Are you suffering from an overbite?
It is characterized as an oral problem that occurs when teeth get misaligned and is also referred to as malocclusion or deep bite. In this, the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth. If this issue is left unaddressed for more extended periods, it can result in oral concerns like gum disease, teeth erosion, and jaw pain. It can also lead to multiple oral functional and aesthetic implications.
If you have the same issue, you should seek immediate dental help. Dentists usually suggest treatments like oral or orthodontic surgery to correct overbites. Read ahead to learn more about this dental concern, including its prevention, treatment methods, symptoms, and primary causes.
Symptoms of Overbite:
An overbite can manifest itself in various symptoms. Sometimes, when overbite is not that severe, it is not noticeable. However, when upper teeth greatly overlap the lower teeth, it can lead to multiple oral issues. Some of the most common symptoms typically include the following:
- Tooth Erosion
- Pain While Eating Food
- Breathing Issues
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
- Gum-Related Issues
- Cavities
- Jaw Pain
Common Causes of Overbites:
Overbites can result due to several causes. Here are some of the major contributing factors behind the development of overbite:
- Genetics: Genetics plays an essential role in numerous oral concerns, including overbites.
- Use Of Pacifier Or Thumb-Sucking: If your child has a habit of thumb-sucking or consistently uses a pacifier, there is a chance that his upper teeth will grow in an outward direction. This problem generally leads to overbite.
- Skeletal Abnormalities: Irregularities or abnormalities in the size and shape of the jaws also tend to result in an overbite.
- Tongue Thrusting: If you significantly thrust your tongue, you are at a higher risk of suffering from an overbite.
- Dental Habits: Consistent and long-term use of feeders or sippy cups during childhood can also lead to an overbite.
How Can You Prevent An Overbite?
It is common for people of all ages to experience a malocclusion, also known as a “bad bite,” like an overbite. You should keep in mind that not all overbites are preventable. Nevertheless, parents of babies and toddlers can take a few steps now to help reduce the likelihood of their child developing an overbite later in life.
Here are 3 ways that can be helpful for you and your child in preventing overbite:
1. Limit Your Child’s Pacifier Use
Every baby uses pacifiers, which are quite useful for calming them down. Moreover, a study has shown that pacifier use can lower your newborn’s blood pressure and pulse rate. As we know, excess of anything is wrong. The same goes for pacifiers. When your child uses them more than they should, they can cause various dental problems, including an overbite.
Therefore, it is recommended that you start limiting your child’s pacifier usage around the age of 3 to ensure a smooth transition. Introduce a new comfort item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, and gradually decrease your child’s time with the pacifier until the habit is broken. This will undoubtedly help you save your baby from the development of malocclusion or bite issues.
2. Identify Tongue Positioning Problems
Children must develop healthy habits for their overall well-being, including proper resting tongue positions. Resting the tongue against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth, helps promote proper orofacial development.
However, some children may begin to rest their tongues in improper positions, leading to orthodontic problems like an overbite. If you’re concerned about your child’s tongue positioning, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your dentist during their next check-up. They can evaluate your child’s resting tongue position and suggest helpful measures.
3. Take Your Child to Regular Dental Appointments
Another essential way to avoid the development of an overbite is to take your kids to an oral healthcare professional regularly. When you visit a dentist regularly, they can initially identify oral health concerns.
The earlier an oral problem is diagnosed, the more accessible its treatment will be. Hence, ensure your child has their first dental visit by age one or when their first tooth erupts. This will enable their dentist to pinpoint any potential oral health issues ahead of time.
Ways to Fix an Overbite:
There are multiple ways to fix an overbite. However, before choosing any treatment, you must get a proper oral evaluation from your dentist. They will assess your oral health and recommend a treatment that suits you best.
Here are some standard methods suggested to fix overbites or malocclusions:
1. Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign clear aligners are an effective solution to address overbite issues within the normal to moderate range. These aligners work by gradually shifting the position of your teeth, correcting your overbite or deep bite. Depending on the severity of your case, the treatment duration of Invisalign can vary between 12 and 24 months.
2. Tooth Extraction
Another method of fixing an overbite is tooth extraction. If you have misaligned teeth that cause malocclusion or an overbite, your dentist will most likely remove them. When the overcrowded teeth are extracted, the adjacent teeth can move to the right position. This proves quite effective in getting rid of overbite issues.
3. Jaw Surgery
If your teeth are severely misaligned or you have serious overbite issues that can’t be corrected with the above-mentioned treatments, you may need jaw surgery. Maxillofacial surgeons perform these surgeries. This is an invasive procedure, and after this surgery, patients require a few weeks to recover completely.
End Note
Sometimes, overbites can go unnoticed if they aren’t severe. However, if your dentist mentions an overbite, it is important to ask how it affects oral health. Treating an overbite sooner can reduce the risk of further issues. So, if you have an overbite, it’s best to address it immediately.
