The Importance of Correcting your Overbite from My Local Dentists Northmead

by Dr Thomas Choi (dentist) | Jun 28, 2024 | Orthodontics

Struggling with Jaw Pain or an Unattractive Smile?

Do you experience jaw pain or discomfort? Are you self-conscious about your smile? These issues may be linked to an overbite.

Understanding and addressing overbites is crucial for your dental health and overall well-being.

Understanding Overbites

An overbite is when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. While this is often perceived as a cosmetic issue, an untreated overbite can lead to significant health concerns.

Health Issues Associated with Overbites

An overbite isn’t merely a cosmetic issue. It can cause significant health issues, including:

Increased Tooth Wear and Tear: When the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, abnormal wear patterns can occur. This may result in a greater risk of cavities and dental decay, loss of the tooth enamel, and heightened sensitivity to the teeth.
Functional Issues in the Jaw Muscles: An overbite can cause misalignment in the jaw, leading to muscle strain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and trouble opening or closing the mouth are signs of TMJ problems.
Speech Impediments: A significant overbite can affect your speech, leading to speech impediments such as lisps. Correcting the overbite can help improve speech clarity and confidence.
Potential Jaw Problems: If left untreated, an overbite can lead to jaw misalignment and even persistent pain and suffering as the lower teeth push on the higher teeth over time.
Unattractive Smile: An overbite can affect the overall appearance of your smile, which can impact self-esteem and confidence. A well-aligned bite contributes to a more attractive and harmonious smile.

Consequences of Untreated Overbites

Overbites that go untreated can result in the following dental issues:

Damage to the Gums: The lower front teeth can harm the gums behind the upper front teeth, leading to gum recession and potential gum disease.
Jaw Pain and Discomfort: Chronic jaw pain and discomfort can arise from an untreated overbite, affecting daily activities such as eating and speaking.
Speech Impediments: Speech issues can persist or worsen over time, affecting communication skills.
Increased Threatof Gum Disease and Tooth Decay: Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, raising the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque accumulation.

Overbite Correction Treatments in Northmead

At My Local Dentists Northmead, we offer a range of treatments for correcting overbites tailored to children and adults to ensure effective and comprehensive care.

For Children and Teenagers

Extraction of Baby Teeth—Baby teeth removal may occasionally free up space for permanent teeth to erupt into the correct alignment.
Growth Modification Devices–These devices help to guide the jaw’s growth, ensuring proper alignment and preventing the development of a severe overbite.
Braces –Traditional braces are frequently employed to straighten the jaw and teeth and eventually fix the overbite. Braces use light pressure to shift teeth into their proper positions.
Retainers—After braces are removed, retainers are used to maintain the teeth’ new position and prevent them from shifting back.

For Adults

Braces—Similar to the treatment for children, braces can move teeth and correct the overbite in adults. Modern options such as clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign) are available for a more discreet appearance.
Teeth extraction: In severe cases, certain teeth may need to be extracted to create space for proper alignment. This is usually a last resort and is considered only when necessary.
Oral Surgery may be required for adults with bone-related overbites to correct the jaw’s alignment. This procedure involves repositioning the jawbones to achieve a balanced bite.

Don’t Wait to Improve Your Smile!

Correcting your bite is essential at any age. It’s never too late to correct your bite and your smile!

For bite problems, visit your Northmead dentist.

We provide excellent treatments for various issues affecting the appearance of your teeth and smile.

Orthodontics in Northmead

Don’t let an overbite affect your quality of life. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.

My Local Dentists Northmead is your trustworthy dentist in the Northmead area. We care about the appearance and health of your smile.

Our professionally trained staff treats all dental issues, including complicated problems related to other health conditions.

Our commitment to our patients is optimal dental health and a stunning smile.

We make life easier for our patients by offering late hours on weekdays and weekend appointments.

Visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.