Having an overbite is a common oral health problem. An overbite is mainly caused by genetics affecting your jaw’s shape. But using fingers or pacifiers or sucking the thumb late into the development of a child can lead to an overbite. If you are not happy with your overbite, know that fixing it may be more than just cosmetic. With the right Dacula family dentist, you can say goodbye to an overbite for good.
Causes of an Overbite
Malocclusion or overbite occurs when your front teeth protrude outwards over your lower jaw. Your jaw’s position causes an overbite. If your lower jaw is smaller than the other jaw, you can have an overbite. If this dental health problem does not run in your family, this may result from factors like excessive thumb-sucking, frequent tongue thrusting, excessive nail biting, frequent lip sucking, using a pacifier frequently beyond the age of three, and chronic teeth grinding.
Issues Caused by an Overbite
Symptoms of an overbite are obvious, slight overbites may be less obvious. Common symptoms include:
- Bad bites. Incorrectly aligned teeth can make it hard to speak and chew and cause jaw pain. Also, problems breathing, particularly while sleeping can be experienced. Sleep apnea can be developed.
- Jaw issues. Poor jaw position can lead to serious pain when not treated promptly. TMJ can present pain in the jaw and a jaw-locked sensation. Also, you may not be able to fully open and close your mouth. An overbite can cause pain and problems like headaches, jaw stiffness, earaches, and neck pain.
- Dental issues. When you have an overbite, you are at a greater risk of developing gum disease, dental cavities, and tooth decay.
- Mental health problems. An overbite can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and hesitance to smile. If you are self-conscious about how your teeth look, you may hide your smile and avoid laughing.
Fixing an Overbite
Are you worried about your overbite and are experiencing symptoms, visit a dentist as soon as possible. Here’s how your dentist may deal with your problem:
- Diagnosing the issue. A proper diagnosis is necessary to design an appropriate treatment plan. A visual examination and dental X-rays will be taken to look into the alignment of your teeth. If your dentist determines that you have an overbite, they may recommend correction or tongue thrust exercises to train the jaw into various alignments. If you have TMJ because of an overbite, your dentist can use different treatments that involve exercises and methods to realign your jaw to alleviate pain and minimize symptoms. If you have a pronounced overbite, you may be referred to an orthodontist.
- Managing and treating your overbite. An overbite diagnosis during childhood can be treated with growth modification devices, braces, removal of the baby or permanent teeth, and retainers. For adults, treatment usually involves clear braces to move the affected teeth, surgery to correct the alignment of the jaw, and teeth extraction to give space to the remaining teeth.
Is an Overbite Preventable?
If an overbite runs in your family, it may happen naturally. But in kids, some behaviors can lead to the formation of an overbite. Limiting or avoiding such behaviors can prevent the issue. By age 1, a child should be taken to a dentist to make sure there are no signs of tooth decay or gum issues. Also, a dentist can ensure the teeth of a child are properly erupting and developing. Soon after the emergence of the baby’s teeth, parents must book their first appointment with a dentist. This is an important step to preventing an overbite and ensuring the child has good oral health during their development stage.