How to Fix an Overbite
Do you suffer from an overbite? If you feel insecure about your misaligned jawline, there are treatments available that can help you to straighten up that smile of yours. This article will look at the causes of jaw misalignment and discuss how to fix an overbite at home.
What is an Overbite?
The technical name for it is malocclusion, and it refers to when the top jaw and teeth overlap the lower jaw and teeth. There are two types of overbites: skeletal and dental. So, what exactly are the differences between the two?
Skeletal
If you suffer from a skeletal overbite, you’ll have a lower jaw that’s significantly smaller than your upper jaw. It’s your smaller bottom jaw that pushes the upper front teeth forward.
Dental
If you have a dental overbite (or deep bite), your lower and upper jaw align. But poorly aligned teeth are the reason why your top teeth severely protrude the bottom teeth.
Causes of an Overbite
So that’s the different types of malocclusions covered. But before we find out how to fix an overbite, can an overbite be avoided? The answer is yes, and no. There are lots of things that can cause an overbite to happen.
Genetics
Some people are just born with a jaw that’s too big, too small or doesn’t align evenly. There’s nothing that can be done in this instance.
Hereditary
You’re more likely to suffer from an overbite if your parents do too. And there’s nothing that can be done to prevent this—it’s just in your genes.
Injury, fracture & illness
Jaw misalignment due to an injury is possible, as is misalignment caused by illnesses such as tumours in the mouth.
Bad childhood habits
Childhood habits such as thumb sucking and the overuse of dummies and bottles beyond the age of five can cause an overbite to develop. These habits encourage the top teeth and jaw to outwardly develop. The jawline has already altered when baby teeth fall out, so adult teeth follow the same trajectory.
Other bad habits
There are plenty of bad habits that can result in an overbite for both adults and children (sorry!). Biting those fingernails of yours, chewing pen lids or losing teeth and not visiting your dentist can all lead to misalignment of your teeth and jawline.
Problems Caused by Malocclusions
An overbite doesn’t sound like a big deal, right? While most people have a slight overbite and have no issues, it can cause unwanted problems in some cases.
Appearance
Severe buck teeth can be very noticeable, which can cause anxiety for some people about their appearance. Kids can be unkind, which is why children with the condition may experience more unwanted comments about their appearance. Sadly, this can be psychologically traumatic.
Eating
An overbite can cause discomfort when chewing food or make certain foods too challenging to enjoy at all.
Facial abnormalities
Did you know that an overbite can completely change the appearance of your facial structure? Those suffering from the condition tend to have a recessive chin with a shorter and rounder face shape.
Headaches
Headache? Unfortunately, headaches and migraines are common in people with an overbite. Because the jaw isn’t aligned, the muscles that join the jaw to the skull compress the joint and skull bone.
Jaw pain
Jaw clenching is very common for those with an overbite, which can cause pain. In severe cases, someone with an overbite may suffer from reduced movement, a clicking sound, or even locking of the jaw joint. This is called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Speech difficulties
An overbite can affect your speech. Lisps, or a general lack of clarity because of the tongue’s position, are common communication struggles.
Poor dental hygiene
Teeth grinding, pressure on teeth enamel and sores on gums and cheeks are all everyday things you may suffer with because of an overbite. Over time, this can cause poor dental hygiene and tooth decay.
How to Fix an Overbite
Whatever the cause of your overbite, the good news is that there are quite a few orthodontic treatment options that can help you to straighten your smile. Remember, an untreated overbite is harder to fix the longer you leave it, so the earlier the intervention, the better.
Fixing an Overbite at the Dentist
Very severe cases of malocclusions will have to be treated by a dentist or oral surgeon. Treatment plans typically include:
Braces
Usually, we think of braces as something that straightens our teeth. But, when your braces have aligned your teeth, a dentist can fit elastic bands on the brackets. These bands correctly reposition the jaw through pressure. A retainer may also be required for a further period to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position.
Surgery
For adults, particularly, jaw surgery may be the only way to fix it. Depending on the cause, surgery may involve operating on the upper jaw, lower jaw or even both.
Tooth removal
Overcrowding of teeth can cause an overbite, which is why tooth removal may be necessary. Removing a tooth creates more space in the mouth, enabling the remaining teeth to realign.
How to Fix an Overbite at Home
Simple, moderate, and even more complex cases of malocclusions can be treated at home, thanks to our teeth aligners.
SmartSmileCo teeth aligners are clear and comfortable. Made from thin, flexible plastic, they’re designed to fit snugly over your teeth. Our clear aligners work the same way as traditional braces by gradually shifting your teeth into the ideal position by applying pressure.
Most people prefer this at-home treatment, as aligners are much less visible, more comfortable to wear, and are easier to clean and maintain.
Why Straighten Your Teeth with SmartSmileCo?
When it comes to choosing an at-home teeth straightening kit, there are plenty to choose from. So why choose SmartSmileCo?
- We don’t just plan treatments for simple teeth straightening needs. We can accommodate simple, moderate, and even some complex cases
- While other teeth straightening treatment providers take weeks to produce treatment plan timelines, we’ll review and plan your case in 3-4 days
- When you choose SmartSmileCo, you’ll benefit from a 3D treatment plan which clearly shows the impact that wearing aligners will have on the shape of your whole mouth
- Unlike other providers, once your treatment plan is approved, we won’t keep you waiting for weeks on end. You can expect your delivery in just 10 days
- SmartSmileCo use the best material for your aligners. The result? Aligners that are clearer and more subtle to the eye
- Does a retainer feature in your treatment plan? While other providers can charge up to £200 for a set of retainers, with SmartSmileCo, you’ll get these free of charge. Great news!
How to Fix an Overbite with SmartSmileCo Teeth Straightening Kits?
- Show us your smile
Your journey to straighter teeth starts with ordering your impression kit. An impression kit has everything you need to make a mould of your teeth.
- Make a plan
Based on your dental impression, you’ll receive a recommended treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.
- Pick up the post
If suitable, you’ll receive your initial teeth aligners in the post. Easy.
Now you know how to fix an overbite, why not take your first step towards a straight smile today? It’s simple with SmartSmileCo.
