One of the most common issues that need orthodontic care is an overbite. Overbites are an orthodontic issue frequently treated sooner rather than later because they can potentially lead to physical and psychological issues. The severity of the case determines the treatment schedule and approaches.
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What does overbite mean?
When the upper jaw and teeth cross the lower jaw, this is known as an overbite. Overbites are a kind of malocclusion, according to dentists and orthodontists. An overbite can be horizontal or vertical. A horizontal overbite is when the top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth, while a vertical overbite is when the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth (more commonly known as overjet). Patients may exhibit both of these symptoms.
An overbite may also be skeletal or dental. Dental overbites occur when the teeth are positioned incorrectly, and the jaw brings on skeletal overbites. The most frequent dental condition in kids is overbites.
What causes overbite?
Why some people get an overbite while others don’t is unclear, some people have jaws that are distorted from birth and develop unevenly. Others may have too large or tiny jaws for their teeth at birth, which can cause crowding, wide spaces between teeth, and an overbite. We are aware that genetics have a significant role. Thus it is more likely that if the parents require orthodontic treatment for an overbite, their children will also require treatment for the same issues.
Environmental factors rather than genetics are to blame for some of the deepest overbites. After the age of five, a kid who routinely sucks their thumb, finger, or both is at the chance of moving the front teeth and jawbone forward. While some portions of the hand can press the bottom teeth and bone back, the top teeth and jaw expand outward to make room for the forward tongue. It’s crucial to encourage children to discontinue thumb sucking by the time they are five so that the jaw and teeth can grow normally.
Even if a toddler does not show signs of having an overbite, it may appear as a teen or adult. An overbite can develop later in life due to chewing on nails, habitually biting pens or tooth loss without subsequent treatment.
Braces for Overbites Correction
Most overbite issues can be resolved with braces. X-rays are used in the assessment stage to help identify the kind of overbite and the alignment of the teeth and jaw. After that, the upper and lower dental arches are fitted with braces.
The teeth are first straightened and aligned by the archwire. Elastics (tiny rubber bands) may be utilized in the second stage of braces to move the jawline into the proper position gradually. To assist in moving the teeth and jaw, the bands are attached to the brackets from top to bottom or front to rear. Before eating, drinking, and brushing teeth, the bands are taken off and replaced.
You must wear the bands constantly to apply consistent pressure. The teeth and jaw may hurt more regularly if worn and taken off frequently. Wearing a retainer or using a permanent wire to keep the teeth in the right position is the final step in treatment.
Some patients can choose to correct their overbite using ceramic or lingual (inside) braces or Invisalign aligners, which are more modest solutions. Before choosing the type of treatment you desire, you should speak with your orthodontist because not all treatment types are appropriate for all cases.
When should you undertake the treatment?
Generally speaking, the sooner orthodontic treatment may begin for an overbite, the better. Patients might harm their teeth if they grind and clench their jaw. Some overbites make it difficult to clean the teeth, putting the patient at risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
Regular headaches, migraines, and jaw pain can interfere with daily functioning. Some individuals see an improvement in their health conditions as soon as their braces begin moving their jaw into position.
