Understanding Scissor Bite (Scissors Occlusion)
Ginza ONE Dental Clinic & Orthodontics
Many people believe that as long as their teeth look straight, their bite must be healthy.
However, at Ginza ONE Dental Clinic & Orthodontics, we often meet patients who say:
・“I was told my teeth look fine, but chewing feels uncomfortable.”
・“I always chew on one side without realizing it.”
・“My back teeth don’t feel like they touch properly.”
・“Eating feels tiring, even though my teeth look straight.”
If this sounds familiar, the cause may not be your habits, but your bite.
One common and often overlooked condition is called scissor bite, also known as scissors occlusion.

What Is a Scissor Bite?
A scissor bite is a type of bite problem that mainly affects the back teeth (molars).
In a healthy bite, the upper and lower molars meet in a balanced way, allowing food to be crushed and ground efficiently. The chewing force is evenly distributed across multiple teeth.
In a scissor bite, however:
・The upper back teeth overlap the lower back teeth from the outside
・The upper and lower teeth do not make proper contact
・Only a few teeth may touch, or sometimes none at all on one side
Because of this, the teeth cannot function as a proper chewing unit.

Why Does Chewing Feel Difficult?
Chewing is a complex movement that depends heavily on correct tooth contact.
When a scissor bite is present:
・Food cannot be ground efficiently
・Chewing force is uneven
・The jaw muscles must work harder
・One-sided chewing becomes common
Many patients describe this as:
・“I feel like I’m chewing, but food isn’t breaking down.”
・“Hard foods are especially difficult.”
・“My jaw feels tired after eating.”
These symptoms often develop gradually, which is why many people adapt without realizing something is wrong.

Why Do the Teeth Still Look Straight?
One of the biggest challenges with scissor bite is that it is difficult to notice visually.
In many cases:
・The front teeth are well aligned
・There is little crowding
・The smile looks neat and balanced
Because of this, patients are often told:
“Your teeth look straight, so there’s no problem.”
However, appearance and function are not the same.
Scissor bite problems occur mainly in the back teeth, which are not visible when smiling. This is why a detailed bite examination is essential.
At Ginza ONE Dental Clinic, we emphasize that orthodontic evaluation should always include bite function, not just appearance.

Common Signs of a Scissor Bite
You may want to consider a bite evaluation if you notice any of the following:
・You chew mainly on one side
・Your jaw feels tired after meals
・Food often gets stuck between your back teeth
・Some teeth feel worn down faster than others
・Your bite feels unstable or “off”
・You feel pressure on specific teeth when biting
Many patients think these symptoms are normal or age-related, but they often indicate an underlying bite imbalance.

What Happens If a Scissor Bite Is Left Untreated?
Scissor bites do not always cause pain, especially in the early stages. This makes them easy to ignore.
However, long-term untreated scissor bite can increase the risk of several problems.
1. Excessive Tooth Wear
When chewing force is concentrated on only a few teeth, those teeth wear down faster. Over time, this can lead to:
・Flattened biting surfaces
・Tooth cracks or fractures
・Damage to crowns or fillings
2. Increased Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease
Poor contact between teeth can create areas where food easily becomes trapped. These areas are harder to clean and may lead to:
・Cavities
・Gum inflammation
・Periodontal disease
3. Jaw Joint and Muscle Strain
One-sided chewing places extra stress on the jaw joints and muscles. This may cause:
・Jaw fatigue
・Discomfort when opening or closing the mouth
・Clicking or tension in the jaw area
4. Progressive Bite Imbalance
Over time, the bite may become more unstable as surrounding teeth shift or compensate, making future treatment more complex.

Can a Scissor Bite Be Corrected?
In many cases, yes.
Scissor bite can often be improved through orthodontic treatment, even in adults.
The exact approach depends on:
・Severity of the scissor bite
・Number of teeth involved
・Jaw structure
・Overall bite balance
Treatment options may include:
・Partial orthodontic correction
・Full orthodontic treatment
・Bite-focused adjustments rather than cosmetic alignment alone
At Ginza ONE Dental Clinic & Orthodontics, treatment planning always begins with a detailed analysis of how your teeth function together.

Adult Orthodontics and Scissor Bite
Many adults hesitate to seek orthodontic treatment because they believe it is “too late.”
In reality:
・Adult orthodontics is very common
・Teeth can be moved safely at any age with proper planning
・Modern orthodontic options are more discreet and comfortable
For adults, scissor bite correction is often less about appearance and more about function, comfort, and long-term dental health.

Our Approach at Ginza ONE Dental Clinic & Orthodontics
At Ginza ONE Dental Clinic & Orthodontics, we believe that a healthy smile must function well—not just look good.
Our approach includes:
・Careful evaluation of bite balance
・Digital diagnostic tools for precise analysis
・Clear explanations using easy-to-understand language
・Treatment plans designed for adult lifestyles
We take time to explain why treatment may be recommended, not just what treatment involves.

When Should You Seek a Bite Evaluation?
You do not need to wait for pain to appear.
If you feel that:
・Chewing feels inefficient
・Your bite feels unstable
・Something feels “not quite right”
these may already be signs of a bite issue.
Early evaluation allows for more treatment options and may help prevent future problems.

A Bite That Looks Good and Feels Right
Straight teeth are important—but they are only part of a healthy mouth.
A stable, balanced bite supports:
・Comfortable chewing
・Even tooth wear
・Jaw health
・Long-term oral stability
At Ginza ONE Dental Clinic & Orthodontics, located in the Ginza area, we are committed to helping patients achieve not only a beautiful smile, but a bite that works comfortably every day.
If you are considering orthodontic consultation in Ginza, or simply want to understand your bite better, we welcome you to visit us for a professional evaluation.
Let’s aim for a smile that is not only straight, but truly functional.

About Ginza ONE Dental & Orthodontics

Ginza ONE Dental & Orthodontics is a fully private, appointment-based dental clinic located in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo.
We provide a calm and personalized environment, ensuring each patient receives attentive and high-quality care.

With cutting-edge digital technology, we specialize in orthodontics, implants, veneers, and aesthetic restorative dentistry.
Our multilingual team (Japanese, English, and Chinese) welcomes both local and international patients with comfort and trust.

“With precision, empathy, and technology — we create confident smiles that last.”
This is the philosophy behind everything we do at Ginza ONE Dental & Orthodontics.

📍Clinic: Ginza ONE Dental & Orthodontics
🏢 Address: Ginza 2112 Bldg. 11F, 2-11-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
🚉 2 min walk from Ginza-itchome Station / 7 min from Ginza Station
🗓️ Book your appointment here: https://reservation.stransa.co.jp/837f35ac654c81871933f518c55bdf23
🌐 Homepage：www.ginza-onedental.com