Overbite Causes and Treatments

Do you suffer from overbite? Turns out, there are a lot of reasons you might have an overbite. But that’s not the only thing we want to share with you here — we also want to give you some tips on how to treat that overbite. 

What Is An Overbite? 

Overbite is when the upper and lower set of teeth do not line up properly so that the upper ones overlap the lower ones. It can be caused by protrusion or crowding, which means even if there is enough room for them to fit in, it still looks as if one can’t fit between the other — it’s called overbite. 

Overbite is a dental condition that can lead to reduced gum mobility, dental decay and even skeletal misalignment. Overbite can have devastating effects on the health of the individual and make it more difficult for them to eat properly. Those with overbite experience pain, jaw irritation, lack of eating coordination and impaired speech. This is why you should consult a dentist immediately if you suspect this condition, so that he or she can put in special bridgework to solve the overbite problem. 

What Are The Causes Of Overbite? 

The causes of overbite are unknown, but there are a few factors that may have an influence on this disorder. Here are some of the few causes of overbite: 

  • Heredity is one of the factors responsible for having an overbite. If this is a problem for you, you’ll need to wear a retainer while eating. 
  • In toddlers and infants, habits such as thumb-sucking, overuse of a bottle, and consistent use of pacifiers can cause overbite. These habits can become a problem, causing the child to grind his teeth and possibly bite or chomp on things. He won’t be able to chew properly at this age, which limits his ability to build healthy dental habits. 
  • Teens and adults are at high risk of dental problems caused by something we do constantly — biting our nails. The habits of picking and chewing on things can lead to overbites. Fortunately, you can correct these habits to avoid future problems. And once you get a great smile you can really highlight your best features. 
  • Overbite is a common dental issue, which is often caused by grinding your teeth for extended periods of time. 
  • Being unable to smile comfortably can negatively affect your appearance. When waiting more than a few hours for get your teeth fixed, you can start developing a severe overbite so you need dental assistance to correct it. Overbite is caused by front teeth that are too large for the space of your face. Once it’s developed, it will take time and patience to correct.  
  • The protrusion of your teeth can be exaggerated by your tongue thrusting forward. Over time, this can cause the relationship between your jaws to change, which can lead to overbite, and front teeth that come together too far. 
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder causes some people to develop an overbite. Unfortunately, it’s common, and can be caused by many different factors. In order to avoid the consequences of your overbite, it’s important for you to ensure that you have an effective conservative treatment plan in place. 

Types Of Overbite 

The overbite is a complex dental malocclusion that can be divided into two types. This article explains the different types of overbite: 

Skeletal Overbite: 

Skeletal overbite is a condition where the lower jaw projects forward from the upper jaw. When this happens, the lower jaw will push the top teeth out of alignment and cause the bottom teeth to rest on the tongue. One of the most visible effects of this condition is that the tongue will appear to be pushed forward and out of the mouth due to the overbite. This condition is often misconstrued as a problem with the tongue, and is the result of a protruding lower jaw. 

Dental Overbite: 

Dental overbite occurs when the top front teeth are farther forward than the bottom teeth, which causes the top teeth to overlap the bottom teeth. Dental overbite is often a result of the teeth on the bottom jaw being pushed out of place, which may be caused by an underbite, an improper closing of the mouth, or tooth rot. 

How To Fix An Overbite:

If you’ve got an overbite – or someone you know does – then read on this section. Overbite problems are common and, as you’ll learn here, often easily fixable. 

Dental Braces 

Invisalign 

Invisalign is a popular brace that will help you straighten your teeth. It uses clear plastic to align your teeth, and it is removable in 8 weeks.  

People who wear Invisalign can have less space in their mouth for their teeth. If they have a relative overbite problem, Invisalign can correct the problem and straighten out or move teeth to a healthier position. 

Surgery 

Certain cases of overbite may be related to a misaligned mouth. A misaligned jaw bone may be corrected through an orthodontic treatment [i.e braces]. If you have an overbite because of an impacted tooth or a falling baby tooth, this type of problem usually requires surgical correction. However, it is ideal for adults since children may not require undergoing one. 

Tooth Extraction 

Tooth extraction to fix an overbite is a good idea if overcrowded teeth caused the problem. Removing one or more teeth can move the others into place and then your jaw also starts to work properly. 

Why Correcting Your Overbite Is Important? 

People with overbite may be prejudiced against themselves. Overbite is an orthodontic problem that makes people feel self-conscious, and it can be quite painful for the person who has it. Overbite correction is important because: 

People with overbite may be prejudiced against themselves. Overbite is an orthodontic problem that makes people feel self-conscious, and it can be quite painful for the person who has it. Overbite correction is important because:  

  • It affects your appearance in a negative way  
  • Overbit can cause even more misallignment  
  • Your jaw will be overused  
  • You will be prone to teeth breakage  
  • You can experience speech problems 

Conclusion 

The article concludes that an overbite is caused by the lower jaw being a little too big relative to the upper jaw. It has also been suggested that people with overbite will have problems with their teeth later in life. 

An “overbite” is defined as a situation where the upper teeth are in front of the lower teeth because the jaw did not fully form. An overbite is often caused by a lack of space in the jaw during the development stage. There are a few treatments for an overbite which are not necessary life-changing if the overbite is not severe.