An overbite is one of the most recognizable problems that require orthodontic treatment. Overbite can also cause health and psychological problems, so it is an orthodontic condition that is often treated sooner rather than later. Treatment methods and times depend on the severity of the case.
What is an overbite?
An overbite occurs when the upper jaw and teeth overlap the lower jaw and teeth. Dentists and orthodontists call overbite a typemalocclusia. Aoverbite can be vertical or horizontal. A vertical overbite is where the top teeth overlap the bottom, and a horizontal overbite is where the top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth (better known as an overjet). Some patients may have signs of both.
An overbite can also be classified as dental or skeletal. AdentalAn overbite occurs when the teeth are in the wrong positionskeletonmeans that the jaw is causing an overbite. Overbite is the most common dental disease in children.
What causes an overbite?
It is not clear why one person gets an overbite and another does not. Some people are born with deformed jaws that develop unevenly. Others may be born with a jaw that is too large or too small for the teeth, resulting in crowding or large gaps and an overbite. We knowgenetics plays a big roleSo if the parents needed orthodontics for an overbite, their children are more likely to need treatment for similar problems.
Some of the most profound overbites are due to environment rather than genetics. A child who consistently adummy or suck their thumb or finger(s) regularly.more than five years risks pushing the bone and incisors forward. The upper teeth and jaw grow outward to accommodate the front tongue, while the chrysalis or parts of the hand can push the lower teeth and bone backward. Encouraging a child to stop sucking from the age of five is important for proper development of the jaw and teeth.
Even if someone spends childhood without signs of an overbite, it can still develop as a teenager or adult. Nail biting, consistently biting a pen, or losing teeth without follow-up treatment can cause overbites later in life.
Correcting an overbite with braces
Can braces solve overbite problems? Braces are effective for treatmentmostproblems with overbite. As part of the assessment phase, x-rays help determine the type of overbite and the relationship between the teeth and the jaw. Braces are then attached to the upper and lower arches of the teeth.
The archwire first extends and aligns the teeth. During the second phase of braces,elastic bands (small rubber bands) can be used to slowly move the jawlinein the correct position, addressing braces for overbite correction. The bands are applied to the braces from top to bottom or front to back to help move the teeth and jaw. The bands are removed and replaced before eating, drinking and brushing teeth. It is important to wear the straps at all times so that constant pressure is applied. Wearing them on and off can make your teeth and jaw ache more often.
The final stage of treatment involves wearing a retainer or using a permanent wire to hold the teeth in the desired location.
Some patients have the choice between the more hidden options of ceramic or lingual (internal) bracesInvisalign-alignersto repair their overbite.It is best to consult your orthodontistbefore deciding which type of treatment you want, because not every type of treatment is suitable for all cases.
When should treatment start?
With an overbite, usuallythe sooner orthodontic treatment can start, the better. When a patient grinds their teeth and clenches their jaws, they damage their teeth. Some overbites make brushing teeth difficult, putting the patient at risk for cavities and gum disease.
Living with regular headaches, migraines and jaw pain can affect daily life. For some patients, these health problems improve once braces begin to move the jaw into place.
How long does it take to fix an overbite with braces?
A deep overbite is one of the longest lasting orthodontic conditions that can be corrected with braces. Overbites are often not the only problem. The patient likely has crooked or crowded teeth, so there are more problems to work on.
All cases are different, but severe overbites may require braces for at least two years. Once the braces are loosened, a retainer is worn to hold the teeth in place.
Can braces alone correct an overbite?
Some adults with severe overbite and jaw problems wonder whether braces alone can solve the overbite problems. In such cases, additional treatments are needed to correct the problem and surgery is required to reposition the jaw. Braces should be used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or tooth extraction. An orthodontist refers patients to an oral surgeon or dentist for extractions, especially if it involves braces to correct overbites.
Children and some teenagers have the advantage of a growing jaw, which allows the brace to move it into the correct position so that surgery is less likely.
Early treatment for children may include:expansion of the palate to make the jaw largerfor children who need braces to correct overbites, especially if they suffer from crowded teeth in a small jaw. A larger jaw makes it easier for the braces to move the teeth into the correct position and eliminates the need for tooth removal.
Problems caused by an overbite
Parents usually recognize that their child with an overbite has an orthodontic problem that needs attention. Children with overbites are often more likely to seek treatment over other problems because they have health or psychological problems related to their teeth.
It's not just about aesthetics
Correcting an overbite is not a cosmetic procedure, it is a functional problem that can cause other problems. A person with an overbite will often suffer from related health problems. Some patients will connect the two, while others will only make the connection after treatment or if the orthodontist requests it. ThatThe most common health problems associated with overbites are:
Headache
Headaches and migraines are commonin people with an overbite because the jaw is not aligned. The muscles that connect the jaw to the skull overwhelm the lower jaw, which can compress the joint and skull. Jaw muscles attach to the sinus and an imbalance in the jaw can cause sinus infections and sore throats.
Clenching your teeth and grinding your jaw
During sleep, a patient with an overbite may clench their jaws or grind their teeth. This can cause joint pain and wear and tear of the teeth. They may recommend braces worn at night to protect the teeth until the overbite problem is resolved.
TMJ disorder
One of the most common problems associated with an overbite is...temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).. The joint that connects the jawbone to the cheekbone on each side of the face allows movement for eating, drinking, speaking and facial expression. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw pain, pain in the front of the ear, a clicking sound when eating or opening the mouth, and even locking the jaw.
Neck pain
Neck pain is also common in people with an overbite because the neck is closely connected to the jaw. If the jaw is out of balance, it can cause neck or shoulder pain. Physical therapy can help with the pain in the short term, but it may not go away without adjusting the jaw.
Facial structure changed due to an overbite
A deep overbite affects the appearance of the patient's face. An overbite often gives the patient a recessive chin, which makes the face appear shorter and rounder and can appear older than they are. During orthodontic treatment, the position of the jaw changes because the chin comes forward and the face appears longer and narrower.
Speech problems caused by an overbite
A patient with an overbite may speak with a lisp and use the tongue more, which affects speech clarity. Correcting an overbite can often lead to better speech in children and adults.
Psychological effects of an overbite on children
Protruding incisors are the most obvious orthodontic problem. Children are cruel, and it's an easy mockery when their peers' teeth are so noticeable. The bullying can cause serious self-esteem problems. Many parents seek treatment as early as possible before their child's peers tease them.
Increased risk of damage to the teeth
Someone with an overbite is at greater risk of damaging their teeth. When the top teeth protrude past the bottom, they can crumble or become knocked out during sports, an accident, or simply as a child. Moving the front teeth back and fixing the overbite with braces ensures that the teeth are better protected against impact and falling.
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If you think you or your child has an overbite, please contact the orthodontists by calling (08) 9364 8020 orbook time onlineto discuss your options if we believe orthodontic treatment is necessary.
