This is what I like to call a “shoebox bite.” The “lid” and the “box” fit together nicely, and you can see that the lid covers the box just a little bit.
In a less than ideal relationship, however, some teeth are subject to heavier pounding and grinding than the others, and significant damages result. Below are some examples of “less than ideal” bites:
I have become a big believer of Invisalign and orthodontics over the years for that reason. Straightening teeth is not just about enhancing appearance; it improves the longevity of your teeth! If you repeatedly experience the breaking of your teeth or dental restorations, this most likely is a sign that your bite is not ideal and will benefit from orthodontic therapy. For those who exhibit cracks and a lot of tooth wear but absolutely have no desire to consider orthodontic therapy, I recommend night guards to minimize further damage.
Treatment options vary depending on the size of the damage. A filling will suffice for a small fracture, assuming that the bite/jaw relationship is close to being ideal. When I see a cusp (“peak”) or cusps that are broken, I recommend a crown (“cap”) or an onlay. Fillings usually don’t last a long time in a scenario like this. Crowns and onlays are more extensive than fillings and often made by dental laboratories. These restorations keep teeth from getting broken by bracing the remaining tooth structure.
