There is much more to an overbite than it just being an aesthetic problem. Read on to learn how to fix an overbite here. And you can get your beautiful smile with the help of this Ballwin dentist.
You’ve always been self-conscious about your smile. You’ve had an overbite since you can remember. Your parents joke all the time and tell you that you got it because you sucked your thumb as a child.
That may be the cause, or it may be hereditary. Whatever the reason, we’re here to tell you that there are ways to fix an overbite and have a smile that you’re proud of.
Having an overbite does more than hurt your appearance. It can cause quite a few health issues, so it’s essential to get it fixed sooner than later. Check out this guide to learn your options.
What Is an Overbite?
Before we discuss how to fix your overbite, lets’ talk more about what it is. Put simply, an overbite is a condition where your top teeth overlap your bottom ones.
It can be easy to explain, but it’s not so easy to diagnose. Many people with an overbite believe that they have crooked teeth. Either way, you will need some type of oral treatment to avoid health issues and gain more confidence in your smile.
What Causes an Overbite?
So, what causes an overbite to happen? There are several reasons why you may have one. It could be hereditary.
You may have simply been born with a malformed jaw. Some of your early childhood habits may have played a role. Children who suck their thumb, overuse their pacifier, and stay on the bottle too long have a chance of developing an overbite when they get older.
If in your teenage years you had a habit of chewing on your pencils when you were bored in class, that can cause an overbite. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, that may be the source of your problem as well.
Can It Cause Health Issues?
Having a minor overbite won’t cause any horrible, lasting health problems. In some cases, these minor conditions don’t even need treatment.
If you have a significant overbite, however, and don’t get treated, it can cause some serious problems down the line. On top of affecting how you speak and appear, it can also be the source of tooth decay. It’s hard to brush all your teeth when they’re crowded together.
It may become harder for you to chew because of jaw pain. You may start having chronic headaches or experience sleep apnea as well.
Types of Overbites
There are different types of overbites. Your treatment will vastly depend on the severity of your condition. You won’t need treatment at all unless your top teeth overlap your bottom ones by at least 30%.
If you have a severe overbite, your top teeth may cover up your bottom teeth all the way. You should also know the difference between skeletal and dental overbites.
If you have a skeletal overbite, your jaw is causing the problem. If it’s a dental overbite, the alignment of your teeth is the issue.
- Braces
Now that you know everything there is to know about overbites, it’s time to talk about treatment methods. Can braces fix an overbite? Sure, they can.
Braces first align your teeth by using the metal brackets and wires. After your teeth have been straightened, the braces will slowly begin to correct your overbite.
The only problem with using this method is that it takes a while, and if your condition is too severe, you may have to use orthodontic headgear rather than braces.
- Invisalign
If you want all the correction power of braces but without all the uncomfortable metal and wires, Invisalign will be your friend. It uses a clear mold to push your teeth back into place and fix your overbite.
Invisalign is an ideal option for patients who don’t want their appearance altered by metal braces. It can also be removed so you can eat and perform your oral hygiene routine like you usually would.
We will say that fixing an overbite with Invisalign won’t come cheap, but in about a year, you’ll have a smile that you love.
- Surgery
If your overbite is skeletal rather than dental, the only thing that can fix that is surgery. This option is offered for adults for the most part.
Since a child’s jaw is still in the developmental stage, any overbite they have can be fixed using braces. That’s why it’s essential to take your child to the dentist regularly. The condition should be caught early so they can avoid surgery when they’re older.
- Tooth Removal
Overbites that are formed due to misaligned teeth can be corrected by giving your teeth a little space.
By removing a few of your teeth, that will give the rest of them the room they need to shift into their rightful place. Your jaw will follow suit. Of course, this treatment doesn’t always work, and sometimes it has to be used in combination with braces or Invisalign for you to see results.
Ways to Fix an Overbite That Work
Having an overbite doesn’t only hurt your confidence and personal appearance. It can cause health issues if left unchecked. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to fix an overbite.
Talk to your dentist about one of the treatment options we’ve talked about here so you can have a smile that you’re proud of.
Now that you’ve gotten your overbite corrected, you need to keep up with an oral hygiene regime to keep your teeth in good shape. Check out the health section of our blog daily for more articles like this one.
Feature Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
