If you are unhappy with your smile, you may know that you don’t like what you see in the mirror, but you may not know exactly why. Read more to find out how and why you should fix an overbite.
Do you have an overbite?
The best way to tell if you have an overbite is to look at your side profile. If your front teeth extend beyond your lower teeth, you may have an overbite. If your lower teeth sit in front of your lower teeth, you may have an underbite. Both of these issues are due to the misalignment of teeth or jaws.
If you have misaligned teeth, you are not alone, as this condition affects 56 percent of the population. Overbites are the most common type of malocclusion while underbites only affect five to ten percent of the population.
Of course you can visit your orthodontist to get a full picture of your oral health, but you can also follow these steps to see if you have an overbite at home.
- Stand in front of your bathroom mirror and close your mouth, without clenching your jaw or pushing your teeth together.
- Smile, in a relaxed manner, and attempt to move your lips out of the way to obtain the clearest picture of your teeth.
- Look at your smile from the side and look to see if your upper teeth come forward or overlap significantly over your lower teeth.
It is quite common to have a slight misalignment of your teeth and not all cases require treatment. So, how do you know if you should seek treatment for your overbite?
When should you seek treatment to fix an overbite?
The best way to determine if you need treatment for your overbite is to visit your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will typically recommend one of the three treatment options for fixing an overbite.
- Braces: Braces are an effective treatment option for fixing an overbite. Through the use of brackets, bands, and an arch wire, braces can apply pressure in the right areas to align your jaw into the correct position.
- Invisalign: If you are concerned about the appearance of braces, Invisalign may be a great option to fix an overbite. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners with elastics to gradually move teeth into the correct position.
- Surgery: Some overbite issues are caused by a misaligned jaw. In these cases, surgery may be necessary. Typically surgery is recommended in cases of an overbite in adults. Given that children’s teeth and bones are still developing, it’s much easier to properly align their teeth using braces or Invisalign.
Why should you seek treatment to fix an overbite?
While you may not be happy with the appearance of the misalignment of your teeth, there are actually many more reasons than cosmetic to fix your overbite. An overbite can lead to jaw pain, speech problems, eating and drinking challenges, and even teeth breakage. Fixing your overbite can help resolve a host of issues.
Reach out to Smith Orthodontics to schedule your complimentary consultation and discover your personal treatment plan to fix your overbite and love your smile!
