Aug 29, 2022 | Clear Aligners
Not everyone is blessed with perfect straight teeth. For many, it can be a source of insecurity especially when you’re constantly seeing celebrities and social media personalities flashing their pearly whites on an Instagram upload. How teeth develop is affected by genetics and habits and some of these traits can lead to a case of malocclusion. One kind of common malocclusion case is what we call an overbite. What is an overbite and how does one develop this case? Can this be corrected? Continue reading below to find out what leads to an overbite and how you can correct it.
In the dental world, occlusion refers to the way teeth are aligned and how your upper and lower jaw fit together. Malocclusion is a term that means there is a certain level of misalignment of the upper and law jaw and teeth. Overbite is one type of malocclusion. Other types include underbite, open bite, and crossbite.
The level of severity of malocclusion can be divided into three categories.
• Class 1 – patient with a normal bite but upper teeth overlaps slightly with lower teeth.
• Class 2 – patient has a severe overbite; also called retrognathic.
• Class 3 – patient has severe underbite; also called prognathic
Overbite
An overbite is where the upper front teeth go past the lower front teeth. It is common to have a small degree of overbite. However, a bigger overbite would need intervention. Some more extreme overbite cases can also cause jaw pain and the teeth to wear down faster than normal.
Underbite
An underbite is where the lower teeth go over the upper teeth. This malocclusion can lead to pain, discomfort, and self-conscious behavior. Individuals who have an overbite may also experience challenges with speaking clearly or chewing food properly. The teeth can also wear down faster due to an underbite
Crossbite
Another type of malocclusion is what we call crossbite. A crossbite is when the alignment of the lower and upper arches is incorrect. Causes for this could be the position of the teeth, the position of the jaw, or both. Crossbite can be further categorized into two types – anterior and posterior. Anterior crossbite refers to the lower tooth that is closer to the cheek or tongue compared to the opposite tooth in the opposing arch. Posterior crossbite is when the set of upper back teeth does not align with the corresponding set of lower back teeth.
Open Bite
Open bite refers to cases where the upper and lower teeth slant externally and do not touch each other when closed-mouthed. This malocclusion is less common than other types and is found in less than 1% of the American population. An open bite can also be found in the back set of teeth. Patients with an open bite usually find it difficult to tear into their food with their front teeth.
One of the common factors that determine the development of an overbite is the shape and size of the teeth and jaw. There is either too much space or too little space in the jaw for their teeth. If the jaw doesn’t have sufficient space, teeth will crowd together which develops crookedness. If there is too much space, the teeth will grow apart which leads to gaps in between.
Childhood habits are another factor that contributes to an overbite. Extended use of pacifiers, thumb sucking, and too much use of feeding bottles can lead to an overbite. If these habits are not corrected, they will cause the tongue to place pressure on the upper teeth. Chewing pencils and excessive nail biting can also lead to an overbite.
Getting a tooth extracted and not fixing the empty area can also lead to an overbite. In American children, 70% exhibit signs of developing an overbite, according to the American Dental Association. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ, genetics, and teeth grinding are other factors that contribute to an overbite.
If you do not correct an overbite, it may cause health complications. Some of these health problems include temporomandibular joint disorder, jaw pain, and tooth damage. Other issues that could form due to an overbite are gum diseases, tooth decay, severe headaches, discomfort when eating, difficulty speaking, difficulty closing or opening the mouth fully, and sleep apnea.
An untreated case of overbite can also change one’s appearance and cause a decrease in self-confidence. If the overbite developed early during childhood and is exacerbated, aesthetic changes could manifest in the pre-pubescent period.
Patients who want to correct their overbite should consult with an orthodontist. It is easier to fix cases of overbite among children because their jaws are still in the development stage. Older children and teens commonly experience overcrowding of teeth. For adults with an overbite, many suffer more complicated symptoms that could become more severe if the overbite is untreated.
The orthodontist will examine a patient’s case and get X-rays to have a closer look at the condition. This will also allow them to assess the relationship between the patient’s teeth and jaw. Once they have an evaluation of the case and how severe it is, they can create a treatment program. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment may last for two years or even longer.
• Extract baby teeth to allow space for permanent teeth to grow straight
• Develop a better jaw position by using a growth modification device
• Dental braces can shift and correct cases of overbite
• Use retainers post-treatment to ensure new alignment is maintained.
• Tooth extraction – Some severe cases of overbite will require tooth extraction to allow the rest of the teeth to freely move.
• Dental braces – orthodontists can create a plan to target the affected set of teeth.
• Clear aligners – Some clear aligner companies can accommodate mild cases of overbite
• Surgery – A solution recommended for cases of skeletal overbite where the jaw problems can only be fixed with an operation.
Clear aligners continue to grow in demand and the technology also keeps developing. One of the older brands of clear aligners is SmileDirectClub. Compared to Invisalign and traditional dental braces, these are much more affordable and are also a more convenient option for many. However, not all cases will be accepted to receive treatment.
SmileDirectClub will assess your condition to determine if you are a good fit for their clear aligners. It should only be a moderate overbite case to be a good candidate. Severe conditions are typically recommended to get treatment with traditional braces. If you are looking for a more affordable option to correct a mild case of an overbite, SmileDirectClub could be a good option for treatment. The cost of treatment will not exceed $3,000. This is much lower than the average cost of Invisalign and metal braces which typically range from $5,000 – $8,000.
You can check out their services and treatment plans at smiledirectclub.com. You can also take the online assessment to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Whether you want to correct an overbite for aesthetic reasons or you are experiencing discomfort the best step is to speak with your dental provider. It is urgent for patients who have pain due to their overbite. Regular checkups with your dentist are the best way to prevent complications from developing. Children 7 years of age should see a dentist determine if there are symptoms of an overbite. Adults should also attempt to visit their dentist twice a year to receive preventive treatment.
