What to Know About Overbite Teeth
Do you have overbite teeth? If you’ve ever wondered what causes this common dental condition or how you can treat it, you’re in the right place!
Get ready to explore the fascinating realm of overbite teeth as we uncover why you have an overbite, what you can do about it, and how Souderton, Perkasie, and Quakertown orthodontists at Orthodontic Specialists can assist.
What exactly is an overbite?
Let’s start with the basics. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth vertically. In simpler terms, it’s when the upper teeth seem to “stick out” over the lower teeth when biting down.
How overbite teeth can affect you
From an esthetic perspective, an excessive overbite can alter the symmetry and balance of your smile. The upper front teeth that protrude from the overbite may be more noticeable when you speak or smile, affecting the overall esthetics of your facial appearance.
Overbite teeth can present challenges when it comes to maintaining optimal oral hygiene as well. The misalignment of the upper and lower teeth caused by an overbite can create spaces and crevices that are difficult to clean thoroughly. These hard-to-reach areas become havens for plaque and food particles, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Additionally, an overbite where the teeth overlap excessively will result in the wearing down of the teeth at a faster rate. In adults with uncorrected bites, we often see severe wear of the lower incisors. This results in tooth damage and can also damage the roof of your mouth, leading to additional tooth breakdown. Function is important!
Not to mention, overbite teeth can impact your speech patterns and clarity. The excessive overlap of the upper and lower front teeth caused by an overbite can create difficulties articulating certain sounds, particularly those involving the tongue and front teeth.
Sounds like “s,” “z,” “th,” and “v” may be affected in particular, leading to a slight lisp or difficulty in pronouncing words correctly. This can sometimes result in a lack of confidence when speaking, as individuals may feel self-conscious about their speech impediment.
Plus, overbite teeth can have an impact on your side profile. An overbite side profile may only be a subtle change from a typical side profile.
In some cases, however, an excessive overbite can cause the upper front teeth to protrude, resulting in a more prominent upper lip and a receding or less defined chin. This issue can affect the overall balance and harmony of your facial proportions when viewed from the side.
Regarding your overbite side profile, the exaggerated vertical overlap of the front teeth can create an imbalance in the facial profile, making the chin appear smaller or less prominent.
Causes of overbite teeth
Several factors contribute to the development of overbite teeth. Understanding these causes can shed light on why this condition occurs. Here are a few common culprits:
Hereditary factors
Blame it on the family genes! Genetics can play a significant role in the formation of overbite teeth. If your parents or close relatives have an overbite, your risk of an overbite is higher than if you didn’t have an immediate relative with one.
Thumb sucking and pacifier use
Persistent thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use beyond a certain age can contribute to the development of an overbite. The constant pressure exerted on the developing teeth and jaw can alter their alignment, leading to this concern.
Jaw and teeth alignment
Irregularities in jaw and teeth alignment can also lead to an overbite. Misalignment issues, such as overcrowding, protruding teeth, or a discrepancy in jaw size, can also contribute to the formation of one.
Solutions for overbite teeth
The good news is that modern dentistry offers several successful solutions to address overbite teeth. Let’s explore a few of them:
Orthodontic treatment
Braces are a tried-and-true method for correcting overbite teeth. By applying gentle and controlled pressure on the teeth, braces gradually move them into their proper positions, aligning the jaws and improving the bite.
Depending on the severity, other orthodontic appliances, such as headgear or rubber bands, may also be used in conjunction with braces.
Clear aligners
For those seeking a more discreet option, clear aligners like Invisalign can be suitable.
These custom-made, transparent trays gradually shift the teeth into alignment, correcting the overbite over time.
Clear aligners offer the advantage of being removable, making oral hygiene routines more manageable.
Orthognathic surgery
In severe cases where the overbite causes a significant jaw misalignment, our Souderton, Perkasie, and Quakertown orthodontists may refer you for orthognathic surgery.
This surgical procedure involves repositioning the jaws to achieve proper alignment, resulting in a corrected bite and improved facial esthetics.
Understanding overbite teeth and how an overbite side profile affects your appearance may empower you to seek solutions, achieve optimal dental health, and improve balance, function, and symmetry.
Whether through orthodontic treatment, clear aligners, or orthognathic surgery, modern dentistry offers a range of effective solutions to correct overbite teeth and enhance your smile.
If you’re concerned about your overbite or any other dental condition, consult with one of our qualified Souderton, Perkasie, or Quakertown, PA, orthodontists today at Orthodontic Specialists!
We’ll evaluate your specific case and recommend the best course of action to address your overbite teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always desired.
Embrace the journey toward a confident and harmonious smile, one step at a time, with our care.
Or:
- Book a free video consultation
- Call us at: 215-799-4602
- Email us at: info@indianvalleybraces.com
Our doors are open to residents of Souderton, as we’re located on Route 113. But we’re also easily accessible to people in West Norriton, Fullerton, Lansdale, Norristown, Horsham, King of Prussia, Willow Grove, East Norriton, and nearby cities.
