Los Angeles is a city that takes pride in being edgy and not just going with the flow. We like to be at the forefront of whatever we do, from food to fashion, and we love breaking the mold and turning the world on its head.
Just because the city is full of edgy, unique people doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a great trait in your teeth.
If your teeth contact with an edge-to-edge bite, you could end up in a lot of pain. The good news is there are several orthodontic options to get your teeth to line up the way they should to give you a killer smile and a healthier mouth.
What Is an Edge-to-Edge Bite?
In a standard bite, the top teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth vertically. In the front, your teeth overlap, so the biting edge of your bottom teeth is hidden when you smile (go on, try it!). For your back teeth, each molar has cusps (the pointy parts) and grooves; when they align properly, the cusps and grooves of the top teeth offset from the bottom teeth so the top and bottom teeth fit together snuggly with the cusps of one tooth contacting the grooves of the other. This alignment distributes your biting and chewing pressures so you can eat and speak without problems.
An edge-to-edge bite happens when your front teeth don’t overlap; instead, the biting surfaces contact when you close your mouth. A posterior edge-to-edge (called end-to-end) bite occurs when the cusps and grooves aren’t offset, but instead, the cusps of one tooth hit the cusps of the other tooth. An edge-to-edge bite can lead to several dental problems throughout your life.
Types of Retainers
There are many choices for dental retainers, even beyond permanent retainer vs. removable options, based on your specific dental needs and preferences. The table below lists some available types of retainers for you to choose from after orthodontic treatment.
| Problems Caused By an Edge-to-Edge Bite | |
| Aesthetic Concerns | Having teeth that don’t line up can cause you to feel embarrassed about your smile. Everybody deserves a smile they love to show off; orthodontic treatment can help you with that! |
| Functional Problems | If your teeth contact in the wrong position, it can interfere with
And lead to pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). |
| Wear and Trauma | Uneven pressure can lead to excessive wear on your teeth, chipping, and even dental fractures. |
If you have an edge-to-edge bite, you can correct your teeth alignment, resolve any problems you might already experience, and prevent any future problems caused by your teeth hitting.
What Are My Edge-to-Edge Bite Correction Options in L.A.?
If you live in the Los Angeles area, you are lucky! One of the world’s leading orthodontists has four locations to bring you access to the best orthodontic care wherever you are. From traditional braces to Invisalign or even surgical consultations, the experts at Beverly Hills Orthodontics are ready to help you get your best smile.
| Edge-to-Edge Bite Correction Options | |
 |
Invisalign AlignersInvisalign is a system of clear aligners that straighten your teeth without the visible metal brackets of traditional braces. Invisalign also offers more freedom because you can take them out to eat — so you don’t have food restrictions during treatment. |
 |
Traditional BracesTime-tested and capable of correcting many dental misalignments, traditional braces are metal brackets connected by an archwire that are periodically tightened to guide your teeth into their new position. |
 |
ExpandersIf your edge-to-edge bite is caused by one of your jaws being too narrow, expanders are a great way to get some extra space to bring your teeth into alignment. Expanders are typically used as an adjunct to traditional braces or before Invisalign treatments. |
 |
RetainersOnce your bite is aligned, you will want it to stay that way. There are several different retainer options to help you maintain that flawless smile. |
Correcting your edge-to-edge bite is an easy feat for a well-trained and highly-educated orthodontist. If you have an edge-to-edge bite and are wondering which correction method best fits you, reach out for a consultation today. We are easy to reach from Playa Vista, Echo Park, Santa Monica, and Highland Park.
Beverly Hills Orthodontics: Your Go-To Office for Edge-to-Edge Bite Correction
Dr. Madan and the Beverly Hills Orthodontics team can use the BHO method to craft your personalized treatment during a free consultation. Contact one of our offices in Beverly Hills, Studio City, Alhambra, or Downtown LA today to find out your edge-to-edge bite correction options in L.A.
NOTE: All blog content is intended to supplement—NOT REPLACE—the expertise of a healthcare professional and should not be construed in any way as medical advice. Consult a professional orthodontist directly, like the ones at BHO, to assess your individual needs and advise the best course of treatment.