Orthodontic Tips: Why You Should Not Ignore Your Dental Overbite

An overbite is an orthodontic problem where your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth in front of your mouth. Sometimes, this can pose no real problems. However, if it is too pronounced, it can lead to more complicated dental issues. Learn why you should never ignore your dental overbite.

The orthodontic problems associated with an overbite

One problem that can relate to an overbite is simply how a patient’s smile looks. A pronounced malocclusion can change how someone’s face appears. It can make their mouth seem too uneven. Additionally, it can encourage protrusions that are not considered normal or appealing. There are several ways this visible orthodontic issue can affect oral health.

Uneven tooth wear

When a person suffers from uneven tooth wear, it can become an orthodontic issue. Extra wear on the teeth can make them sensitive. Additionally, it can create problems with chewing and other dental problems. These include new chipped teeth, cracked teeth and even broken teeth.

TMJ and headaches

When someone has a deep overbite, it can be natural for them to grind teeth a lot or clench the jaw frequently. These habits, whether old or new, can lead to headaches and TMD pain. The TMJ acts as a hinge for connecting someone’s jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. It allows a person to move their jaw side to side and up and down. TMJ issues can cause a variety of problems, including new pain and discomfort in a person’s face, jaw joint area, neck, shoulders and the inside of the ear. It can also cause jaws to lock in an open or closed position or create grating and popping noises when someone chews.

Snoring and sleeping problems

People with excessive overbites are more likely to snore. Additionally, it can also contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. Overbites are usually associated with a narrow lower jaw, and this can cause people to become mouth breathers. A person’s jaw can be recessed quite far back when they have this orthodontic problem. This issue can cause a pinched airway, causing an obstruction. Air will attempt to come through the airway, causing throat tissues to vibrate and cause the snoring sound.

Damage to the gums

When a person has a severe overbite, the lower front teeth may come in contact with the gumline behind the upper teeth. This can result in the recession of the gums. If a person does have damaged gums, it can lead to additional issues such as new tooth loss and gum disease. These dental problems can be more expensive and complicated to fix.

Problems with speech

Having an overbite can make speech more difficult. This can result in speech impediments. It can also cause overcompensation when a person articulates specific words.

Orthodontic correction for an overbite

Ready to correct your overbite and all the problems that come with it? Orthodontic procedures can help fix your overbite and prevent additional dental issues and complications. Talk to a dentist about which procedure is going to be the solution you have been looking for.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.