How to Fix an Overbite: Causes, Corrections, and More

Loading ...
ADMS
Health & Medical
Sunrise Dentistry
https://sunrise-dentistry.com/blog/how-to-fix-an-overbite-causes-corrections-and-more/
How to Fix an Overbite:
Causes, Corrections, and
More
B LOG  |  S UNR I S E  D EN T I S T R Y
https://sunrise-dentistry.com/
Everybody wants clean, white, and
perfectly aligned teeth. You see
Television commercials, magazines,
and movies inundated with picture-
perfect smiles.
Unfortunately, not everyone’s teeth
are like that from the beginning.
Many children and adults suffer from
malocclusion and one type of which is
an overbite.
Aside from thinking about the
methods of overbite correction, you
also have to know what the condition
is and the reasons it may happen.
What is A Malocclusion?
A malocclusion refers to the
misalignment of your teeth.
Overbites, open bites, cross bites, and
under bites are all types of
malocclusions.
Overbites commonly occur when the
upper teeth stick out far beyond the
lower teeth.
Class 1 – This is the most
common type. The bite is normal
and the overlap is just slight.
Malocclusions can be categorized as:
Class 2 – The overbite is severe,
often referred to as a
retrognathic.
Class 3 – This is a severe under
bite. The lower teeth overlap the
upper teeth. This is known as
prognathic.
What Causes An Overbite?
Overbites can be caused by several
factors. Although some are
hereditary, others are caused by a
malformed jaw.
Jaws may grow unevenly under
the pressure of certain habits such
as thumb sucking, bottle feeding,
and tongue thrusting. 
 
Habits developed later in life like
nail-biting or eraser head-
chewing may cause an overbite
too.
Early overbite correction in
children helps prevent severe
cases.
Why Do An Overbite Treatment
Immediately?
If  left untreated, an overbite may
cause significant health problems.
One may suffer from permanent
damage to the teeth.
Abnormal positioning of the jaw and
pain including temporomandibular
joint disorders (TMJ) are common.
Tooth decay or cavities
Other complications may include:
Gum disease
Worn tooth enamel
Severe headaches
Discomfort and pain while
eating
Difficulty opening or
closing the mouth
Sleep apnea
Trouble sleeping
Without an appropriate overbite
correction technique, one may also
experience altered facial structures,
which can lead to psychological issues
such as low self-esteem.
How to Fix An Overbite?
Generally, a dentist refers to a patient
with an overbite to an orthodontist
for treatment. Children are easier to
treat because their jaw is still in the
developmental stages. 
The most common issue for children
and teens is teeth crowding. For
adults, the lack of precautionary
treatment early in life is the usual
cause of more serious symptoms.
In either case, a dentist or an
orthodontist will examine the area
and create an overbite correction plan
that may last for up to 2 years or
more.
Initial X-rays will help determine the
class or type of overbite. These will
also give a better view of the positions
of the teeth and the jaw, helping in
determining the most appropriate
treatment plan.
Removal of  baby teeth to help
permanent teeth grow in the
right position
Recommended Overbite Treatment
Options
For children and teens:
Growth modification device to
better position the jaw
Dental braces are perfect for the
purposes of straightening teeth
Retainers will help keep the teeth
in place post-braces
Dental braces in adults may still
be helpful in straightening teeth
but the treatment is expected to
be longer compared to children
and based on the gravity of the
overbite
For adults:
Teeth extraction may be
necessary in severe overbite cases
to allow other teeth to move into
place more easily. This will
prevent crowding.
Jaw problems for skeletal-type
overbites will require surgery
There is no age limit on when to treat
an overbite, but again, it is easier to fix
in young children because their jaws
are still developing.
If your overbite is causing you severe
issues, it is important to schedule an
appointment with your dentist
immediately. 
In all cases, whether a child, a
teenager or an adult, the best way to
prevent dental issues from occurring
is to make sure you visit a dentist
regularly. Children should see a
dentist as early as 7 years old. 
Adults need to get regular dental visits
every 6 months to ensure early
intervention and avoid potentially
serious physical repercussions of
leaving an overbite untreated.
If you want to know how to correct
overbite problems, visit our clinic in
Durango or Farmington today. 
We will be more than happy to
discuss potential treatment options
that may be suitable for you.
Sunrise Dentistry’s state of the art
clinics offers holistic services and
innovative technology for more
accurate functional analysis.
dale@durangolive.net
EMAIL ADDRESS
(970) 247-3303
PHONE NUMBER
https://sunrise-dentistry.com/
CLICK BELOW TO VISIT SITE:
Contact
Details