What is an overbite? How can you fix it?

An overbite, also known as buck teeth, refers to the misalignment of teeth of both upper and lower jaw, when brought together. It is simply when the teeth of the upper jaw are slightly outward than the other lower half set.

An overbite is an example of malocclusion. Malocclusion can take one or many forms such as:

Teeth overcrowding
Spaced or gapped teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Cross bite
Open bite

In this blog, we will specifically talk about overbite and its meaning. What causes an overbite, symptoms and treatments?

Causes of Overbite

There are a few causes of overbite listed below:

Teeth grinding
Hereditary and genetics
Prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrush
Excessive use of pacifier and Sippy cups beyond the age of 3
Excessive nail biting

Symptoms of an Overbite

The first, primal symptom is the change in physical appearance of your teeth and how they sit together while closing your mouth. Other reasons include:

Difficulty opening and closing mouth
Jaw discomfort
Speech difficulty
Mouth breathing
Difficulty in chewing

Dental Treatment

There are quite a few dental treatments that address this issue. Treatments may vary according to the severity of the condition, age and other underlying medical conditions. Few common treatments are listed below:

Braces: Traditionally, braces are a most common way to combat teeth misalignments. This is a lengthy but long term solution for misaligned teeth such as overcrowding or other malocclusions.

Invisalign: Clear, transparent and removable orthodontic appliances; Invisalign are an alternative to metal wired braces. These are used to cover for less severe cases, post braces treatment and older age people. Invisalign also has an aesthetic appeal to it.

Palatal Expanders: Palatal expanders are oral devices used for correcting the position of the jaw. As the name suggests, these are used for expanding a shrunken jaw which is the root cause for an overbite.

Surgical Procedures: Surgical procedures are used in severe cases of overbites. This is only considered when non-surgical procedures are not sufficient.

Tooth Extractions: Tooth removal can be a possible dental solution for overcrowded teeth in order to make space and proper alignment.

Preventive Treatments

Avoid giving your child Sippy cups and pacifiers after the age of 3.
Use night guards in case of teeth grinding or tongue thrush.
Regular dental check-ups are essential.
Practicing good oral hygiene which includes regular brushing and flossing.

Conclusive Remarks

Overbite is a dental condition which concerns the misalignment of teeth. It is when the upper jaw is slightly ahead of the lower jaw.

If you are suffering from a similar condition, get in touch with Hermosa Dentistry for a thorough overview and expert dental advice. For scheduling an appointment, refer to the list of numbers provided below.