Posted on 8/23/2021 by Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin
Whether you have an overbite or underbite, you have a misaligned bite. In either case, a bite, if not symmetrically perfect, causes problems with enamel wear, chewing, and, in severe instances, with the facial profile.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite happens when the upper teeth protrude over the bottom teeth. It can develop because of overuse of a pacifier, thumb-sucking, nail-biting, or chewing on objects, such as a pen or pencil. It needs to be corrected, as it can lead to decay, recurring headaches, or gum infections and disease. An overbite is not a normal bite, and therefore can be dangerous to your oral well-being if you leave it untreated.
Types of Overbites
Overbites may be defined as a vertical overbite or horizontal overbite. A vertical overbite is a bite that noticeably overlaps the bottom teeth while a horizontal overbite occurs when the teeth on the top project over the bottom teeth. Some patients present both types of bites when they are examined. We may also describe overbites as skeletal or dental. If the overbite is dental, it means that the position of the teeth are creating the overbite. If the overbite is skeletal, it means that the jaw influences the malocclusion.
How Overbites Are Treated
Overbites may be treated with orthodontics, a combination of orthodontics and surgery, or with surgery. It depends on the nature of the bite and how it affects the patient. In many instances, bites may trigger temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and lead to problems with opening and closing the jaw, or recurring headaches. If you want healthier teeth overall and wish to enjoy better health, you need to find out what you can do to treat an overbite.
If you currently have a malocclusion, such as an overbite or underbite, give us a call to arrange an appointment for an exam and consultation. You can improve your quality of life by having this oral health problem addressed. To find out more about related topics follow the links below: Jaw Surgery Tooth Extraction Dental Implants
Dental Implants Austin • Dental Blog • Oral Surgery Specialists We perform a variety of procedures in order to correct injuries, defects, and diseases to the head, face, neck, jaws, and tissues of the oral region. Read our Blog! Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin, 5301 Davis Ln, Suite 102, Austin, Texas 78749 | (512) 547-6852 | ossaustin.com | 3/20/2025 | Associated Words: Dental Implants Austin TX |
Whether you have an overbite or underbite, you have a misaligned bite. In either case, a bite, if not symmetrically perfect, causes problems with enamel wear, chewing, and, in severe instances, with the facial profile.