How Do You Fix An Overbite?
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If
you observe your upper
jaw excessively
overlapping your bottom jaw when you close your
mouth, this may be a sign of an overbite. If you’re
looking for ways to fix your overbite, you’ve come to
the right place!
Also known as “deep bite” or “buck teeth,” an overbite
is a form of abnormal teeth alignment that involves a
significant overlap between your top and bottom
teeth. This abnormal alignment is also known as a
malocclusion. A normal bite only has around one to
two millimeters of reach, and your front teeth fit on
top of your lower teeth. However, with overbites, your
front teeth extend beyond and above your lower front
teeth.
There are various types of overbites – each with
different complexities during treatment. Minor
overbites may not require any treatment as they
are considered to be in the normal range. Still, it
will be the dentist who examines your overbite
and determines whether or not you’ll proceed
with additional treatment. With that said, each
condition is unique, and there is a particular
overbite treatment plan executed to straighten
your teeth effectively and safely.
Before we get right to the facts on this topic, let’s
first touch on the basics.
What Causes an Overbite?
Overbites can be due to several reasons,
which include physical features and certain
habits. Among the most common causes
are:
1. Genetics
For one, an overbite may be a result of your
genes. It is not uncommon for some people to
be born with an uneven-sized jaw or a smaller
lower or upper jaw. Prominent teeth or overbites
can often be hereditary, and you can observe
these similarities with your parents, siblings, or
other relatives.
As mentioned by
the American Dental
Association, about 70 percent of children show
signs of an overbite, and this may be caused by
grinding
teeth,
temporomandibular
joint
dysfunction (TMJ), and genetics.
2. Toddler Behaviors
According to a dentist at Laguna Dental
Center named Payam Ataii, DMD, overbites
can result from behaviors in childhood, such
as drinking from milk bottles, consistently
using a pacifier, or thumb sucking. These acts
cause your tongue to push against the back
of your teeth, which initially results in an
“open bite,” then eventually leads to an
overbite.
3. Common Habits
According to Mahnaz Rashti, DDS, a Beverly Hills
periodontist, habits such as nail-biting and
chewing inedible objects like pens can also
cause this condition upon reaching teenage
years and adulthood.
4. Jaw Shape or Size
More importantly, an overbite may often be
due to the shape or size of your jaw or
teeth, which usually
leaves you an
uncomfortable space to fit your teeth into.
The American Association of Orthodontists
points out that overbites are commonly
caused by having a smaller jaw compared
to the upper jaw.
Jaw pain
Severe headaches
Tooth decay and gum disease
Chewing problems
Trouble opening and closing your mouth
Speech difficulty
Sleep apnea
What Happens
if
I Don’t Get
Immediate
Treatment?
If not treated immediately, overbites may leave
you with either crooked teeth (for smaller jaws) or
widely-spaced teeth (in a broader jaw). Moreover,
ignoring your overbite can lead you to significant
health complications, such as:
What are the Treatments for Correcting an
Overbite?
Luckily, overbite is one of several dental health
conditions that professionals can treat with
orthodontic care. Various affordable and
effective treatments are used for overbite
correction, coupled with a beautiful top and
bottom teeth replacement for a perfect smile.
1. Metal or Ceramic Braces
Traditional braces are most commonly used to
treat overbites. The severity of overbites can
help you identify how long you need to wear
braces to achieve the desired result. Although
they are usually seen more with children or
teenagers, you can also have them
in
adulthood. Usually, this overbite correction plan
performed by a professional orthodontist takes
at least one to two years, but the results are
always worth the wait.
2. Invisalign
This treatment
is usually used for minor
malocclusions (such as overbites) in teenagers
and adults. It involves a series of custom-
molded plastic aligners to your teeth, which
then slowly and safely move your teeth to
correct their position. For this treatment, it’s best
to visit an expert orthodontist.
3. Retainers
Although this does not correct overbites directly,
retainers are essential in protecting the results
after treatment. You will be treated with one of
the multiple retainers to maintain the results,
and usually,
there will be a 6-month
appointment to follow up on your results.
4. Jaw surgery
Also known as “oral surgery,” this procedure is
combined with orthognathic therapy. Although
very rare, this is more commonly used to treat
skeletal overbites in adults, wherein teeth roots
and bones are firmly developed and more
challenging to move. Most adults, however, can
be successfully treated with orthodontic therapy
alone.
5. Palate Expansion
This overbite treatment is typically used to treat
children or adolescents with an upper jaw that
is too small to accommodate adult teeth. Palate
expansion usually uses a unique tool that
consists of two parts called palatal expanders,
which are attached to upper molars, and an
expansion screw to gradually move these
pieces apart to expand the palate.
If you’re looking for the most-trusted treatment
for malocclusions like overbites, our team at
Advanced Dental Group can connect you to the
best dentist in the field. We are affiliated with
the most qualified professionals to satisfy your
dental care needs. Give us a call today!
PHONE NUMBER
877 237 6969
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