Your Guide to an Overbite malocclusion or Buck Teeth
Numerous individuals choose to live with an overbite and avoid treatment. For instance, the late rock legend Freddie Mercury chose to retain and accept his extreme overbite. For others, addressing this problem entails just improving their occlusion (dentistry) in order to enhance their aesthetic look. However, certain individuals may need treatment in order to prevent consequences such as jaw disorders and tooth and gum damage. Read more about align your teeth.
What is an Overbite?
An overbite or buck teeth develops when the top teeth jut out too far beyond the lower teeth. Most individuals have at least a little overbite, and it isn’t very obvious, nor does it damage their biting or dental health. Know about cosmetic treatment.
When the problem is very serious, it may cause irreversible damage to the teeth and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Severe buck teeth may also radically change the face shape that can lead to psychological disorders and poor self-esteem. Our dentist at Towne View Dental Care will help straighten your teeth and get rid of overbite for good.
What Causes Buck Teeth?
Although the reason is often inherited and is frequently handed down through generations, external causes may cause the teeth to shift.
Thumb Sucking
While sucking the thumb is natural for a child, if it persists over the age of three or four and throughout the development of their permanent teeth, the pressure created by sucking the finger might cause the permanent teeth to come in at an unnatural angle.
Pacifier
Sucking a pacifier, similar to thumb sucking, may induce it. Pacifier usage, as reported in the 2016 Journal of the American Dental Association, increases the risk of malocclusion.
Tongue-thrusting
When the tongue pushes far forward in the mouth, it typically compels the teeth to shift forward. This commonly results in an openbites malocclusion, however, it may occasionally generate buck teeth.
Teeth Grinding
Many individuals tend to grind their teeth without being aware of it. It is fairly normal for the teeth to grind during sleep. Bruxism is typically the source of an overbite which may subsequently lead to significant discomfort in the jaw and head region. Teeth grinding may also contribute to early deterioration of the tooth enamel that eventually causes tooth decay.
Missing or Impacted Teeth
Gapped teeth or crowding may affect the front teeth’s alignment. When a tooth or two are missing, the remaining teeth begin to move, impacting the position of the other teeth.
Inadequate room to fit the teeth might also result in alignment problems.
Genetics
Some individuals are born with a tiny upper or lower jaw or an uneven jaw. An overbite is inherited, so if your parents, siblings, or other relatives have one, you could as well.
Tumors and cysts of the mouth or jaw
Tumors and cysts in the mouth or jaw may alter your teeth’s alignment and the form of your mouth and jaw. This happens when chronic swelling or bone development in the top area of the mouth causes the jaw to move forward.
Additionally, prolonged nail biting and chewing on hard things such as pens, pencils, and other objects may result in an overbite.
Types of Overbites
Vertical – This is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth considerably.
Horizontal – When the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth.
A patient may display symptoms of both vertical and horizontal overbite. Additionally, it might be classified as dental or skeletal. When teeth are creating buck teeth, it is dental. A skeletal ailment occurs when the jaw is the source of the problem.
What issues does Overbites can cause?
If left untreated, this condition may result in tooth loss, crowding, flossing and brushing difficulties, discomfort when chewing, crossbite, headaches, gum disease, or periodontal disease. To keep your mouth healthy, it is necessary to practice diligent dental hygiene and schedule frequent checkups.
Fixing Buck Teeth/Treatment for Overbite
Generally, you will be through orthodontics therapy since medicine alone won’t be able to cure it. In youngsters, it is simpler to cure since a child’s jaw is still in its formative phases. Adults, on the other hand, will have a hard time as if you had gone up to this age without any therapy. It will have more severe symptoms.
In any scenario, the professional will evaluate the region and propose treatment choices. These therapies may endure for two years or potentially longer.
Here are dentistry treatments your orthodontist (one of the various medical specialties)may recommend:
Children:
- Removal of the baby teeth to allow place for the permanent ones to develop.
- Dental Braces
- Growth modification device to properly align the jaw.
- Retainer (orthodontics)
Adults:
- Braces – the best method to correct this condition.
- Tooth extraction – your orthodontist may try to avoid this procedure and will only suggest if the case is too severe.
- Surgery – for skeletal-type issues, surgery is advised.
Towne View Dental Care can help treat your overbite and get you the smile you always wanted.
Don’t live with an overbite when there are choices accessible to you. Schedule an appointment now and discover what it takes to have you smiling your brightest and enjoying good dental health.