4 Ways a Collapsed Bite Affects Your Jaw, TMJ, and Teeth

When patients experience chronic jaw tension, headaches, or worn-down teeth, they often don’t realize the root cause could be a collapsed bite. A functional and biological dentist focuses on restoring not just the appearance of your teeth, but the way your entire bite, jaw, and facial structure function together. At Seattle Dental Care, we take a holistic approach to bite correction, helping patients rebuild balance, protect the TMJ, and regain long-term comfort and facial harmony.

What Is a Collapsed Bite?

A collapsed bite occurs when the vertical dimension of your teeth, the space between your upper and lower jaws, has been reduced. This often happens from:

• Years of tooth grinding (bruxism)
• Worn, missing, or poorly restored teeth
• Long-standing bite imbalances or old dental work
• Chronic infection or bone loss affecting tooth height

As the bite collapses, the lower jaw shifts upward and backward, changing how the teeth, joints, and muscles work together.

How a Collapsed Bite Affects the Jaw and TMJ

When the bite shortens, the jaw joint (TMJ) loses its ideal position. This can cause:

• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Clicking, popping, or locking in the TMJ
• Headaches, neck, and shoulder tension
• Facial asymmetry or a “sunken” look

Over time, the jaw muscles strain to keep the mouth closed and aligned, leading to chronic discomfort and even nerve inflammation.

How It Affects the Teeth

A collapsed bite accelerates tooth wear, cracks, and fractures. Since the teeth no longer meet evenly, pressure is unevenly distributed, causing further grinding, enamel loss, and sometimes even tooth mobility. In severe cases, patients may lose vertical height in their face, giving the appearance of premature aging.

How a Functional and Biological Dentist Can Help

A functional and biological dentist doesn’t just rebuild teeth, they restore the entire system. Treatment may include:

Comprehensive Bite Evaluation

• • Using digital scans and 3D designing, a functional dentist will measure jaw position and muscle balance.

Detoxification of Old Restorations

• • Removing metal fillings or incompatible materials that may affect the body’s balance.

Bite Rehabilitation and Full-Mouth Reconstruction

• • Rebuilding tooth height with biocompatible restorations (such as zirconia) that restore natural vertical dimension.

TMJ Therapy and Neuromuscular Balancing

• • Addressing jaw alignment through precise bite adjustments, orthotics, or non-invasive therapies.

Holistic Support for Healing

• • Incorporating ozone therapy, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and nutritional support to enhance tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Restoring Form, Function, and Balance

Correcting a collapsed bite isn’t just about improving your smile — it’s about restoring the natural harmony between your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. When your bite functions correctly, your body follows suit: breathing improves, facial structure supports itself, and pain often subsides.

At Seattle Dental Care, our focus is on functional and biological dentistry — ensuring every cosmetic or restorative improvement also supports your overall well-being.