[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1265},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-post-\u002Fblog\u002Foverbite-underbite-crossbite-explained-bakersfield":3,"blog-related-\u002Fblog\u002Foverbite-underbite-crossbite-explained-bakersfield":339},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"cover":325,"coverAlt":326,"coverOrientation":327,"date":328,"description":329,"extension":330,"meta":331,"navigation":332,"path":333,"seo":334,"stem":335,"tags":336,"__hash__":338},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Foverbite-underbite-crossbite-explained-bakersfield.md","Overbite, underbite, crossbite: what's the difference?",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":312},"minimark",[9,26,29,34,45,48,64,67,71,74,77,103,111,115,118,127,131,134,137,151,154,158,161,164,168,171,175,178,239,246,250,263,267,270,293,300],[10,11,12,13,17,18,21,22,25],"p",{},"An overbite, an underbite, and a crossbite are all bite problems, and the difference comes down to which teeth sit where when your mouth closes. In an ",[14,15,16],"strong",{},"overbite",", the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower ones. In an ",[14,19,20],{},"underbite",", the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper ones. In a ",[14,23,24],{},"crossbite",", some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of outside them.",[10,27,28],{},"Orthodontists call any of these a malocclusion, which simply means the teeth and jaws do not meet the way they are meant to. Below is what each one looks like, what tends to cause it, and what treatment usually involves, so you know what to ask at a consultation.",[30,31,33],"h2",{"id":32},"what-is-a-bite-and-what-counts-as-a-normal-one","What is a \"bite,\" and what counts as a normal one?",[10,35,36,37,44],{},"Your bite is the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. In a well-aligned bite, the upper teeth sit slightly in front of and over the lower teeth, and the back teeth meet in a stable, interlocking way. The ",[38,39,43],"a",{"href":40,"rel":41},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mouthhealthy.org\u002Fall-topics-a-z\u002Forthodontics",[42],"nofollow","American Dental Association's MouthHealthy site"," describes the goal of orthodontics as a healthy bite in which teeth meet the opposing teeth properly.",[10,46,47],{},"Two terms come up often in an orthodontic exam:",[49,50,51,58],"ul",{},[52,53,54,57],"li",{},[14,55,56],{},"Overjet"," is the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth.",[52,59,60,63],{},[14,61,62],{},"Overbite"," (in the strict clinical sense) is how far the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones vertically.",[10,65,66],{},"Some overlap is normal. A bite problem is a pattern that is outside the usual range or that affects how the teeth and jaws work. Whether it needs treatment is a decision for an exam and X-rays, not a mirror.",[30,68,70],{"id":69},"what-is-an-overbite","What is an overbite?",[10,72,73],{},"An overbite means the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than expected. People also use the word to describe upper teeth that stick out far forward, which an orthodontist would call increased overjet. The two often travel together.",[10,75,76],{},"Common contributors include:",[49,78,79,85,91,97],{},[52,80,81,84],{},[14,82,83],{},"Jaw size or position."," The lower jaw may be set back relative to the upper jaw.",[52,86,87,90],{},[14,88,89],{},"Genetics."," Bite patterns often run in families.",[52,92,93,96],{},[14,94,95],{},"Habits."," Long-term thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking can push the upper front teeth forward.",[52,98,99,102],{},[14,100,101],{},"Tooth position."," The upper front teeth may simply have tipped forward.",[10,104,105,106,110],{},"A deep overbite can cause the lower teeth to press into the gums behind the upper teeth or wear against them. A prominent overjet also leaves the front teeth more exposed to injury, which matters for kids who play sports. Our post on ",[38,107,109],{"href":108},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-and-school-sports-bakersfield","braces and school sports in Bakersfield"," covers mouthguards in more detail.",[30,112,114],{"id":113},"what-is-an-underbite","What is an underbite?",[10,116,117],{},"An underbite is the reverse arrangement: the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. It can come from a lower jaw that is larger or further forward than the upper jaw, an upper jaw that is smaller, or a combination.",[10,119,120,121,126],{},"Underbites are worth checking early. The ",[38,122,125],{"href":123,"rel":124},"https:\u002F\u002Faaoinfo.org\u002Fwhats-trending\u002Fwhen-should-your-child-see-an-orthodontist\u002F",[42],"American Association of Orthodontists"," lists underbite among the problems that an orthodontist can often spot by age 7, and early evaluation gives the orthodontist more options while a child is still growing. It does not mean treatment starts at 7. It means someone qualified is watching.",[30,128,130],{"id":129},"what-is-a-crossbite","What is a crossbite?",[10,132,133],{},"A crossbite happens when one or more upper teeth close inside the lower teeth rather than outside them. It can involve the front teeth (an anterior crossbite) or the back teeth (a posterior crossbite), on one side or both.",[10,135,136],{},"Two points are worth knowing:",[49,138,139,145],{},[52,140,141,144],{},[14,142,143],{},"A narrow upper jaw is a common cause of a posterior crossbite."," The upper arch is too narrow to fit around the lower arch.",[52,146,147,150],{},[14,148,149],{},"Some crossbites come with a jaw shift."," The AAO notes that a jaw that shifts to one side as the teeth come together is one of the signs worth an evaluation. The child may slide the lower jaw sideways to find a comfortable closing position, which can go unnoticed at home.",[10,152,153],{},"Because a crossbite can affect how the jaw grows and how the teeth wear, it is usually better evaluated sooner than later.",[30,155,157],{"id":156},"what-is-an-open-bite","What is an open bite?",[10,159,160],{},"An open bite is the one people forget about. The upper and lower teeth do not touch in some area when the mouth closes. In an anterior open bite, the back teeth meet but the front teeth stay apart. In a posterior open bite, it is the other way around.",[10,162,163],{},"Thumb-sucking and similar habits are well-known contributors, as is the way the tongue rests or pushes. Jaw growth patterns and genetics play a part too. An open bite can make biting into certain foods awkward and, in some people, can be linked to how they swallow or speak. An orthodontist can tell you whether that applies to you.",[30,165,167],{"id":166},"can-a-bite-problem-fix-itself","Can a bite problem fix itself?",[10,169,170],{},"Generally, no. Children's jaws and teeth do change as they grow, and some mild patterns improve with time, which is exactly why monitoring is useful. But established overbites, underbites, and crossbites do not usually correct on their own once the permanent teeth are in. If one looks like it is getting better or worse, that is a reason to have it watched, not a reason to wait and see indefinitely.",[30,172,174],{"id":173},"how-are-bite-problems-treated","How are bite problems treated?",[10,176,177],{},"The right plan depends on the cause: teeth, jaws, or both. An orthodontist builds it from a clinical exam, X-rays, and records.",[49,179,180,201,222,228],{},[52,181,182,185,186,190,191,195,196,200],{},[14,183,184],{},"Braces."," Traditional ",[38,187,189],{"href":188},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Fbraces","braces",", including ",[38,192,194],{"href":193},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Faesthetic-braces","aesthetic options such as clear or gold braces",", move teeth into better positions and can correct many overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Adjustments to the bite happen gradually; our post on ",[38,197,199],{"href":198},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-do-braces-move-teeth-bakersfield","how braces move teeth"," explains the biology behind it.",[52,202,203,206,207,211,212,216,217,221],{},[14,204,205],{},"Clear aligners."," For suitable cases, ",[38,208,210],{"href":209},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Finvisalign","Invisalign"," and ",[38,213,215],{"href":214},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Finvisalign-teen","Invisalign Teen"," can address bite problems. Which cases suit aligners is a matter for an exam. See our comparison of ",[38,218,220],{"href":219},"\u002Fblog\u002Finvisalign-vs-braces-bakersfield","Invisalign vs. braces",".",[52,223,224,227],{},[14,225,226],{},"Growth-guiding appliances."," In a growing child, an orthodontist may use an appliance to widen a narrow upper jaw or influence how the jaws develop. These are used selectively, and timing depends on the child.",[52,229,230,233,234,238],{},[14,231,232],{},"Jaw surgery."," When the problem lies mainly in the size or position of the jaws and a patient has finished growing, orthodontic treatment may be combined with surgery by an oral surgeon. The practice also handles ",[38,235,237],{"href":236},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Fcomplex-cases","complex cases"," that call for coordinated care.",[10,240,241,242,221],{},"Treatment length varies with the problem. For a general idea, read ",[38,243,245],{"href":244},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-long-do-braces-take-bakersfield","how long braces take",[30,247,249],{"id":248},"do-bite-problems-cause-jaw-pain-or-tmj-issues","Do bite problems cause jaw pain or TMJ issues?",[10,251,252,253,257,258,262],{},"Not necessarily, and the relationship is not simple. Many people have an imperfect bite and no jaw trouble at all. Still, jaw clicking, soreness when chewing, or morning headaches alongside a noticeable bite problem are worth mentioning to an orthodontist. Dr. Mendivil treats roughly 40 TMJ cases a year, and our guide to ",[38,254,256],{"href":255},"\u002Fblog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield","TMJ symptoms"," lists the signs worth knowing. The practice's ",[38,259,261],{"href":260},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Ftmj","TMJ treatment page"," has more on how that care works.",[30,264,266],{"id":265},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist-about-your-bite","When should you see an orthodontist about your bite?",[10,268,269],{},"Book an evaluation if you notice any of the following in yourself or your child:",[49,271,272,275,278,281,284,287,290],{},[52,273,274],{},"Upper front teeth that stick out noticeably, or lower teeth that sit in front of the upper ones",[52,276,277],{},"A jaw that shifts to one side when closing",[52,279,280],{},"Front teeth that do not touch when the back teeth are together",[52,282,283],{},"Upper teeth that close inside the lower teeth",[52,285,286],{},"Difficulty biting or chewing, or frequent cheek biting",[52,288,289],{},"Jaw pain, clicking, or headaches with a visible bite concern",[52,291,292],{},"A child who is approaching age 7 and has not had an orthodontic screening",[10,294,295,296,221],{},"Adults are not left out. Bite problems can be corrected well after the teen years; see our guide to ",[38,297,299],{"href":298},"\u002Fblog\u002Fadult-braces-bakersfield","adult braces in Bakersfield",[10,301,302,303,307,308,221],{},"Dr. Mendivil has treated patients in Bakersfield since 1989, and the practice offers a free consultation where you can have your bite looked at and your questions answered. You can ",[38,304,306],{"href":305},"\u002Fschedule","schedule a consultation"," online or call 661-323-5910. Treatment questions are also covered in our ",[38,309,311],{"href":310},"\u002Ffaq","FAQ",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":315},"",2,[316,317,318,319,320,321,322,323,324],{"id":32,"depth":314,"text":33},{"id":69,"depth":314,"text":70},{"id":113,"depth":314,"text":114},{"id":129,"depth":314,"text":130},{"id":156,"depth":314,"text":157},{"id":166,"depth":314,"text":167},{"id":173,"depth":314,"text":174},{"id":248,"depth":314,"text":249},{"id":265,"depth":314,"text":266},"\u002Fdr\u002Fdr-mendivil-xrays.jpg","Orthodontist reviewing dental X-rays","landscape","2026-10-28","Overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite explained in plain English: what each looks like, why it happens, and how Bakersfield orthodontists treat them.","md",{},true,"\u002Fblog\u002Foverbite-underbite-crossbite-explained-bakersfield",{"title":5,"description":329},"blog\u002Foverbite-underbite-crossbite-explained-bakersfield",[337],"Treatment options","uT4cHNuTcBx1IzisqEkltevG38HZG7H1gAqpQfpvNGs",[340,674,989],{"id":341,"title":342,"body":343,"cover":663,"coverAlt":664,"coverOrientation":327,"date":665,"description":666,"extension":330,"meta":667,"navigation":332,"path":668,"seo":669,"stem":670,"tags":671,"__hash__":673},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-brush-and-floss-with-braces-bakersfield.md","How to Brush and Floss With Braces: A Practical Guide",{"type":7,"value":344,"toc":648},[345,348,351,355,358,366,369,373,376,420,424,427,472,475,479,482,499,502,507,510,514,517,520,524,527,535,539,542,590,594,606,610,613,635,638,642],[10,346,347],{},"To brush and floss with braces, brush for two minutes at least twice a day with\na soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles at the brackets and\nthe gumline, then clean between the teeth once a day with waxed floss and a\nfloss threader, an interdental brush, or a water flosser. Braces do not make\nteeth decay on their own. They give food and plaque more places to hide, and\nthe routine below is how you take those hiding places away.",[10,349,350],{},"Here is the practical version for Bakersfield patients and parents: what to\nbuy, what to do in what order, how long it takes, and what happens if the\nroutine slips.",[30,352,354],{"id":353},"why-do-braces-make-brushing-harder","Why do braces make brushing harder?",[10,356,357],{},"Brackets (the small attachments bonded to each tooth) and the archwire (the\nthin wire connecting them) create ledges and corners. Plaque, the sticky film\nof bacteria that forms on teeth all day, collects on those ledges and along the\ngumline. If it stays there, it can irritate the gums and leave marks on the\nenamel.",[10,359,360,361,365],{},"The ",[38,362,43],{"href":363,"rel":364},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mouthhealthy.org\u002Fall-topics-a-z\u002Fbraces",[42],"\nnotes that limiting sugary foods and keeping a good routine matters during\ntreatment, because plaque built up around brackets can permanently stain or\ndamage teeth. That is the whole reason this article exists: the cleaning is\nnot complicated, but it does need to be thorough.",[10,367,368],{},"The good news is that a patient who cleans well usually finishes treatment with\nhealthy gums and clean enamel under every bracket. It is a skill, and like most\nskills it gets faster.",[30,370,372],{"id":371},"what-do-you-need-to-brush-with-braces","What do you need to brush with braces?",[10,374,375],{},"A short, boring shopping list beats a bathroom drawer full of gadgets.",[49,377,378,384,396,402,408,414],{},[52,379,380,383],{},[14,381,382],{},"A soft-bristled toothbrush."," Manual or electric both work. Many orthodontic\npatients like an electric brush because it keeps a steady motion, but a\ncareful manual brush is fine.",[52,385,386,389,390,395],{},[14,387,388],{},"Fluoride toothpaste."," The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial\nResearch ",[38,391,394],{"href":392,"rel":393},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nidcr.nih.gov\u002Fhealth-info\u002Ffluoride",[42],"explains that fluoride strengthens enamel","\nand can help repair the earliest stages of decay.",[52,397,398,401],{},[14,399,400],{},"Waxed floss and a floss threader",", or floss made for braces. Plain\nunwaxed floss tends to shred on brackets.",[52,403,404,407],{},[14,405,406],{},"An interdental brush."," This is a tiny bottle-brush-style tool that slides\nunder the wire and cleans the sides of brackets.",[52,409,410,413],{},[14,411,412],{},"A water flosser (optional)."," It helps rinse out debris. It supports\nbrushing and flossing rather than replacing them.",[52,415,416,419],{},[14,417,418],{},"A travel kit."," A small brush and toothpaste in a backpack or glove box\nmakes cleaning after lunch realistic. School and sports schedules are busy\nenough that the routine has to be portable.",[30,421,423],{"id":422},"how-do-you-brush-your-teeth-with-braces-step-by-step","How do you brush your teeth with braces, step by step?",[10,425,426],{},"Plan on about two minutes, twice a day, and think of the mouth as a few\nseparate zones rather than one big job.",[428,429,430,436,442,448,454,460,466],"ol",{},[52,431,432,435],{},[14,433,434],{},"Rinse first."," A quick swish of water loosens larger food pieces.",[52,437,438,441],{},[14,439,440],{},"Remove anything removable."," That includes elastics you were told to take\noff for cleaning, or a retainer or appliance you were told to remove.",[52,443,444,447],{},[14,445,446],{},"Start with the gumline."," Angle the bristles about 45 degrees toward the\ngums and brush gently in small circles. This is the zone that gets missed.",[52,449,450,453],{},[14,451,452],{},"Brush above the brackets."," Angle the brush down toward the tooth and the\ntop of each bracket.",[52,455,456,459],{},[14,457,458],{},"Brush below the brackets."," Angle the brush up, so the bristles reach\nunder the bottom edge of each bracket.",[52,461,462,465],{},[14,463,464],{},"Brush the chewing surfaces and the backs."," Do not skip the tongue side of\nthe teeth; the backs collect plaque just like the fronts.",[52,467,468,471],{},[14,469,470],{},"Finish with a mirror check."," Smile at the mirror and look for food on\nbrackets and a dull, fuzzy film on the teeth. If you see it, go back.",[10,473,474],{},"Gentle pressure is enough. Scrubbing hard does not clean better, and it can\nirritate gums that are already adjusting to braces.",[30,476,478],{"id":477},"how-do-you-floss-with-braces","How do you floss with braces?",[10,480,481],{},"Flossing is the step most people dread, and it is also the one that makes the\nbiggest difference between the teeth.",[428,483,484,487,490,493,496],{},[52,485,486],{},"Pull out about 18 inches of waxed floss and thread it through the floss\nthreader, which works like a big needle.",[52,488,489],{},"Slide the threader under the archwire, between two teeth, and pull the floss\nthrough.",[52,491,492],{},"Wrap the floss in a C shape against one tooth and move it gently up and\ndown the side, slightly under the gumline.",[52,494,495],{},"Switch to the neighboring tooth and repeat.",[52,497,498],{},"Slide the floss out sideways, then thread the next gap.",[10,500,501],{},"Expect the first few weeks to take noticeably longer than your pre-braces\nroutine. That is normal. Most people speed up quickly once they have done it\ndaily for a week or two.",[503,504,506],"h3",{"id":505},"is-a-water-flosser-or-interdental-brush-enough","Is a water flosser or interdental brush enough?",[10,508,509],{},"Both are useful, and neither is a substitute for the other. An interdental\nbrush is very good at cleaning around brackets and under the wire. A water\nflosser is good at flushing out food. Floss is still the tool that cleans the\ntight contact between neighboring teeth. If flossing with a threader is a\nbattle, ask us at your next adjustment which combination suits your mouth.",[30,511,513],{"id":512},"what-are-the-white-spots-people-get-after-braces","What are the white spots people get after braces?",[10,515,516],{},"White spots are chalky, dull patches that sometimes show up on the enamel\nafter the brackets come off, usually in the shape of the bracket. They are\nareas where minerals were pulled out of the enamel (decalcification, in\nclinical terms) because plaque sat on that spot for a long time.",[10,518,519],{},"They are a good argument for the routine above. They tend to appear when\ncleaning has been inconsistent around the brackets, especially near the\ngumline. Mild spots can fade with good home care and fluoride, and your dentist\ncan advise on anything that persists. The better plan is prevention: clean\nevery day, and keep up with your regular cleanings.",[30,521,523],{"id":522},"how-does-diet-fit-into-oral-hygiene-with-braces","How does diet fit into oral hygiene with braces?",[10,525,526],{},"Cleaning is half the picture. The other half is how often sugar reaches your\nteeth. Sipping a sugary drink for an hour feeds plaque far longer than having\none with a meal. MouthHealthy also recommends avoiding popcorn, corn on the\ncob, chewing gum, whole apples, and other sticky or hard foods during\ntreatment, both for the sake of the brackets and for cleanliness.",[10,528,529,530,534],{},"For a practical list of what to eat while your teeth are sore, our\n",[38,531,533],{"href":532},"\u002Fblog\u002Ffirst-week-with-braces-bakersfield","first week with braces guide"," goes\nday by day. Water is the best default drink, and it is easy to carry in the\nBakersfield heat.",[30,536,538],{"id":537},"what-about-invisalign-and-other-types-of-braces","What about Invisalign and other types of braces?",[10,540,541],{},"The principles carry over, with different mechanics.",[49,543,544,554,563,580],{},[52,545,546,549,550,553],{},[14,547,548],{},"Traditional braces"," (",[38,551,552],{"href":188},"learn more","): the routine\nabove, with the most attention to the brackets and under the wire.",[52,555,556,549,559,562],{},[14,557,558],{},"Clear and gold braces",[38,560,561],{"href":193},"aesthetic braces","):\nthe same cleaning routine. Plaque is just as likely to collect, so the care\ndoes not change.",[52,564,565,568,569,573,574,576,577,579],{},[14,566,567],{},"Invisalign:"," aligners come out to eat and to brush, so cleaning teeth is\nsimpler. Cleaning the aligners themselves is the new habit; we cover it in\n",[38,570,572],{"href":571},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-clean-invisalign-aligners-bakersfield","how to clean Invisalign aligners",".\nDr. Mendivil is a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider, so\n",[38,575,210],{"href":209}," and\n",[38,578,215],{"href":214}," patients get the same care\nadvice as everyone else.",[52,581,582,549,585,589],{},[14,583,584],{},"Lingual braces",[38,586,588],{"href":587},"\u002Forthodontics\u002Flingual-braces","lingual braces","): the\nbrackets sit behind the teeth, so the tongue side needs extra time.",[30,591,593],{"id":592},"how-often-should-you-see-a-dentist-during-orthodontic-treatment","How often should you see a dentist during orthodontic treatment?",[10,595,596,597,576,601,605],{},"Keep your regular dental cleanings and checkups going during treatment. A\ncleaning removes the buildup that home care misses, and a dentist can catch\nearly problems around brackets. Our practice also offers\n",[38,598,600],{"href":599},"\u002Fdental\u002Fcleanings","dental cleanings",[38,602,604],{"href":603},"\u002Fdental\u002Fpreventative","preventative care"," alongside orthodontics, so families\ncan handle both in the same office.",[30,607,609],{"id":608},"when-should-you-call-your-orthodontist","When should you call your orthodontist?",[10,611,612],{},"Mention it at your next visit, or call the office, if you notice any of the\nfollowing:",[49,614,615,618,621,624,632],{},[52,616,617],{},"Gums that are red, swollen, or bleed every time you brush after the first\ncouple of weeks",[52,619,620],{},"A persistent bad taste or smell that brushing does not fix",[52,622,623],{},"White or chalky patches near the brackets",[52,625,626,627,631],{},"A broken bracket or poking wire that makes cleaning difficult (see our\n",[38,628,630],{"href":629},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbraces-emergency-what-to-do-bakersfield","braces emergency guide",")",[52,633,634],{},"Difficulty flossing that is leaving you skipping it altogether",[10,636,637],{},"These are normal things to ask about. Nobody at the office is grading your\nbrushing, and early help is easier than late repair.",[30,639,641],{"id":640},"questions-about-braces-or-oral-hygiene-in-bakersfield","Questions about braces or oral hygiene in Bakersfield?",[10,643,644,645,647],{},"If you are thinking about braces for yourself or your child, or you already\nhave them and want a second opinion on your routine, you are welcome to come\nin. Dr. Mendivil has treated patients in Bakersfield since 1989, and a\nconsultation is free. You can ",[38,646,306],{"href":305}," online or\ncall the office at 661-323-5910.",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":649},[650,651,652,653,657,658,659,660,661,662],{"id":353,"depth":314,"text":354},{"id":371,"depth":314,"text":372},{"id":422,"depth":314,"text":423},{"id":477,"depth":314,"text":478,"children":654},[655],{"id":505,"depth":656,"text":506},3,{"id":512,"depth":314,"text":513},{"id":522,"depth":314,"text":523},{"id":537,"depth":314,"text":538},{"id":592,"depth":314,"text":593},{"id":608,"depth":314,"text":609},{"id":640,"depth":314,"text":641},"\u002Fservices\u002Ftwo-teens-braces.jpg","Two teens smiling with traditional braces","2026-10-26","How to brush and floss with braces, step by step: the right tools, a realistic routine, and what to do about white spots. From a Bakersfield orthodontist.",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-brush-and-floss-with-braces-bakersfield",{"title":342,"description":666},"blog\u002Fhow-to-brush-and-floss-with-braces-bakersfield",[672],"Treatment timeline","O3vv5hgNCByMak6EG9uP2HDqszHEVZi0H3IQrv3vaus",{"id":675,"title":676,"body":677,"cover":980,"coverAlt":981,"coverOrientation":327,"date":982,"description":983,"extension":330,"meta":984,"navigation":332,"path":255,"seo":985,"stem":986,"tags":987,"__hash__":988},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield.md","TMJ symptoms: signs your jaw joint needs a look",{"type":7,"value":678,"toc":970},[679,682,693,697,700,756,759,763,766,769,783,787,790,820,823,827,830,837,840,852,856,859,873,880,884,891,895,912,915,919,922,942,952,959],[10,680,681],{},"The most common TMJ symptoms are jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping\nthat hurts, a jaw that locks or will not open fully, and headaches or ear pain\nwith no other explanation. A jaw that clicks and feels fine is common and\nusually needs nothing. Pain, limited movement, or symptoms that keep coming\nback are the signs worth having examined.",[10,683,684,685,688,689,692],{},"\"TMJ\" is the name of the joint, the ",[14,686,687],{},"temporomandibular joint",", which is the\nhinge on each side of your face connecting the lower jaw to the skull. When\npeople say they \"have TMJ,\" they usually mean a ",[14,690,691],{},"temporomandibular disorder","\n(TMD): a problem with that joint or the chewing muscles around it. The National\nInstitute of Dental and Craniofacial Research describes TMDs as a group of more\nthan 30 conditions, which is part of why they can be hard to pin down.",[30,694,696],{"id":695},"what-are-the-most-common-tmj-symptoms","What are the most common TMJ symptoms?",[10,698,699],{},"Symptoms vary a lot from person to person, and they do not always show up in\nthe jaw. The ones to know:",[49,701,702,708,714,720,726,732,738,744,750],{},[52,703,704,707],{},[14,705,706],{},"Jaw or facial pain",", especially around the joint just in front of the ear,\nor in the cheek and temple muscles.",[52,709,710,713],{},[14,711,712],{},"Pain when chewing",", yawning, or opening wide.",[52,715,716,719],{},[14,717,718],{},"Clicking, popping, or grating"," that comes with pain or catching.",[52,721,722,725],{},[14,723,724],{},"Locking",", where the jaw sticks open or closed, or will not open all the way.",[52,727,728,731],{},[14,729,730],{},"Stiffness in the morning",", often after clenching or grinding during sleep.",[52,733,734,737],{},[14,735,736],{},"Headaches"," centered around the temples or behind the eyes.",[52,739,740,743],{},[14,741,742],{},"Ear pain or fullness"," without an ear infection.",[52,745,746,749],{},[14,747,748],{},"A bite that feels different",", as if the teeth no longer meet the way they\nused to.",[52,751,752,755],{},[14,753,754],{},"Neck and shoulder tension"," that travels up toward the jaw.",[10,757,758],{},"None of these proves a jaw joint problem on its own. Headaches, ear pain, and\nneck pain have many causes, and a good exam looks at all of them. That is why\nthe pattern matters more than any single symptom.",[30,760,762],{"id":761},"is-jaw-clicking-a-sign-of-tmj","Is jaw clicking a sign of TMJ?",[10,764,765],{},"Not by itself. Clicking or popping without pain is common and generally does\nnot need treatment. Inside each joint sits a small cushion of cartilage called a\ndisc. If the disc shifts slightly as the jaw opens, you may hear a click, and\nmany people live with that for decades without trouble.",[10,767,768],{},"Clicking becomes worth mentioning when it comes with any of these:",[49,770,771,774,777,780],{},[52,772,773],{},"pain in the joint or muscles",[52,775,776],{},"catching, or the jaw getting stuck",[52,778,779],{},"a jaw that deviates to one side when you open",[52,781,782],{},"difficulty chewing a normal meal",[30,784,786],{"id":785},"what-causes-tmj-problems","What causes TMJ problems?",[10,788,789],{},"Often there is no single cause. Common contributors include:",[49,791,792,798,804,810,815],{},[52,793,794,797],{},[14,795,796],{},"Clenching and grinding."," Many people do this at night without knowing it.\nTired, sore jaw muscles in the morning are a clue. Stress tends to make it\nworse.",[52,799,800,803],{},[14,801,802],{},"Bite problems."," Teeth that do not meet evenly can change how the jaw\ncloses. This is where orthodontics sometimes enters the picture.",[52,805,806,809],{},[14,807,808],{},"Injury."," A blow to the jaw or face can affect the joint.",[52,811,812],{},[14,813,814],{},"Joint conditions such as arthritis.",[52,816,817,819],{},[14,818,95],{}," Nail biting, chewing ice, gum chewing, or resting your chin on your\nhand add strain.",[10,821,822],{},"For many people the cause is a mix, and for some it is never clearly identified.",[30,824,826],{"id":825},"can-braces-cause-or-fix-tmj-problems","Can braces cause or fix TMJ problems?",[10,828,829],{},"This question deserves a careful answer, because the honest one is \"it depends,\nand it is not a first step.\"",[10,831,832,833,836],{},"Bite patterns such as an\n",[38,834,835],{"href":333},"overbite, underbite, or crossbite","\nare part of that conversation, though they do not always cause jaw trouble.",[10,838,839],{},"Braces and Invisalign do not typically cause jaw joint disorders, and many\npatients treat a bite problem without any joint symptoms at all. At the same\ntime, NIDCR cautions that irreversible bite treatments, including orthodontics,\nhave not been shown to reliably help TMDs and in some cases can make them worse.\nMoving teeth is not a cure for jaw pain.",[10,841,842,843,845,846,848,849,851],{},"Where orthodontics can fit is narrower: when a diagnosed bite problem is clearly\ncontributing to the strain on the jaw, correcting that bite may be part of the\nplan, after more conservative steps and with a clear reason. That is the\napproach described on our ",[38,844,261],{"href":260},": conservative\nfirst, escalating only when the case requires it. Decisions about\n",[38,847,189],{"href":188}," or ",[38,850,210],{"href":209}," for a\npatient who also has jaw symptoms should come from a full evaluation, not from\nthe symptoms alone.",[30,853,855],{"id":854},"how-is-a-tmj-problem-diagnosed-and-treated","How is a TMJ problem diagnosed and treated?",[10,857,858],{},"There is no single test that settles it. NIDCR notes that there is no broadly\naccepted standard test, and that people with TMDs are sometimes misdiagnosed or\nsee treatment delayed. In practice, an evaluation usually includes:",[49,860,861,864,867,870],{},[52,862,863],{},"your history: when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what\nyou have already tried",[52,865,866],{},"an exam of the jaw muscles and joints, including how far and how smoothly the\njaw opens",[52,868,869],{},"a bite analysis, looking at how the teeth meet",[52,871,872],{},"imaging when the exam calls for it, including any records from your dentist\nor physician",[10,874,875,876,879],{},"Treatment starts with the least invasive options. Self-care such as softer foods,\nheat or cold on the sore area, avoiding wide yawns and gum chewing, and gentle\njaw stretching helps many people, and symptoms often settle on their own. If\nthey do not, a custom oral appliance called a ",[14,877,878],{},"splint"," (a removable guard worn\nover the teeth, often at night) is a common conservative next step. Surgery is a\nlast resort, and a small minority of cases need it. When a case calls for a\nsurgical or other specialty opinion, the next step is a coordinated referral.",[30,881,883],{"id":882},"who-treats-tmj-in-bakersfield","Who treats TMJ in Bakersfield?",[10,885,886,887,221],{},"Several providers can play a role, including your general dentist, your physician,\nand an orthodontist. Dr. Guy Mendivil treats roughly 40 TMJ cases a year, many of\nthem referred by general dentists, and many patients come in on their own after\nlooking up their symptoms. You do not need a referral. The practice has been in\nBakersfield since 1989, and appointments take place in private treatment rooms.\nIf your dentist has already suggested that grinding or your bite could be\ninvolved, bring that along. We would rather build on what has been done than\nstart from scratch. For background on how the two professions divide the work,\nsee our guide to ",[38,888,890],{"href":889},"\u002Fblog\u002Fdentist-vs-orthodontist-for-braces-in-bakersfield","dentist vs. orthodontist",[30,892,894],{"id":893},"what-can-you-do-at-home-while-you-wait-for-an-appointment","What can you do at home while you wait for an appointment?",[49,896,897,900,903,906,909],{},[52,898,899],{},"Eat softer foods for a few days and avoid very chewy or crunchy items.",[52,901,902],{},"Apply a warm compress or a cold pack to the sore side for about 10 minutes.",[52,904,905],{},"Keep your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth,\nrather than clenched together.",[52,907,908],{},"Skip gum, ice, and nail biting.",[52,910,911],{},"Notice when symptoms are worst. A log of morning stiffness, stressful days, or\ncertain foods gives the doctor useful clues.",[10,913,914],{},"Over-the-counter pain relief may help some people, but check with your physician\nor pharmacist about what is right for you.",[30,916,918],{"id":917},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist-about-tmj-symptoms","When should you see an orthodontist about TMJ symptoms?",[10,920,921],{},"Book an evaluation if you have:",[49,923,924,927,930,933,936,939],{},[52,925,926],{},"jaw pain or tenderness that lasts more than a couple of weeks",[52,928,929],{},"a jaw that locks, catches, or will not open or close fully",[52,931,932],{},"pain when chewing that is changing what you eat",[52,934,935],{},"frequent headaches or ear pain with no clear cause",[52,937,938],{},"a bite that feels newly uneven",[52,940,941],{},"morning jaw soreness that suggests nighttime grinding",[10,943,944,945,948,949,951],{},"If your jaw is locked and you cannot open or close it, or you have pain after an\ninjury to the face, get urgent care rather than waiting for an appointment. Our\nguide to ",[38,946,947],{"href":629},"what counts as a braces emergency","\ncovers when to call the office and when to head to the ER, and the\n",[38,950,311],{"href":310}," answers common scheduling questions.",[10,953,954,955,958],{},"If you would like the joint and bite evaluated, you can\n",[38,956,957],{"href":305},"schedule a free consultation",". Dr. Mendivil will examine your jaw,\nexplain what he finds in plain English, and tell you whether treatment makes\nsense or whether a different kind of care is the better first step.",[10,960,961],{},[962,963,964,965,221],"em",{},"This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an exam can tell you\nwhat is behind your symptoms. For more on TMDs, see the National Institute of\nDental and Craniofacial Research overview of ",[38,966,969],{"href":967,"rel":968},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nidcr.nih.gov\u002Fhealth-info\u002Ftmd",[42],"TMD (temporomandibular\ndisorders)",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":971},[972,973,974,975,976,977,978,979],{"id":695,"depth":314,"text":696},{"id":761,"depth":314,"text":762},{"id":785,"depth":314,"text":786},{"id":825,"depth":314,"text":826},{"id":854,"depth":314,"text":855},{"id":882,"depth":314,"text":883},{"id":893,"depth":314,"text":894},{"id":917,"depth":314,"text":918},"\u002Fservices\u002Ftmj-pain.jpg","Patient holding the side of the jaw in discomfort","2026-10-21","TMJ symptoms include jaw pain, locking, headaches and ear pain. Learn which signs are harmless, which deserve an exam, and what to expect in Bakersfield.",{},{"title":676,"description":983},"blog\u002Ftmj-symptoms-bakersfield",[337],"i-AgaBNe7LhWgRzgOLTXNKz7y0f69qMLu5khYnhTisY",{"id":990,"title":991,"body":992,"cover":1255,"coverAlt":1256,"coverOrientation":1257,"date":1258,"description":1259,"extension":330,"meta":1260,"navigation":332,"path":571,"seo":1261,"stem":1262,"tags":1263,"__hash__":1264},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-clean-invisalign-aligners-bakersfield.md","How to clean Invisalign aligners (and keep them clear)",{"type":7,"value":993,"toc":1244},[994,997,1004,1008,1015,1018,1022,1025,1045,1052,1055,1059,1062,1068,1074,1077,1081,1084,1104,1107,1110,1114,1117,1120,1146,1149,1153,1156,1176,1184,1188,1191,1195,1205,1209,1212,1229,1235],[10,995,996],{},"To clean Invisalign aligners, rinse them in cool or lukewarm water every time\nyou take them out, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and a little clear,\nunscented soap, and give them a deeper soak once a day if you like. Skip hot\nwater, skip toothpaste, and never let them sit loose in a hot car. That short\nlist covers most of what keeps aligners clear, odor-free, and shaped the way\nthey were made.",[10,998,999,1000,1003],{},"The details matter more than people expect, because aligners sit against your\nteeth for most of the day. This guide explains the daily routine, what to do\nabout cloudiness and stains, and how to protect your trays through a\nBakersfield summer. If you are comparing options first, our guide to\n",[38,1001,1002],{"href":219},"Invisalign vs. braces in Bakersfield","\ncovers how the two approaches differ.",[30,1005,1007],{"id":1006},"why-do-aligners-need-cleaning-at-all","Why do aligners need cleaning at all?",[10,1009,1010,1011,1014],{},"Aligners are snug plastic trays. They hold saliva, food particles, and the\nnatural film of bacteria that builds up on every tooth (called ",[14,1012,1013],{},"plaque",")\nagainst your enamel for roughly 20 to 22 hours a day, which is the wear time\nmost Invisalign plans call for. A dirty tray holds that film in place instead of\nletting saliva rinse it away.",[10,1016,1017],{},"The result of skipping cleaning is predictable: cloudy plastic, a stale smell,\nand a higher chance of cavities or gum irritation under the tray. Clean\naligners over clean teeth are the whole system. Your aligners work best on teeth\nyou have brushed, and your teeth stay healthy when the aligners are clean.",[30,1019,1021],{"id":1020},"what-is-the-daily-routine-for-cleaning-invisalign","What is the daily routine for cleaning Invisalign?",[10,1023,1024],{},"The simplest routine has three parts, and none of them take long.",[428,1026,1027,1033,1039],{},[52,1028,1029,1032],{},[14,1030,1031],{},"Rinse every time they come out."," Cool or lukewarm water, a few seconds\non each side. This stops food and saliva from drying onto the plastic, which\nis what makes buildup hard to remove later.",[52,1034,1035,1038],{},[14,1036,1037],{},"Brush them once or twice a day."," Use a soft-bristled brush, ideally one\nyou keep only for your aligners, with a small amount of clear, unscented\nliquid soap. Brush the inside and outside gently, including the ridges where\nthe tray meets your back teeth.",[52,1040,1041,1044],{},[14,1042,1043],{},"Brush your teeth before putting them back in."," This is the step people\nskip. If you eat or drink anything besides plain water with the trays out,\nbrush and floss first, or at least rinse well. Trapping food under an aligner\nis how most cavities near aligners start.",[10,1046,1047,1048,1051],{},"If you are brushing around braces rather than aligners, our guide to ",[38,1049,1050],{"href":668},"brushing and flossing with braces"," covers that routine.",[10,1053,1054],{},"A quick note on soap: colored, scented, or heavily dyed soaps can leave a taste\nor tint on clear plastic, so plain and clear is the safer choice.",[30,1056,1058],{"id":1057},"can-you-use-toothpaste-or-hot-water-on-aligners","Can you use toothpaste or hot water on aligners?",[10,1060,1061],{},"Neither is a good idea, and these are the two most common mistakes.",[10,1063,1064,1067],{},[14,1065,1066],{},"Toothpaste"," often contains tiny abrasive particles. They are fine for\nenamel but can leave fine scratches on soft plastic. Scratches are where stains\nand bacteria settle, and they are also what makes aligners look cloudy. A\nclear soap works better and costs you nothing in clarity.",[10,1069,1070,1073],{},[14,1071,1072],{},"Hot water"," can warp the plastic. Aligners are made to fit your teeth within a\nfraction of a millimeter. A tray that has bent even slightly can pinch, fail to\nseat fully, or stop applying force where it should. The same goes for boiling\nwater, the dishwasher, and microwaving a cup of water to \"sterilize\" a tray. Stay\nwith cool or lukewarm water, and if you are unsure, cooler is the safer side.",[10,1075,1076],{},"Also avoid alcohol-based mouthwash and harsh household cleaners. Both can\ndull or discolor the material, and neither belongs near something you wear in\nyour mouth.",[30,1078,1080],{"id":1079},"how-do-you-deep-clean-aligners-without-damaging-them","How do you deep clean aligners without damaging them?",[10,1082,1083],{},"A deeper soak is optional but useful, especially if the trays are starting to\nlook dull. Choices include:",[49,1085,1086,1092,1098],{},[52,1087,1088,1091],{},[14,1089,1090],{},"Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets"," made for the purpose, used as\ndirected on the package.",[52,1093,1094,1097],{},[14,1095,1096],{},"Denture-cleaning tablets",", dissolved in cool or lukewarm water, which many\npeople use for the same job.",[52,1099,1100,1103],{},[14,1101,1102],{},"A diluted white vinegar and water soak"," for light buildup.",[10,1105,1106],{},"Whichever you choose, rinse the trays well in cool water afterward and brush off\nanything loosened. Soaking is a supplement to brushing, not a replacement for\nit. If a soak leaves a strong taste or smell, rinse longer.",[10,1108,1109],{},"When in doubt, ask. Different aligner materials respond differently, so the\ninstructions from your orthodontist's office come first. Dr. Mendivil's office\nis a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider, so bring your cleaning\nquestions to your next visit.",[30,1111,1113],{"id":1112},"why-do-aligners-turn-cloudy-yellow-or-smelly","Why do aligners turn cloudy, yellow, or smelly?",[10,1115,1116],{},"Cloudiness usually means mineral deposits from water or scratches from\nbrushing with the wrong products. Yellowing is staining, most often from coffee,\ntea, red wine, dark sodas, or tobacco. A smell comes from bacteria, which\nthrive when trays are stored damp and unrinsed.",[10,1118,1119],{},"Prevention is easier than repair:",[49,1121,1122,1128,1134,1140],{},[52,1123,1124,1127],{},[14,1125,1126],{},"Drink only plain water with aligners in."," Everything else, including\nsports drinks and flavored sparkling water, goes in the mouth with trays out.",[52,1129,1130,1133],{},[14,1131,1132],{},"Brush before reinserting"," so you are not pressing stain and sugar against\nyour teeth.",[52,1135,1136,1139],{},[14,1137,1138],{},"Let them dry briefly"," before storing, rather than sealing a wet tray in a\nclosed case all day.",[52,1141,1142,1145],{},[14,1143,1144],{},"Clean the case"," every day or two with soap and water. A dirty case\nundoes a good cleaning routine.",[10,1147,1148],{},"If a tray stays cloudy or stained after a good cleaning, do not scrub harder.\nMention it at your next visit.",[30,1150,1152],{"id":1151},"how-do-you-protect-aligners-in-the-bakersfield-heat","How do you protect aligners in the Bakersfield heat?",[10,1154,1155],{},"Valley summers and early fall are hard on plastic. A tray left on a car seat,\ndashboard, or in a gym bag in the trunk can warp in minutes, and a warped tray\ndoes not fit. A few habits help:",[49,1157,1158,1161,1164,1170,1173],{},[52,1159,1160],{},"Keep aligners in their case, never wrapped in a napkin. Napkins are\nhow many aligners end up in the trash.",[52,1162,1163],{},"Keep the case out of the sun and out of a parked car, even for a short errand.",[52,1165,1166,1167,1169],{},"Take them out for outdoor sports and wear a mouthguard instead. Our guide to\n",[38,1168,109],{"href":108},"\ncovers game-day habits that apply to aligners as well.",[52,1171,1172],{},"Leave them out of pool water and hot tubs, which can mean both heat and\nchemicals.",[52,1174,1175],{},"Keep them away from pets, who find them irresistible.",[10,1177,1178,1179,1183],{},"The same care applies to the retainer you will wear once treatment ends; our\npost on ",[38,1180,1182],{"href":1181},"\u002Fblog\u002Fretainers-after-braces-bakersfield","retainers after braces","\ncovers that stage.",[30,1185,1187],{"id":1186},"what-if-an-aligner-cracks-warps-or-gets-lost","What if an aligner cracks, warps, or gets lost?",[10,1189,1190],{},"Do not try to repair it, bend it back, or wear it anyway. Call the office. The\nusual options are going back to your previous tray briefly or having a\nreplacement made, and the right choice depends on where you are in your series\nand how long the tray has been out. Waiting a week hoping it turns up can set\ntreatment back, so a short call early is better than a long fix later.",[30,1192,1194],{"id":1193},"do-teens-need-a-different-routine","Do teens need a different routine?",[10,1196,1197,1198,1200,1201,1204],{},"The cleaning steps are the same. What differs is how consistent the habit is.\nTeens are the group most likely to leave trays in a lunch tray or backpack\npocket, so a case that lives in the same place every day helps.\n",[38,1199,215],{"href":214}," trays are cleaned just like\nadult ones, and a parent and teen can ask about the routine together at a visit. Adults have their own version of this problem, usually involving\ncoffee, which our ",[38,1202,1203],{"href":298},"adult braces guide"," touches\non.",[30,1206,1208],{"id":1207},"when-should-you-see-an-orthodontist-about-your-aligners","When should you see an orthodontist about your aligners?",[10,1210,1211],{},"Call the office if:",[49,1213,1214,1217,1220,1223,1226],{},[52,1215,1216],{},"A tray cracks, warps, or no longer seats fully.",[52,1218,1219],{},"Your gums are red, sore, or bleeding where a tray sits.",[52,1221,1222],{},"You notice white spots or sensitivity on your teeth.",[52,1224,1225],{},"A tray feels tight in a new way that does not ease after a day or two.",[52,1227,1228],{},"You have lost a tray, or you are behind on wear time.",[10,1230,1231,1232,221],{},"These are quick questions, not emergencies, and answering them early keeps\ntreatment on its original timeline. You can also find more answers on our\n",[38,1233,1234],{"href":310},"FAQ page",[10,1236,1237,1238,1240,1241,1243],{},"If you are still deciding whether aligners are right for you or your teen, a\nconsultation with Dr. Mendivil is the place to start. He can look at your bite,\nexplain what ",[38,1239,210],{"href":209}," can and cannot do for your\ncase, and walk through next steps. You can\n",[38,1242,957],{"href":305}," when it suits you.",{"title":313,"searchDepth":314,"depth":314,"links":1245},[1246,1247,1248,1249,1250,1251,1252,1253,1254],{"id":1006,"depth":314,"text":1007},{"id":1020,"depth":314,"text":1021},{"id":1057,"depth":314,"text":1058},{"id":1079,"depth":314,"text":1080},{"id":1112,"depth":314,"text":1113},{"id":1151,"depth":314,"text":1152},{"id":1186,"depth":314,"text":1187},{"id":1193,"depth":314,"text":1194},{"id":1207,"depth":314,"text":1208},"\u002Fservices\u002Finvisalign-bluebg.jpg","Clear aligner tray inside an open black case against a blue background","portrait","2026-10-19","How to clean Invisalign aligners: what to use, what to avoid, how to handle Bakersfield heat, and what to do about cloudy, smelly, or stained trays.",{},{"title":991,"description":1259},"blog\u002Fhow-to-clean-invisalign-aligners-bakersfield",[337],"VxMqCWV6ed5nkzoo4OkQN2qO0XPCacqYQYsLtzFZMrA",1793203861967]