Do All Overbites Require Surgical Treatment?
Posted on 6/7/2021 by Dr McMurray |
 Typically, strong oral health and a beautiful smile require your upper and lower jaws to align evenly. However, in some cases there is a slight malocclusion, meaning an overbite or underbite may be present. Not all overbites require surgical intervention or correction, but it may be necessary in some cases to maximize oral health.
Overbites
An overbite is when the upper teeth extend over your lower teeth significantly. Overbites can be caused by a variety of things. Causes ranged from genetics, a recessive chin, thumb or finger sucking, misaligned bites, poorly done dental procedures, gum disease, or injury. However, some overbites may not require surgical intervention. A child who sucks their thumb may develop an overbite at a young age, but if the teeth are not fully developed, the overbite may correct itself. Having a slight overbite is normal, because the shape of the skull simply creates the potential.
When to Seek Treatment
Overbites that need fixing are ones in which the upper teeth extend over the lower teeth by 4-10 millimeters. Severe overbites can lead to many dental issues if untreated. These issues include jaw strain, headaches, earaches, tooth decay, tooth breakage, cavities, and gingivitis. These issues don't include the self-issues that come with the way a severe overbite may affect the smile. There are different treatment options depending on the severity of the overbite, including retainers, braces, aligners, and of course there are more intensive surgical treatments. It is best to have overbites treated earlier rather than later.
During your regular visits, it is typical to have an overbite measured to identify the severity. It is also important to identify any behaviors that might make you at a higher risk for developing an overbite. Overbites in general are fairly common, but if you have questions or you believe you have a severe overbite and would like treatment, please give our office a call and we can help.
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