Just like misalignment of the teeth, it is possible to correct an overbite, with early identification. Braces from your dentist are one way to fix an overbite; however, other options are also present.
CAUSES, TYPES, AND SYMPTOMS OF AN OVERBITE
Overbites are the overlap of the upper teeth with the lower teeth.
- They can be caused by malformation of the jaw due to prolonged bottle feeding, pacifier use, or thumb sucking during childhood.
- Teeth grinding can also cause an overbite, as can temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).
- An overbite in adults can be caused by habitually chewing on things like fingernails, ice.
Types of Overbite
Overbites can be horizontal or vertical. In a horizontal overbite, top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth. Whereas when top teeth protrude over bottom teeth, this is a vertical overbite.
An overbite is caused by a dental condition such as crowding or a skeletal issue with the jaw.
This condition has many symptoms, such as:
- Pain in the jaw
- Slurred speech
- Short and round face shape
DO YOU NEED TREATMENT?
It becomes very difficult to clean crowded teeth, which can lead to more food being trapped between them. This increases the risk of cavities. Moreover, worn enamel and gum disease can occur when teeth rub against each other or the gums. Misalignment can also cause severe headaches, pain, sleep apnea, and discomfort while eating.
TREATMENT OPTIONS for OVERBITE
Children with this issue that are caught early are more easily treated. This is simply because their jaws have not yet developed. Overbite correction for children typically involves the use of traditional metal braces. The fully developed jaws of adults can make it difficult to fix overbite with traditional metal braces. In this situation, other options are available for correcting overbites.
To learn about other treatment options, consult our dental experts. Call Smiles4Ever Family Dentistry at 281-213-5668.