Overbites happen when the top teeth are pushed forward past the bottom jaw and teeth. In severe cases, overbites may require surgery to correct. It is important to treat an overbite because it does have a negative impact on your overall oral health. An untreated overbite can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) that will cause pain in the jaw.
What causes an overbite?
There are a number of things that can contribute to overbite:
1. Genetics: There have been many studies on genetics and its influence on the upper and lower jaw. If direct family members have a history of an overbite, then it is likely that it can be passed down to newer generations.
2. Bad Habits: Thumbsucking and prolonged bottle use in children can cause the overbite to develop as they grow. It is best for the habit to be eliminated as early as possible to prevent the further development of an overbite.
3. Trauma: Early trauma to the growing jaw can cause it to stop growing.
4. Tooth Count Discrepancy: Extra teeth in the upper jaw can push your other teeth forward because of the lack of space. The extra teeth would need to be extracted in order to make room for the other teeth. A missing tooth on the lower jaw can also cause an overbite and would need to be replaced.
5. Gum Disease: More common in late adulthood because gum disease causes bone support to recede.
When is the best time to correct an overbite?
The best time to correct an overbite is when children are still in their developmental stages. For girls the best age is around 10-12 years old and 11-13 for boys. At this age in kids, an orthodontist can more accurately assess the dental issues and can correct the developing jaws and teeth with the right treatment plan.
How Can An Overbite Be Fixed
It is possible to correct an overbite with just the use of braces. Braces will work best in early development as mentioned before. A severe overbite is also known as a deep bite may require surgery to correct. Braces will be used for a time before and after surgery to help with the overall correction. Only a few dental specialists have the ability to correct a severe overbite with no surgery. There are many factors that will determine the need for surgery. It is always best to consult with your orthodontist as each case is going to be different.
Article Source: https://www.ismilespecialists.com/overbite-correction