of the TMJ (jaw joint) over time.
- If teeth don’t meet correctly, certain foods may become difficult to bite into. Many people subconsciously move all their chewing to one side of the mouth, further unbalancing the bite and overloading some teeth or veneers.
- Misalignment often causes friction between teeth, either from grinding or colliding when eating. This accelerates wear and tear on the surface of your veneers, flattening the bite, dulling the material, or shortening the natural teeth.
Misaligned veneers not only impact the look of your smile, but they also influence how your mouth functions. Addressing aligned issues protects your bite and ultimately your veneer longevity.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of Misalignment?
Poorly fitted veneers take many forms. You may see crooked or misaligned teeth, or even veneers that don’t follow your tooth’s original shape. Not only will they feel uncomfortable, but they could also cause long-term damage to your teeth and jaw.
If misaligned veneers are left uncorrected, minor problems can escalate into major issues over time. Cracks can easily form as some teeth absorb additional pressure, while chewing may feel uncomfortable, possibly leading to sensitivity.
Many individuals notice building tension in their jaws and occasional headaches due to muscles overcompensating from an uneven bite. Daily habits can accelerate wear in some regions of natural teeth and veneers.
Addressing any issues can protect your oral health in the long run. Bite alignment and veneers should work together to ensure your teeth meet evenly, reduce strain, and extend the lifespan of your cosmetic treatment. Failing to correct concerns may require costly repairs or replacement. Book an appointment with our friendly team to ensure comfortable and functional veneers.
Assessing Bite Alignment Before Veneer Placement
Before placing veneers, we use occlusal analysis (to evaluate your current bite alignment) to mitigate potential problems, so that you can enjoy long-term success. We use a combination of impressions, X-rays, and photographs to understand how your teeth and jaw work together and tailor plans according to your needs and budget for successful treatment.
After the necessary assessments, we’ll articulate the bite to check jaw movement to spot any irregular contact. Our high-tech practice uses digital smile design technology to map out potential changes before starting treatment. It’s imperative to check bite alignment in the initial stages, as it sets the foundation for strong, comfortable, and healthy veneers.
Veneers and Bite Adjustments
Sometimes, additional bite adjustments are necessary to achieve optimal veneer results. We may reshape specific teeth or fine-tune how they meet during chewing so everything feels smooth and natural. When we combine occlusion and veneers, we create results that look beautiful and function comfortably.
We use this approach often, and the changes speak for themselves. Many patients notice an immediate difference in their smile, comfort, and confidence. They feel good about how their teeth look, but more importantly, they enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling without tension. When we align function and aesthetics, we set patients up for long-term satisfaction with a beautiful smile.
A Balanced Bite Means A Long-Lasting Smile
A healthy bite creates the base your smile needs to thrive for years. When everything aligns the way it should, chewing feels easy, your jaw stays relaxed, and veneer durability improves. Minor adjustments make a big difference, especially when you want your veneers to remain strong, stable, and beautiful.
Function and aesthetics go hand in hand and complement each other. We guide all our patients through every step, from alignment to finishing details, so you leave with a smile that looks great and works effortlessly.
If you want support, insight, and results that feel personal to you, our Tarzana cosmetic dentistry team would love to help. Book a consultation today, ask questions, and take the first step toward your new smile.