February 14, 2024
Do your upper front teeth overlap your bottom front teeth when you bite down? Having a slight overbite is more common than you may realize, with 22% of people worldwide having one! Unfortunately, neglecting to seek overbite correction treatment could lead to problems.
What exactly is an overbite, and do you need overbite treatment? Read on to learn more!
What Is an Overbite?
Having an overbite means your upper teeth overlap with your lower teeth. While a slight overbite is common, an overbite can become a problem if your bottom teeth experience wear and decay.
A skeletal overbite (when your lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw) can push your upper teeth forward. A dental overbite occurs when your teeth aren’t in alignment. Your lower jaw will shift backward, causing a gap. Leaving your bottom teeth exposed could lead to bruxism (teeth grinding) and rot.
Anyone can develop an overbite but the good news is, most cases are treatable through orthodontic treatment or surgery.
Why Correct It?
While a slight overbite won’t cause major issues, an uncorrected overbite could cause:
- Jaw pain
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMJ)
- Tooth decay/cavities
- Breathing issues
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Gum disease
- Speech problems
If you’re experiencing these issues, visit your orthodontist. They’ll determine if you’re an ideal candidate for overbite treatment.
Overbite Causes
Sometimes, an overbite is hereditary. Other common overbite causes include:
- Tongue-thrusting
- Thumb-sucking past the age of three
- Using a pacifier past the age of three
- Excessive nail biting
- Teeth grinding
You may notice it’s difficult to fully open or close your mouth. You may also notice speech changes, jaw pain, or discomfort while sleeping.
Overbite Treatment
Schedule a consultation appointment at your local Tampa orthodontist’s office. We’ll complete an assessment to determine the best course of overbite correction treatment. Our orthodontists may recommend braces, InBrace, or Invisalign.
Metal Braces
When people imagine orthodontic treatment, they’re often imagining traditional braces. These braces use metal wires and brackets to adjust the alignment of your teeth. If you have a more complex overbite, your orthodontist may recommend metal braces. While metal braces are more obvious than other overbite treatment options, choosing metal braces could shorten your treatment time.
Our orthodontists can develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear, flexible thermoplastic. These clear aligners are discrete and more comfortable than metal braces. Invisalign can treat an overbite in adults without obvious metal appliances.
How does Invisalign work? Your clear aligners will push your teeth into alignment using slight pressure. You’ll replace your aligners every one to two weeks. Patients who choose Invisalign also experience fewer problems (like broken wires and brackets).
However, Invisalign is often less effective for complex orthodontic issues. While it could treat a slight overbite, you may need braces if your overbite is more extreme.
InBrace
InBrace treatment is an alternative to traditional metal braces. Instead of attaching the braces to the front of your teeth, they’re attached to the back. Like Invisalign, InBrace can offer discretion over traditional braces and is ideal for mild to severe cases of dental misalignment.
You’ll need fewer changes than with aligners and won’t need monthly wire tightenings.
At SouthShore Orthodontics, we’ll review your unique situation to determine the best overbite treatment option to fit your lifestyle.
Correct Your Overbite With SouthShore Orthodontics
If you think you have a slight overbite, our expert orthodontists can help find the best solution to fit your unique needs. With our help, you can begin treatment before you develop complications.
SouthShore Orthodontics strives to provide the best care in Apollo Beach, Riverview, and the Greater Tampa Bay area. We personalize our services with each client in mind in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
We’re committed to delivering exceptional service while treating your overbite. Get ready to accomplish your smile goals! Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment!