Crooked teeth, a “buck tooth” overbite, and related dental issues can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem. Fortunately, many effective orthodontic treatments exist to address these concerns. The treatment process for correcting dental misalignment includes various forms of braces or even surgery. The best treatment plans not only fix aesthetic problems but also prevent more serious dental disorders.
What is an Overbite?
A beautiful set of perfectly straight and pearly white teeth may often be displayed when a celebrity flashes a big, high-voltage smile for the cameras, but that doesn’t mean the individual was born with such a fabulous smile. Nor does it mean that everyday individuals can’t obtain the same great grin. Frequently, baby teeth aren’t replaced with straight, permanent teeth. Many individuals will need to undergo orthodontic care to correct crooked teeth into alignment.
Differences Between Overbite and Underbite
If you are facing a problem with the positioning of your teeth, it helps to understand the name of your specific concern. When the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth more than usual, it is called an overbite. Most everyone has a slight overbite since the upper teeth normally overlap and rest in front of the lower teeth. However, properly aligned top teeth sit comfortably atop the lower front teeth, without a large noticeable gap between the upper teeth and lower teeth that can be apparent with an overbite.
An underbite, on the other hand, is exactly as it sounds – the direct opposite tooth positioning as an overbite. When a person has an underbite, their lower jaw tends to stick out farther than their upper jaw, causing their bottom teeth to overlap atop their upper front teeth.
Differences Between Overbite and Overjet
Whereas the overbite and underbite are opposite conditions, an overbite is often confused with an overjet. An overjet might be better known as “buck teeth,” wherein the upper front teeth protrude further outward than usual along a horizontal plane.
Not only can such conditions cause cosmetic issues – they may also contribute to jaw pain or speech problems, which means it’s important to have the concerns brought to the attention of a dental professional.
The Specifics
Causes and Treatments for Overbite
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an occlusion references how an individual’s bite fits together – meaning how their lower and upper teeth align. When the upper and lower teeth fit properly, it is a comfortable bite with the upper teeth resting a bit over the lower teeth, and the molars fitting together like puzzle pieces atop one another.
However, whenever there is any type of malocclusion, whereby the upper teeth aren’t in good alignment with the lower teeth, all sorts of problems can occur. Properly fitted teeth help protect us from accidentally chomping on our lips and cheeks, and help to guard our tongues.
Causes of Overbite
The causes of overbites or similar problems include:
- Hereditary conditions
- A lower jaw that is a different size than the upper jaw
- Early childhood habits, including thumb sucking and extended pacifier use
- Injuries and illnesses
- Tongue thrusting, where a person pushes their tongue out between their lower front teeth and upper teeth, even when they swallow
Correcting an overbite and other forms of dental care can have a hugely positive impact on the patient, even improving their facial structure along with their bite.
Grades of Malocclusion
Before treatment, a dental professional should determine the type of malocclusion, and whether it belongs to the most common Class 1 malocclusion with the upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth a bit or one of the more serious categories. A Class 2 malocclusion is a more severe overbite, while a Class 3 malocclusion represents an underbite, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Issues
The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that certain early childhood habits such as thumb sucking should be discouraged by the time the child turns four years of age to encourage proper development of the jaws and teeth.
Indicators of dental issues include:
- Jaw pain
- Speech problems
- Problems with chewing food
- The lower front teeth cannot touch the upper teeth
- Noticeable misalignment: A deep bite problem, where the upper front teeth bite into a very deep position over the lower front teeth.
What is Normal vs. Needing Dental Treatment?
It is imperative to visit a dental expert to receive X-rays and a personalized examination to determine if the issues you are experiencing are minor or serious, such as a severe overbite or problems that may prompt tooth decay, like nail-biting.
According to the Mayo Clinic, certain problems make themselves evident due to jaw pain, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD). Even if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort, a dental professional may recognize and diagnose problems such as teeth grinding that could be treated before causing any other issues.
Treatment Options for Overbite
Traditional Metal Braces
Orthodontic braces have advanced quite a bit, but traditional metal braces still come with certain advantages. Not only are they credited with being a strong way to align teeth, but they can also be an affordable option.
Damon Braces
Damon braces are an orthodontic treatment choice that was developed somewhat recently, representing a self-ligating system that utilizes specialized brackets or clips in conjunction with an archwire to adjust the position of the teeth.
Lingual Braces
While not recommended for patients with a deep overbite, lingual braces help provide a conspicuous way for folks who don’t want visible braces to wear them, with the brackets adhered to the internal sides of the teeth closest to the tongue.
Invisalign Aligners and Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are not recommended for patients with a deep overbite since the system does not address jaw irregularities, but they can be an ideal option for others. The Invisalign treatment plan involves performing a smile assessment, wherein Invisalign® presents several questions to help candidates learn if they are a good fit for the clear aligners.
Orthognathic Surgery
For those with a severe overbite, corrective orthognathic surgery is an option that can fix a plethora of misalignment issues with the teeth and jaw positioning. An expert oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) can help with these types of advanced surgical needs. Treatment is often combined with braces both before and after surgery for optimal results.
The Takeaway
Conclusion
An overbite can cause patients both physical pain and emotional distress. Overbites can affect a person’s appearance as well as cause discomfort, especially when the jaw is severely misaligned. Whether genetic or caused by habitual behaviors as a child, an overbite can be corrected in several ways with braces or even surgery in more serious cases.
Developing good dental care habits is essential for preventing problems such as gum disease or tooth loss, as well as correcting misalignments when the patient is conscientious enough to follow through with regular dental checkups. Whether crooked teeth are the result of injuries, bad habits, or hereditary reasons, your best bet is to have a dental professional examine your specific situation to recommend the best course of action.
Further Considerations
Early Intervention
Early intervention can often prevent the worsening of an overbite. Pediatric dentists and orthodontists recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can simplify later orthodontic procedures or even prevent the need for them.
Lifelong Maintenance
Correcting an overbite often involves a commitment to lifelong dental care. This includes wearing retainers as prescribed after the removal of braces to maintain the new alignment of the teeth. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are crucial for sustaining the results of orthodontic treatment.
Psychological Impact
Beyond the physical discomfort and functional issues, overbites can have a significant psychological impact. The appearance of misaligned teeth can lead to self-esteem issues and social anxiety. Addressing an overbite not only improves oral health but can also boost confidence and overall quality of life.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of treating an overbite can vary widely depending on the severity of the case and the chosen treatment method. Traditional braces, clear aligners, and surgical options each come with different price tags. It’s important to check with your dental insurance provider to understand what treatments are covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you might incur.
Choosing the Right Orthodontist
Selecting a qualified orthodontist is critical for the successful treatment of an overbite. Look for board-certified orthodontists with good reviews and a proven track record of successful outcomes. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you’re unsure about the recommended treatment plan.
Additional Resources
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO): Provides information on finding a qualified orthodontist and understanding different treatment options.
- Mayo Clinic: Offers detailed descriptions of orthodontic issues and treatments.
- American Dental Association (ADA): A resource for understanding oral health and finding dental professionals.
Final Thoughts
An overbite is more than just a cosmetic concern; it can affect your overall oral health and quality of life. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can make informed decisions to improve your dental health. Whether through early intervention, traditional orthodontic treatments, or surgery, addressing an overbite can lead to a healthier, more confident smile.
