Ideal Bite | What does it Look Like? | 5 EPIC FACTS
What does an ideal bite in orthodontics Look Like? Having teeth that are straight will not only allow you to have a perfect smile but can also help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Even if you think that your teeth are straight when you look at them in the mirror, there’s still a possibility that there are small bite issues present in your mouth. In this post, we’ll show you what an ideal bite looks like and how to check your mouth and teeth for signs you need braces. Grab a mirror and let’s get looking.
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What Does an Ideal Bite Look Like?
Crookedness or misalignment could eventually cause such issues as the chipping and cracking of one or more of your teeth, both of which are issues that could become detrimental to your health if left untreated. If you’re wondering such questions as “what should a perfect tooth look like?” or “how should I know if I have the proper alignment?”, the following should answer all of these questions and more. You’ll need as many mirrors as you can get.
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What is an Ideal Bite?
When asking yourself “what is a perfect bite?”, it can be difficult to properly identify. In general, a perfect bite is one where all of your teeth are straight. Many people believe that they have a proper bite when looking in the mirror and noticing that the front is straight.
However, your front teeth can appear straight while the rest are crooked, which is why it’s important that you see if orthodontics would work. Have your teeth checked out for any straightening issues. You should be aware of the fact that every person has a different bite structure and tooth structure, which is why the perfect bite won’t be the same for everyone.
Your orthodontist will be able to better identify what your perfect bite will be so that you can start some form of treatment, such as having braces placed on your teeth or using a retainer. The most common signs that your bite isn’t perfect include the presence of an overbite or underbite.
Overbite & Underbite
An overbite is wherein your upper teeth are basically draped over your lower teeth. An underbite occurs when your lower teeth are positioned in front of your upper teeth when your mouth is closed. Both of these issues can be anywhere from mild to severe in how large of an issue they are. You may even have an overbite or underbite and not even notice it.
What Should Perfectly Placed Teeth Look Like?
Although it can be difficult to identify how exactly perfect teeth should look like given that everyone’s teeth and bone structures are different, there are some general rules that you can use to look at your teeth and ascertain whether or not you should book an appointment with your orthodontist. One of the most effective methods that can be used to look and check for any bite issues is to glance at the front from the top or bottom, and from the side.
Upper Teeth / Upper Front Teeth
When you are looking at your teeth from the front, a perfect bite is typically displayed by the upper teeth being at a parallel position to your lower lip when you are smiling. At least half of your bottom teeth should still be visible whenever your teeth are closed. If you can hardly see any of your bottom teeth, this means that you are suffering from an overbite, which typically requires braces to correct. The upper teeth should be somewhat wider than the bottom teeth as well.
When looking at your teeth from the bottom or top, you may want to use a small handheld mirror to better assist with this task. Make sure to open your mouth wide and then use the mirror to look at the top row as well as the bottom row. The curve should be even, which includes the curve on the portion of your teeth closest to the tongue and the portion of the teeth that are closest to your lips.
All of your teeth should be touching without any overlap issues or gaps between the teeth. Even if you have a perfect bite, you may not always be able to have perfect curves within your teeth due to the different tooth shapes and bone structure that occur in each person.
From the Side
When looking at your teeth from the side, make sure that your bite is closed when inspecting them. The best way to identify if you have a perfect bite when looking at your teeth from the side is to check the upper front teeth. If the backs of these teeth are resting over the front of your lower teeth, this is a sign that your bite is at a good spot.
If they are resting directly on or behind the front lower teeth, you might have an underbite. When your teeth are closed, the top row of teeth should fit between the bottom row of teeth. If you have looked at your teeth and they aren’t exactly as described here, you might want to consider having them checked by an orthodontist.
A Good Orthodontist Will Know
Taking a good look at your teeth from the various positions mentioned previously is a good way to ascertain whether or not you have a proper alignment. However, you won’t be able to fully determine if your alignment needs any work.
In order to be confident about your ideal bite, consider scheduling an appointment to see expert orthodontist Dr. McDermott. He will tell you if you’re viable for orthodontics. A short complimentary visit will allow you to identify your next course of action.
If your ideal bite is done, you can be completely confident in your smile. If there is some work that needs to be done to move your teeth into their proper position, an orthodontist will be able to provide you with a variety of treatment options that will assist you in having your teeth properly aligned. Some of these treatment options include:
- Metallic Braces
- Ceramic Braces
- Clear aligners
- Lingual Braces
- Retainers
Conclusion
Each of these options can assist you in correcting such issues as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and crowding. If you believe that you could have a better bite and that you want your teeth to be straightened, contact us today to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. McDermott an expert in orthodontics.
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Ideal Bite | What does it Look Like? | 5 EPIC FACTS

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.