Overbite correction

An overbite is a common dental condition in which the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. While the front teeth should extend over the bottom teeth for a healthy bite, an excessive overlap falls into the category of an overbite. Many people view overbites as a minor flaw and go without treatment. However, if left untreated, this dental condition may cause gum disease or jaw pain.

Many cases of overbite result from a person’s jaw size or shape. If their jaw is too small, it may lead to their teeth being overcrowded or overlapping, causing the jaw to shift to compensate.

Another common cause of overbite is excessive thumb-sucking or pacifier use. The added pressure from the thumb or pacifier may interfere with the growth of your child’s jaw, causing their teeth to grow abnormally.

The primary symptom of an overbite is the visible overlap of the front teeth over the lower teeth. Other overbite symptoms can include difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth and pain while eating. In severe cases, you may experience speech issues due to an incorrect tongue placement.

Leaving your overbite untreated may impact your mental and physical health. Many people may not wish to smile and show their overbite, which reduces their self-esteem over time. In addition to lowering your confidence, an overbite can cause pain due to worn tooth enamel or gum disease due to the constant uneven wearing of your teeth.

Most mild cases of overbite are easily correctable with dental devices. Some overbite treatment options include:

• Braces: As the most common dental device, braces for overbite have helped patients both young and old straighten their teeth for lasting smiles. At Nicolas Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of braces options so that all our clients can find one that works best for them.
• Invisalign®: As a clear aligner, Invisalign is an aesthetically pleasing option for correcting an overbite. Nicolas Orthodontics is one of the top Invisalign providers in the Boca Raton and Boynton Beach area and will provide exceptional care for your Invisalign treatment.
• Upper jaw expander: This option is only available to children because their jaw does not finish developing until after puberty. This device gradually widens the upper jaw so that it correctly fits with the lower jaw.

While it may be appealing to attempt overbite correction at home with a direct-to-consumer orthodontics product, doing so may damage your teeth further. Trust your dental care to the experts at Nicolas Orthodontics. Our team will help you feel more confident in your smile with an array of personalized care options.