Understanding Jaw Alignment Treatment and How Braces Help

Reviewed by Dr. Amir Davoody, board-certified orthodontist (ABO Diplomate).

Braces do more than straighten teeth; by guiding the teeth into the right positions, they also improve how your upper and lower jaws meet. At Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics in Houston, TX, Dr. Amir Davoody treats misaligned bites in teens and adults, improving chewing, easing strain, and supporting long-term oral health.

What is proper jaw alignment?

Good alignment means the upper and lower teeth meet correctly. When they do not, the result is a malocclusion, such as:

  • Overbite: top teeth overlap the bottom teeth too far
  • Underbite: bottom teeth sit ahead of the top teeth
  • Crossbite: some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
  • Open bite: the front teeth do not touch

Each affects how you bite, chew, and speak.

Why alignment matters for your health

Misalignment is not only cosmetic. It can cause uneven tooth wear, place stress on the jaw joints (contributing to TMJ discomfort, headaches, and muscle tension), make chewing and speech harder, raise the risk of cracks or enamel loss from uneven pressure, and make hard-to-reach areas easier to miss when cleaning.

How braces improve jaw alignment

Braces apply continuous, controlled pressure to the teeth, and over months the supporting bone remodels around them. Brackets bond to the teeth, archwires apply gentle tension, and elastics help adjust how the bite comes together. For many patients this improves both tooth alignment and the way the jaws meet. Significant skeletal jaw discrepancies may need surgical orthodontics in addition to braces, which Dr. Davoody can evaluate.

Can braces help adults?

Yes. Adult bite correction is common and effective, even after years of misalignment. Treatment may take a little longer than in teens, but results are reliable.

Types of braces used

  • Metal brackets: durable, with precise control, ideal for complex cases.
  • Ceramic brackets: tooth-colored and more discreet.
  • Clear aligners: nearly invisible, removable, with 3D planning that tracks bite position.

Typical timeline

Treatment time depends on severity: minor issues often resolve in 6 to 12 months, moderate to severe cases in 18 to 36 months, and complex or surgical cases can take longer. Regular check-ins keep progress on track.

Frequently asked questions

Can braces fix my bite, not just straighten my teeth? For many patients, yes. Braces and elastics improve how the jaws meet; severe skeletal cases may also need surgery.

Is jaw alignment treatment worth it for adults? Yes. It improves comfort, chewing, and oral health at any age.

How long does it take? Usually 6 to 36 months depending on the complexity of your case.

Begin your treatment

Do not let a misaligned bite limit your comfort. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Amir Davoody.

Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics
5311 Kirby Dr Ste 209, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 521-2727