Distal bite

Comprehensive treatment using the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, with 100% result retention

At the "Kiadent" custom prosthetics clinic, we offer effective treatment for distal occlusion. The cost of therapy at our clinic is lower than the average in Odessa.

What is it?

Distal occlusion is a bite disorder where the lower jaw is shifted backward in relation to the upper jaw.

This condition is also known as retrognathia. It leads to various complications, the most noticeable being changes in facial proportions.

Most common in children

This type of pathological bite is diagnosed in 80-85% of children—either when their baby teeth erupt or are replaced by permanent ones.

Cost of treating distal occlusion

Full list of services for:

Consultation with a dentist
Treatment with a metal ligature brace system (per month)
Treatment with a ceramic ligature brace system (per month)
Fitting a brace system
Complex treatment with aligners — up to 32 trays

Types

Specialists distinguish three types of distal occlusion, which vary in clinical manifestations and treatment specifics.

Dentomaxillary distal occlusion

This pathology is caused by improper tooth positioning. Clinically, with this type of distal occlusion, we observe:

Crowded teeth;
Canine dystopia (improper positioning of teeth within or beyond the dental arch);
Protrusion of the front teeth (teeth inclined forward at a sharp angle relative to the jaw), and more.

In this case, the jaws occupy an anatomically correct location.

This type of bite anomaly is the easiest to correct. Diagnosis, treatment planning, and control are handled by an orthodontist.

Joint distal occlusion

Joint pathology

Joint distal occlusion arises from the lower jaw being located posteriorly from its anatomically correct position. This is caused by the improper positioning of the heads in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

It is not possible to correct such distal occlusion using traditional braces alone. Treatment is carried out by an orthodontist in collaboration with a gnathologist. A comprehensive approach using neuromuscular dentistry principles will ensure excellent aesthetics and restore the function of the patient's entire dental system.

Skeletal distal occlusion

Skeletal pathology

In this form of pathology, the upper jaw is positioned forward due to the small size of the lower jaw bone. Correcting skeletal-type distal occlusion requires surgery. A maxillofacial surgeon is involved in the process.

Causes of distal occlusion

Genetic predisposition About 60% of cases are hereditary.
Deviation during prenatal development Factors such as poor ecology, a lack of vitamins in the mother’s body, and harmful habits (smoking, alcohol) contribute to an unfavorable environment for the fetal jaw system.
Bottle feeding When bottle-fed, a child does not exert enough effort during feeding, leading to a lack of stimulation for jaw growth and development.
Harmful childhood habits Such as thumb sucking, chewing on pencils, or sleeping with a pacifier. These habits exert prolonged pressure on the teeth and jawbones, causing the upper jaw to move forward over time.
Childhood diseases Symptoms of distal occlusion are found in 60% of children who had rickets and in 34% of children with nasopharyngeal diseases (adenoids, rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.). Early loss of baby teeth and lack of temporary prosthetics can contribute to jawbone atrophy.

Symptoms

Convex face Patients develop a "bird-like profile"—with the nose projecting forward and the chin positioned closer to the neck.
Open mouth The upper central incisors protrude, the lower lip sits behind them, and the upper lip is raised, so the patient's mouth is often open.
Deep chin fold Sometimes, this wrinkle remains even after successful treatment.
Speech disorders In skeletal pathology, the patient may lisp. This defect cannot be corrected with speech therapy.
Jaw function issues The condition makes biting, chewing, and swallowing difficult.

Diagnosis

At the "Kiadent" dental clinic, diagnosis starts with an oral examination, documenting the patient’s complaints and medical history.

Using cephalometric radiography and specific measurements, the specialist can determine the anatomical parameters of the facial skull and dental arch, such as face height, nasolabial angle size, and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Additional diagnostic procedures may include:

Orthopantomogram or panoramic X-ray;
CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
Electromyography (to assess the muscle tone of the jaws).

Differential diagnosis is performed to determine the type of distal occlusion, using cephalometric analysis to assess the relationship between the teeth and the human skull.

Correcting Distal Occlusion with Braces/Aligners without Surgery

1. Step. Choosing the treatment method
Based on diagnostic data, the orthodontist (sometimes in tandem with a gnathologist) selects the optimal treatment method. Dentomaxillary distal occlusion (with mild to moderate misalignment) can be treated with aligners (trays). In more complex cases, braces for bite correction will be necessary.
2. Step. Preparation
The orthodontist takes individual tooth impressions and performs 3D treatment modeling. The specialist sends the materials to the dental lab, where a set of trays (aligners) or a brace system is made.
3. Step. Orthodontic treatment
Fitting the orthodontic appliances and explaining how to use them are completed in 1-2 visits. The schedule for follow-up visits for adjustments is arranged individually.
4. Step. Retention period
After removing the system, a retainer tray or trainer is made to ensure the teeth do not shift back to their previous position. The device will need to be worn for up to 2 years.

Treat everything else first

Before starting therapy, it is necessary to treat all dental diseases and gum diseases. Professional oral hygiene—removing plaque and tartar—is also recommended beforehand.

Treating distal occlusion when the problem is limited to the teeth

Correcting distal occlusion with orthodontic appliances in adults takes at least two years.

Appliances are chosen individually—depending on the nature and cause of the problem and the patient’s budget. Orthodontists use metal, ceramic, or sapphire braces. Lingual braces, which are attached to the inner surface of the teeth, allow for discreet treatment.

Exercises are necessary

It is important not only to establish central occlusion but also to normalize chewing function. Special jaw exercises should be performed.

Treating distal occlusion with joint pathology

When a gnathologist is involved in the therapeutic process, neuromuscular dentistry methods are used. Restoring central occlusion is achieved by relaxing and rehabilitating, primarily, the chewing muscles. Since special equipment (TENS therapy) is used, treatment based on neuromuscular dentistry principles is billed separately.

Gnathologist’s advice

It is crucial for the lower jaw to occupy its anatomically correct position. Displacement can lead to unattractive changes in a person’s appearance. Over time, problems with the TMJ arise—jaw clicking, severe headaches. With retrognathia, it is nearly impossible to perform full prosthetics—prostheses wear out quickly. Additionally, as people with an untreated bite age, they often experience serious speech disorders.

When Surgery is Needed

Surgical intervention for skeletal pathology is required in about 5% of cases with severe maxillofacial defects. This involves invasive surgery under general anesthesia. The method includes the use of a special device (titanium distractor) to expand the lower jaw.

Complications – What Happens if Left Untreated

If treatment is not started on time, the condition will lead to TMJ dysfunction. Over time, the patient’s molars will wear down, decay, and fall out—worsening issues with chewing and speech.

Prevention

To prevent the development of distal occlusion, it is important to encourage breastfeeding, discourage harmful habits, prevent rickets, and address viral and bacterial infections of the nasopharynx in children.