The vertical misalignment of the teeth characterizes Overbite. Although it is not a disease, Overbite can cause oral health problems like jaw pain, tooth erosion, and gum disease if left untreated. Your teeth may extend past your bottom teeth when you have an overbite.If you or your child is dealing with an overbite's cosmetic and functional challenges, there's good news - several effective treatment options exist to correct this condition. From orthodontic appliances to restorative dentistry procedures, modern dentistry offers customized solutions to realign your bite and restore a beautiful, healthy smile. You must be mindful of your oral hygiene and consult your dentist for personalized guidance.
What is an Overbite?
Overbite, a type of malocclusion, may not allow your teeth to align correctly. It is painful and uncomfortable when your teeth extend past the lower teeth. Many orthodontists claim that a normal overbite will have a gap of over three millimeters. In addition, individuals with severe overbites may experience trouble breathing, chewing, and speaking.However, looks of Overbite may seem like it needs to be more appealing to some. Anyway, it must be noted that overbites don't go away alone.
Also Read:How to Remove Tartar from Teeth?
What are the main symptoms of an Overbite?
Your upper front teeth overlapping the lower front teeth can indicate overbite symptoms. Overbite vs. normal gets more apparent if the former is minor. This problem may affect something more than just the appearance.
A few symptoms of Overbite may include:
- Gum Disease
- Jaw Pain
- Cavities
- Speech Challenges
- Breathing Issues
- Tooth Erosion
- Temporomandibular disorders
- Pain while Chewing
What are the treatment options for an Overbite?
There is no denying that questions like how to fix Overbite without braces may come up. Nevertheless, an overbite correction aims to reduce vertical overlap between your top and bottom teeth. Many individuals may also want their Overbite corrected for aesthetic purposes.Let's look into ways of treating an Overbite.
1. Overbite Correction with Braces
Braces have always been the favored treatment option for correcting an overbite. Braces aim to pressurize the teeth to bring them into proper alignment. Your doctor may use a combination of brackets, wires, and elastic bands during this procedure. When your Overbite is not that minor or severe, metal braces can be of utmost help. Furthermore, you may request your orthodontist to use tooth-colored braces. This can minimize the appearance of tooth braces quickly.
2. Surgery
Jaw Surgery, also known as Orthognathic surgery, may be used to treat skeletal misalignments. The overbite surgery ensures jaw repositioning when other treatments fail. In addition, your teeth may not overlap excessively after a jaw surgery. Besides, a dentist may ask you to carry out orthodontic therapies and surgery. Furthermore, severe overbite surgeries are just for adults as their jaws aren't flexible like children's. However, the overbite surgery cost can be slightly higher than other dental surgeries.
3. Clear Aligners
Similar to braces, clear aligners are plastic trays that constantly pressurize the teeth. Your dentist may use clear aligners to ensure the teeth are better positioned. If you're undergoing mild to moderate Overbite, then clear aligners can be helpful.
Note down a few things before planning to use clear aligners:
- Wear them for about 22 hours a day, including sleep time.
- Remove them when you're eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Go for new aligner trays every week.
- The doctor may give new sets of aligners after 2 weeks of treatment.
Depending upon your Overbite's severity, will be 26 trays in your clear aligners.
4. Tooth Extraction
Young children with Overbite can be highly recommended for tooth extraction. If teeth get removed, then it allows room for other teeth to grow straight. Tooth extraction braces change face over some time and not immediately. Besides, the doctor says that this procedure is best for baby teeth. Only when Overbite is serious does the requirement of tooth removal become prominent.
Also Read:Tooth Extraction Aftercare- 15 Things to Consider!
5. Bite Plates
Bite Plates are removable appliances that prevent your bites from deepening. In addition, a dentist may instruct you to remove the bite plates only while brushing your teeth, eating, or playing sports. Simultaneously, your lower teeth may bite in front of the device and can prevent your lower back teeth from touching. Here, one's back teeth may shift vertically until they align entirely.
How can Overbite in Children get fixed?
Children's bones are way more softer and their teeth may move more swiftly. So, fixing overbites in kids is very important.
- Doctors may use headgear to correct jaw position.
- Removing primary teeth to make room for adult teeth.
- Palate expanders can be used for widening the roof of their mouth.
- Retainers can be given to keep teeth aligned after braces.
When should the treatment begin for Overbite?
Typically, an Overbite treatment must begin early. In case, a person is grinding their teeth and clenching their jaw, they are just damaging their teeth. At times, Overbite may make cleaning problematic, but that is okay. The patient may have a risk of gum disease and tooth decay if they're suffering from an Overbite.Instances of headache, jaw pain, and migraine can become unmanageable at some point in time. With braces, these problems may be eliminated with much ease.
Also Read:Tooth decay & sugar: The connection
What are the home remedies to fix Overbite?
Undoubtedly, home remedies are of much significance to correct an Overbite. Make sure that your child stops the habit of thumb-sucking. Indeed, temporary relief can be attained by accessing those. Don't get convinced by internet hacks, as some promises could be more worthy.
Some of the common home remedies to fix Overbite may include:
- Jaw Exercises: Opening and closing your mouth gently can be a great way to relieve an Overbite. Doing this can improve jaw muscles, and the bite may get proper. However, chewing sugarless gum can also be helpful in this regard.
- Warm Compress: Use Warm Compress to relieve jaw tension from strain.
- Aloe Vera Gel: To reduce inflammation in your oral tissue, use aloe vera gel.
- Peppermint Oil: To get rid of soreness, one may choose Peppermint Oil.
What are the main symptoms of an Overbite?
Your upper front teeth overlapping the lower front teeth can indicate overbite symptoms. Overbite vs normal gets more apparent if the former is minor. This sort of problem may affect something more than just the appearance.
A few symptoms of Overbite may include:
- Gum Disease
- Jaw Pain
- Cavities
- Speech Challenges
- Breathing Issues
- Tooth Erosion
- Temporomandibular disorders
- Pain while Chewing
Also Read:Front Tooth Cavities: Causes, Treatments and Preventions
What are the main complications of Overbite?
When severe Overbite is left untreated, there can be several complications.Some of the main complications of an Overbite may include:
- Headaches
- Gum Disease
- Neck Pain
- Jaw Pain and Stiffness
- Difficulty Chewing
- Ear aches
- Tooth Decay
Conclusion
Talk to your dentist and know what treatment options will suit you better. There can be different treatment options for both mild and moderate overbites. For cosmetic reasons, your orthodontist may give a separate treatment plan. Know that severe Overbite may be a reason for dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Understanding the need for immediate oral care for adults and children should be prioritized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix an overbite naturally?
No, you cannot fix an overbite naturally.
Is it possible to treat Overbite without braces?
If you have severe overbite problems, orthognathic surgery would be needed.
Does Overbite look attractive?
No, you won't look attractive with a severe overbite.
What is the fastest way to cure an overbite?
Using brackets, wires, and rubber bands can be the fastest way to cure an overbite.
Can Overbites get worse with age?
Yes, overbites may turn worse with age. Especially when teeth are missing, then overbites can get severe
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