Understanding Overbite Correction: A Guide for Patients
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What Exactly Is an Overbite?
An overbite happens when your upper front teeth stick out too far over your lower teeth. Think of it like the top part of your mouth hanging over the bottom part more than it should. While most people have a small overbite (which is totally normal), some people have what we call a “deep overbite” or “severe overbite” that needs fixing.
You might notice an overbite when someone smiles and their upper teeth cover most or all of their lower teeth. Sometimes, the lower teeth might even touch the roof of the mouth behind the upper teeth, which can cause problems.
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Why Does Overbite Correction Matter?
Overbite correction isn’t just about making your smile look better, though that’s definitely a great benefit! There are several important health reasons why fixing an overbite matters:
Eating and Chewing: When your teeth don’t line up properly, it’s harder to bite and chew food the right way. This can make eating certain foods difficult and may even affect how well you digest your food.
Speaking Clearly: An overbite can sometimes make it harder to say certain sounds clearly. You might notice a slight lisp or difficulty with specific words.
Protecting Your Teeth: When teeth don’t fit together correctly, some teeth work harder than others. This can lead to wearing down your teeth faster than normal, chips, or cracks.
Jaw Health: A bad overbite can put extra stress on your jaw muscles and joints, which might cause headaches, jaw pain, or clicking sounds when you open and close your mouth.
Confidence: Having straight, properly aligned teeth can boost your confidence and make you feel great about your smile.
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Common Causes of Overbites
Understanding what causes overbites can help you realize that they’re very common and totally treatable. Some of the main causes include:
- Genetics: Sometimes overbites run in families, just like eye color or height
- Childhood habits: Thumb sucking, pacifier use, or bottle feeding for too long can affect how teeth grow
- Tongue thrusting: Pushing your tongue against your teeth when swallowing
- Missing teeth: When teeth are lost early, other teeth might shift into the wrong positions
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Overbite Correction Treatment Options
The good news is that there are several effective ways to fix an overbite! The best treatment depends on how severe the overbite is and how old you are when you start treatment.
Traditional Braces: Metal braces are still one of the most effective ways to correct overbites. They use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into the right positions. Treatment usually takes 1-3 years, depending on how much correction is needed.
Clear Aligners: For some patients, clear plastic trays (like Invisalign) can fix mild to moderate overbites. These are popular with teens because they’re nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and brushing.
Functional Appliances: These special devices help guide jaw growth in younger patients. They’re often used when someone is still growing and can help prevent more serious problems later.
Begin Your Treatment with Elliott Orthodontics
If you’re in the Merrimack or New Boston, NH area and have questions about overbite correction, Elliott Orthodontics is here to help. Schedule a consultation to start your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.