Overbite correction
Overbite correction in Smyrna & Brentwood
One of the most common treatable orthodontic conditions is an overbite. An overbite is when the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth. A healthy bite requires a slight overbite, but if the overlap is too large, it may cause additional orthodontic issues.
Causes of overbite
Overbites are relatively common and may have several different causes, such as:
- Teeth grinding: Many people grind their teeth without realizing it during the day or at night.
- Genetics: Genetic traits may be somewhat to blame for a severe overbite.
- Jaw size: The size of your jaw may impact the alignment of your teeth, causing an overbite.
- Thumb-sucking: While thumb-sucking is natural, this action may cause issues in jaw development and adult teeth formation if it occurs over a certain age.
Overbite symptoms
The main symptom of an overbite is the appearance of your teeth. If your front upper teeth overlap your front bottom teeth by a lot, then you have an overbite. Other symptoms of an overbite include difficulty or pain when opening or closing your mouth. Severe cases of overbite may cause challenges with speech due to incorrect tongue placement.
Why fix an overbite?
Overbite treatment provides multiple benefits besides improving the appearance of your smile. An untreated overbite issue causes the upper teeth to reach down to the bottom teeth, leading to receding gums and issues such as tooth sensitivity or gum infection. Other problems include pain in your jaw or the gradual wearing down of your teeth, leading to tooth loss and difficulty chewing.
Treatments for overbites
In most cases, your dentist will first notice an overbite during your regular physical exam and take dental x-rays to examine your teeth alignment further. Then, the dentist will usually refer you to an orthodontist who may suggest one of the following treatments for overbite correction:
- Braces: Braces for overbites are ideal for children and adults, as this equipment can fix multiple orthodontic problems simultaneously.
- Invisalign®: This clear aligner treatment uses clear plastic liners that move teeth into the correct position. Dr. Roedig has extensive experience with Invisalign and is in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the United States.
- Retainers: While a retainer won’t correct an overbite, it can prevent your teeth from moving again after receiving treatment. Whether you have braces or Invisalign, your orthodontist may give you a retainer to maintain the results.
Why choose Barbieri Orthodontics to correct your overbite?
Attempting to correct your overbite at home by using a consumer orthodontics treatment is often dangerous and may permanently damage your teeth. When it comes to the health of your teeth, trust the experts at Barbieri Orthodontics.
Our staff has over 100 years of orthodontic experience combined, making us a trusted choice.
Schedule an appointment with Barbieri Orthodontics at our office in Smyrna or Brentwood, Tennessee, for personalized care at affordable rates.
