Dental overbite is when the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower teeth and while a small overbite is necessary for correct biting, anything more can cause problems. When biting, the front teeth should be around 1-2 mm outside of the bottom teeth, anything more would require some form of treatment.
Types of overbite
There are two types of overbite; namely dental overbite and skeletal overbite; the former is typically caused by habits formed as young children; thumb-sucking on a consistent basis can cause the front teeth to point outwards. A skeletal overbite is the result of irregular jawbone development, which typically forces the upper front teeth forward, creating the overbite.
Behaviours that lead to overbite
As mentioned earlier, thumb-sucking is a cause of overbite; if you notice your child sucking their thumb, you should take steps to minimise or cease the behaviour. Tongue-thrusting is another action that leads to an overbite issue; pushing the back of the front teeth with the tongue may be a way of relieving stress and if pressure is applied, the front teeth quickly change growth direction, causing buck teeth. Nail biting can also cause an overbite; the action of biting the nails can push the front teeth outwards, so keep an eye out for this bad habit in your kids.
Overbite treatment
When you see an orthodontist, he/she would first carry out a thorough examination, which may include X-rays; check out Beseen for more information on overbite treatment, such as clear aligners with brands by the name of ClearCorrect and ClearPilot. Clear aligners are the most popular overbite treatment; the device can be removed for easy cleaning and does not need to be worn while eating. After you have brushed and flossed, you replace the device and go on with your day. For dental overbite, metal braces can be effective and treatment can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of the condition.
Tooth extraction
In some situations, extraction is the best treatment, when overcrowding is severe, one or even two teeth could be extracted to relieve pressure. Tooth extraction would usually be used in younger patients, when overcrowding occurs. Click here to learn more about aligners from an Australian dentist – regular examinations reveal overbite issues and prompt treatment is advised.
Surgery
In rare cases, Orthognathic surgery might have to be performed; the treatment involves reshaping and repositioning of the jaw, which would be carried out in a hospital under general anaesthetic. Regular dental check-ups would reveal an overbite issue and the dentist can recommend treatment; addressing the problem early makes treatment less invasive.
If you would like to learn more about clear aligners because you have bite issues, make an appointment with your dentist and let the healthcare professional carry out a thorough oral examination. The dentist might recommend a clear aligner to correct the issue and he or she is always happy to answer any questions you might have.
Dental overbite occurs in around 20% of the population and with the right treatment, the overbite can be corrected.