The common misconception is that Orthodontic treatment is only for aesthetic purposes. The reality is that Orthodontic treatment helps correct a variety of orthodontic problems including Overbites.
What is an Overbite?
An Overbite is a type of malocclusion common in both adults and children. An overbite occurs when the lower and upper teeth or jaws are not aligned and the upper front teeth covers the lower front teeth.
Most often an overbite is hereditary, but it can also be caused by some childhood tendencies such as thumb-sucking or prolonged bottle-feeding which cause the jaw to form incorrectly. Some overbite, usually about 3mm, is normal however, anything above 3mm is considered an overbite.
What happens if I don’t treat an overbite
While an overbite might seem like a small physical defect flaw, it is advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible. If an overbite is left untreated, it could cause major health complications which could include the following:
- Jaw pain
- Sleep Apnea
- Severe headaches
- Tooth decay
- Discomfort or pain while eating
- Difficulty speaking
- Cleaning challenges that impact overall oral health
One thing to note about overbites is that the bigger the overbite, the bigger the complications can be if left untreated.
How are overbites treated?
Overbites are best diagnosed by your Orthodontist. Your orthodontist can determine the severity of the overbite and suggest the best approach to treat your overbite. Most of the time, treating overbites call for a multi-technique approach which your orthodontist will advise you about.
You may have the following treatment options to correct your overbite:
- Metal braces
- Lingual braces
- Invisalign
The first step to correcting your overbite is going to see an orthodontist. At The Orthodontic Centre at Northland, we offer a FREE consultation to help you determine the best treatment for your overbite. Contact us HERE.