At Buckeye Orthodontics, we are big fans of big smiles, but when your bite feels like it might be too big, our expert orthodontists in Dayton, Ohio are here to turn your overbite into a straight, bright smile. There are many ways to correct an overbite, and no matter the issue, we have the treatment options for your beautiful smile.
What are the Causes of an Overbite?
An overbite is simply defined as when your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth, leading to the upper jaw sticking out further than the lower jaw. An overbite is one type of malocclusion (a misalignment of your bite). There are two different types of overbites: vertical overbites and horizontal overbites. A vertical overbite occurs when the top teeth greatly overlap the bottom teeth, and a horizontal overbite happens when the top teeth protrude significantly past the bottom teeth.
Overbites are typically caused by the shape or size of one’s teeth and jaw. If there is either too little space in the jaw or too much space, the teeth can become misaligned as they grow.
Other potential causes of an overbite could be thumb-sucking, chronic nail biting, genetics, and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ occurs when the hinge in your jaw is misaligned. With TMJ, your jaw may click, pop, or feel stuck when opening and closing, and your dentist can provide recommendations to ease TMJ with nonsurgical treatment or home remedies.
Many of these causes result in an overbite due to the tongue pushing on the back of the front teeth or biting and pulling forward on those same teeth. In early childhood, the act of thumb-sucking or nail-biting can affect the growth and development of the jaw and permanent teeth.
What Happens if an Overbite Goes Untreated?
When the development of the teeth and jaw result in an overbite, this can lead to overcrowding or issues with positioning. Some potential health-related complications that may be caused by overbites are sleep apnea, jaw pain, headaches, tooth decay, and difficulties with speaking.
An overbite may also result in crooked or protruding teeth, also known as “buck teeth.” This may cause self-esteem or confidence issues if the overbite goes untreated. Our passionate, talented orthodontists care about your smile and your confidence, and we’ll make sure your overbite is taken care of for your overall health and quality of life.
Ways to Treat an Overbite
Most commonly, people turn to orthodontic treatment to correct their overbite, and there are many options to choose from when it comes to your treatment plan. Your orthodontist may suggest traditional braces or Invisalign treatment based on your individual needs.
Our team at Buckeye Orthodontics will develop the best plan to fit your needs. No matter your treatment needs, we will monitor the progress of correcting your overbite, and you’ll be on your way to the smile of your dreams!
Traditional Braces
With traditional braces, your orthodontist will place metal braces on the upper and lower teeth. These brackets will work to correct the overbite over time with regular adjustments from your orthodontic team. Traditional braces may also include other appliances, such as an expander, to help properly align your teeth and correct your overbite.
Invisalign
With Invisalign treatment, your overbite will be corrected thanks to a series of clear aligner trays. Your orthodontist will first determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners before beginning treatment. Based on your needs and the severity of your overbite, your orthodontist will prescribe the length of treatment that best suits your smile.
Call Today to Schedule a Consultation with Buckeye Orthodontics!
At Buckeye Orthodontics, our talented orthodontists are experts in family orthodontics! Our team is here for kids, teens, and adults, so schedule an appointment today.