An overbite, also called buck teeth, occurs when the upper teeth overlap the bottom front teeth. Also when the upper teeth excessively bite down on the lower teeth. Normally, people should have a slight overbite of up to 4mm, anything beyond this is called an overbite. So how to fix an overbite at Cosmedica Dental in Turkey?
If left untreated, a severe overbite can cause several dental issues including gum disease and jaw joint pain. Others may also find it to be unattractive with the upper lip protruding. Avoid these dental and aesthetic concerns by getting a consult with a dentist or an orthodontist. Depending on the case, treating overbite ranges from braces to surgery and orthodontic devices to correct your smile.
Healthy bite and correct position: overlap of the upper front teeth, covering the lower by a few millimeters. A normal overbite ranges from 2 – 4mm. In excess or lesser than this is a sign of a type of malocclusion because of an improper bite and misaligned teeth. If the upper teeth extend beyond 4mm in covering the lower teeth, this is referred to as an overbite or buck teeth.
What are the problems of an overbite?
A minimal bad bite may not be as noticeable and, usually, does not pose health risks. So, most patients can get away without having it treated. However, if you have a mild to moderate overbite case, orthodontic treatment should be done right away. Otherwise, the following health concerns may occur:
- Gum and periodontal disease
- Difficulty with chewing, eating
- Speech problems with baby teeth
- Jaw pain and protruding teeth
- Increased risk for tooth decay
- Trauma to the tongue and teeth
- Breathing issues (sleep apnea)
Aside from these dental health problems, a severe overbite may also significantly alter the patient’s facial profile. This wrong jaw development causes cosmetic issues and a major confidence downgrade.
What are the causes of an overbite?
Genetics
Discrepancy in jaw size and shape is the most common cause of overbite and this is largely due to genetics. It may also be that the upper teeth are too large compared to the lower, resulting in the appearance of buck teeth. Some genetic conditions such as Treacher Collins Syndrome may also cause an overbite.
Oral developmental habits
Missing or extra teeth
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What are the types of overbite correction?
To determine the most suitable treatment method, your dentist or orthodontist will assess your teeth. He or she will decide whether the type of overbite or deep bite is dental or skeletal in nature. Rrecommendations like clear aligners to move the teeth into proper alignment may include:
Dental braces
The most common treatment for a dental overbite is orthodontic braces. Treatment with braces involves brackets, wires, rubbers, and elastics that put pressure on the teeth. This helps to o properly align the teeth, position the bite, and resolve the malocclusion. Depending on the range of severity, the braces treatment may last between 6 months to 2 years.
Orthodontic appliances
An overbite alters how your lower jaw fits and moves against your upper jaw. This can compress the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to tension, pain, and joint dysfunction. Appliances such as a headgear or palatal expander combined with braces may help. These effectively exert pressure on the jaws to align the teeth better.
Invisalign
Aside from traditional braces, you may also opt for Invisalign to fix an overbite. The clear aligner technology utilizes custom-made, plastic mouthpieces that fit snugly over the teeth. This exerts gentle and continuous pressure to aid in tooth movement and bite correction. However, clear aligners are mainly used for the treatment of minor malocclusions only.
Jaw surgery
Severe skeletal overbites and malocclusions are best treated with orthognathic jaw surgery. This is a multispeciality long term treatment that requires the expertise of a dentist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon.
Surgical intervention for jaw deformities may be performed on either the upper or lower jaw, or both, depending on the location of the deformity. The procedure entails the modification of the mandibular and maxillary bones to address asymmetries and generate a more harmonious occlusal and esthetic alignment.
Subsequent to the surgical procedure, a splint is employed to facilitate training of the bite. Subsequently, orthodontic appliances, known as “braces,” are applied to ensure the teeth are positioned correctly.