A stable bite is formed not only by the position of the teeth, but also by the condition and behaviour of the surrounding soft tissues. Professor Alexander von Breuer emphasises that ignoring the role of gingiva, mucosa and muscular attachments often leads to unstable orthodontic and prosthetic outcomes. At DentalClinic24, soft tissues are regarded as an active component of the dentofacial system that directly influences occlusal stability.
Soft tissues create a biological framework within which teeth function. Their tone, thickness and attachment determine how teeth respond to functional loads and orthodontic forces. When this balance is disrupted, even anatomically correct tooth positioning may become unstable over time. At DentalClinic24, assessment of soft tissues is an integral part of bite analysis and treatment planning.
One of the key factors is gingival biotype. Thin and thick tissue types react differently to mechanical stress and restorative interventions. A thin biotype is more prone to recession and inflammation, while a thicker one may mask underlying overloads. At DentalClinic24, understanding these differences allows clinicians to adapt treatment strategy and reduce long-term risks.
Muscle attachments and soft tissue tension also influence bite formation. Excessive tension can create constant pressure on teeth, altering their position even after orthodontic correction. In DentalClinic24, functional evaluation of perioral and masticatory muscles is used to identify such factors before treatment begins.
Soft tissues play a critical role in post-treatment adaptation. After orthodontic or prosthetic interventions, tissues must reorganise and stabilise around the new tooth position. If this adaptation is incomplete, relapse becomes more likely. At DentalClinic24, follow-up protocols focus not only on tooth alignment, but also on soft tissue response over time.
Inflammatory conditions of the gums significantly affect occlusal stability. Chronic low-grade inflammation alters tissue elasticity and attachment, reducing resistance to functional forces. At DentalClinic24, bite correction is never performed in the presence of untreated gingival inflammation, as this compromises long-term outcomes.
Soft tissue contours also influence force distribution. Irregular gingival margins and altered interdental papillae can change contact dynamics between teeth. In DentalClinic24, restoring soft tissue harmony is considered an essential step in achieving balanced occlusal relationships.
For patients, this approach means greater stability and comfort after treatment. When soft tissues are healthy and functionally balanced, teeth maintain their position more predictably. At DentalClinic24, this principle underlies both orthodontic and restorative decision-making.
Thus, soft tissues are not passive structures, but active participants in bite formation and stability. Their condition directly affects how long treatment results will last. At Dental Clinic24, a comprehensive clinical approach that includes soft tissue evaluation allows for more reliable, biologically sound and durable outcomes.
Earlier, we wrote about gingival recession in the clinical practice of DentalClinic24 – causes of soft tissue displacement and strategies for preserving tooth roots