What Are Overbite Teeth, Symptoms, And How Is It Corrected?
In orthodontics, different dental conditions are common and can be treated, such as overbite teeth. An overbite is a condition where the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth.
Many children and adults suffer from overbite; when they are usually very serious, they can cause jaw pain, cavities, and gum disease. Generally, a normal ideal teeth bite usually has an overbite of 1 to 2 mm. Still, when it is too large, it is called excessive or severe overbite and usually becomes a bigger problem.
Below you will learn a little more about overbite and the overbite teeth causes.
What is an overbite teeth , and what are its symptoms?
What does an overbite look like? Overbite teeth are a type of malocclusion where the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower teeth; in other words, it is a misalignment of the teeth that is very common in children and adults.
A small overbite is required for a good bite, where overlap should not be too great. When an overlap is more than 2 - 3 mm, it is already considered a severe overbite or excessive and must be treated by a specialist.
Symptoms of overbite
Overbite symptoms can include visibly protruding upper front teeth, difficulty in properly closing the lips, potential speech issues, and an increased risk of dental problems such as teeth wear or jaw pain. Severe overbites may also lead to aesthetic concerns and impact overall facial appearance. If you suspect an overbite, it's advisable to consult with a dentist or orthodontist for evaluation and potential treatment options.
The symptoms of an overbite are:
- The main symptom of an overbite is the appearance of your teeth.
- Discomfort when eating
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
What causes an overbite?
Is an overbite normal? An overbite can occur for several reasons, but the most common cause is the shape and size of the jaw or teeth. An overbite can occur if you have too little space between your teeth or a lot of space in the jaw area.
The most common overbite causes are:
- Genetics: Overbites can be hereditary; genetic traits such as the size of your teeth or jaw can affect the normal alignment of your teeth.
- Skeletal: Irregular growth of the jaw structure can cause an overbite teeth.
- Teeth grinding: This can affect your teeth and lead to an overbite.
- Crowding: Pushing the teeth out of position can also cause an overbite.
Babies or young children who use pacifiers or suck their fingers can also cause an overbite. Any experienced and licensed orthodontist can treat and correct an overbite correctly, regardless of its cause.
Types of Overbites
There are two primary types of teeth overbites: (1).Skeletal (2).Dental.
- Dental Overbite: This occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. It can result from genetics, jaw misalignment, or habits like thumb-sucking.
- Skeletal Overbite: In this type, the upper jaw (maxilla) is positioned too far forward in relation to the lower jaw (mandible), causing an excessive overbite. This often requires orthodontic or surgical intervention to correct the underlying skeletal issue.
How to treat an overbite?
Overbite how to fix it? As mentioned above, an experienced and licensed orthodontist can treat and correct an overbite. Orthodontists with dentists specialize in teeth alignment and have studied how to safely and effectively straighten teeth for years.
Overbite teeth treatment may include:
• Metal or ceramic brackets
One of the most common overbite correction treatments is metal or ceramic brackets. Braces are an effective tool that has helped millions get their teeth into proper alignment.
The metallic overbite braces allow you to combine the rubbers. That is, you can customize the color of the rubbers in each consultation. At the end of the treatment, you will have a beautiful smile with straight teeth.
While with ceramic brackets, usually use a material that is the color of your teeth or transparent material, which allows you to hide the appearance of the braces. Those have become the most used by artists, celebrities, and adults for their more subtle appearance.
• Invisalign clear aligners
Transparent aligners or Invisalign treatment is also effective for having straight teeth with an overbite. It would help if you chose an experienced orthodontist to have quality aligners that allow you to move your teeth slowly and safely.
These aligners are made of transparent plastic that will be molded to fit each patient.
• Surgery
If you have an overbite do you need braces when the overbite is severe or excessive? You will need oral surgery. Many orthodontists include surgery in their overbite treatment to have more successful results in more serious cases.
Oral surgery is necessary for adults with severe skeletal overbites with fully developed teeth and bones. Children do not require surgery because their bones are still growing, and they can treat any overbite with less invasive treatments.
An oral surgeon performs oral surgeries and will have a combined treatment with surgery and orthodontics.
• Retainers
Removable braces for overbites are extremely important in treating overbites. Although they do not correct the problem, they will help protect the results obtained in your orthodontic treatment.
You must always wear retainers to prevent overbite teeth from coming back.
What happens if I don't treat the overbite of teeth?
If left untreated, an overbite can cause health complications such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. An overbite can worsen over time, affecting your teeth and jaw structure.
In addition, it can cause facial pain, affect speech, and prevent good oral hygiene. A specialized orthodontist should see the overbite teeth before and after you in your city for better results.
Conclusion - Overbite Teeth
A licensed orthodontist can treat overbite teeth, a common dental condition. To have a normal bite, you must have a small overbite, usually between 1 and 3 mm.
If you want a successful evaluation, you should make an appointment with an orthodontist to indicate your case's treatment. Sometimes, you can fix overbite without braces, and you will have a beautiful smile at the end of your treatment.
Faqs: Overbite Teeth
How does an overbite look like?
An overbite is characterized by the upper front teeth protruding noticeably over the lower front teeth when the jaws are closed. In a typical overbite, the upper teeth cover a significant portion of the lower teeth, creating a visible vertical overlap. The severity of an overbite can vary, ranging from mild to more pronounced, and it can affect the appearance and functionality of the teeth and jaw.
How to fix overbite at home?
Correcting an overbite at home is not advisable, as it typically requires professional evaluation and treatment by a dentist or orthodontist. Overbites are complex dental issues that may involve both dental and skeletal components. Effective treatment options may include braces, Invisalign, orthodontic appliances, or in severe cases, surgery. It's crucial to consult with a dental professional to determine the best course of action for your specific overbite condition.
What is overbite in dentistry?
In dentistry, an overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the jaws are closed. It is a common dental issue and can vary in severity. Overbites can be caused by various factors, including genetics, jaw alignment problems, or certain oral habits, and they may require orthodontic or surgical treatment for correction.
what is the cause of overbite?
The primary causes of overbites are misalignment of the upper and lower jaws and other Genetics Dental Issues.
how to hide an overbite
If i have a small overbite do i need braces?
The necessity for braces depends on the severity of your overbite and your overall oral health. If you have a small overbite that doesn't significantly impact your dental function or aesthetics, braces may not be required. However, it's best to consult with an orthodontist for a professional evaluation, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.
what happens if you don't fix an overbite?
If you don't address an overbite, it can lead to several potential issues over time:
- Dental Problems: Overbites can cause increased wear and damage to teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and fractures.
- Jaw Discomfort: Unresolved overbites can lead to jaw pain, discomfort, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Severe overbites may affect facial aesthetics, leading to self-esteem and confidence issues.
- Speech Difficulties: Pronunciation and speech clarity can be impaired with a pronounced overbite.
It's essential to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the appropriate treatment plan to prevent these potential problems.