Your Guide to an Overbite Malocclusion or Buck Teeth

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Many individuals choose to live with an overbite rather than fix it. Freddie Mercury, the late rock hero, for example, chose to preserve and appreciate his significant overbite. Others treat this problem merely to enhance occlusion (dentistry), which improves their aesthetic appearance. Others, however, may need treatment to prevent problems such as jaw disorders and tooth and gum damage.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite or buck teeth develops when the upper teeth protrude too far beyond the lower teeth. Most individuals have a little overbite, which isn’t obvious and has no effect on their biting or dental health.

 

When the disease becomes sufficiently severe, it may lead to irreversible tooth damage and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Severe buck teeth may also radically change face shape, leading to psychological difficulties and poor self-esteem. Overbite correction porcelain veneers can also be a solution in overbite cases where the margin is not beyond the scope of the restorative procedure. Our dentist at Highland Oak Dental can straighten your teeth and get rid of overbite for good.

What Causes Buck Teeth?

The reason is frequently inherited and may be handed down through generations, although there are extrinsic influences that can compel the teeth to migrate.

Thumb Sucking

It is natural for a kid to suck their thumb, but if it persists into three or four years of age and while their permanent teeth are developing, the pressure created by sucking the finger might cause the permanent teeth to come in at an incorrect angle.

Pacifier

Sucking a pacifier may induce it in the same manner that thumb sucking does. Pacifier usage increases the risk of malocclusion, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2016.

Tongue-thrusting

When the tongue moves far forward in the mouth, the teeth frequently migrate forward as well. This often occurs in an open bite malocclusion, although it may also generate buck teeth.

Teeth Grinding

Many individuals grind their teeth without realizing it. Teeth grinding is fairly prevalent when sleeping. Bruxism is often the source of an overbite, which may lead to considerable discomfort in the jaw and head region. Teeth grinding may also cause early deterioration of the tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Further read about missing teeth.

Missing or Impacted Teeth

The alignment of the front teeth may be caused by tooth space or crowding. When you lose a tooth or two, the remaining teeth move over time, changing the position of your teeth.

 

Inadequate room to fit the teeth may also lead to alignment difficulties.

Genetics

Some individuals are born with an uneven jaw or a tiny upper or lower jaw. An overbite is inherited, so if your parents, siblings, or relatives have one, you may as well. You’re more likely to develop an underbite if at least one other person in your family also has it.

Tumors and cysts of the mouth or jaw

Tumors and cysts in the mouth or jaw may impact tooth alignment as well as the form of your mouth and jaw. This happens when there is chronic swelling or development in the soft tissue or bone structure of the upper region of the mouth, causing the jaw to slip forward.

 

Overbite may also be caused by continuous nail-biting and chewing on hard things such as pens, pencils, or other items.

Types of Overbites

Vertical – It is where the top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth.

 

Horizontal – This happens when the top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth.

 

A patient may show indications of both vertical and horizontal overbite. It might alternatively be classified as dental or skeletal. When teeth cause buck teeth, it called dental. When the jaw is the cause of the problem, it is referred to be skeletal.

What issues does Overbites can cause?

If left untreated, this condition may lead to tooth loss, crowding, flossing and brushing troubles, discomfort while eating, crossbite, headaches, gum disease, or periodontal disease. To keep your mouth healthy, you must practice good oral hygiene and have frequent check-ups.

Fixing Buck Teeth/Treatment for Overbite

In general, you will need orthodontic treatment since medication alone will not be able to cure it. Because a child’s jaw is still developing, it is simpler to treat. Adults, on the other hand, will struggle as if they had not had any therapy up to this point. It will have more severe symptoms.

 

In any situation, the professional will evaluate the region and provide treatment recommendations. These therapies might extend for two years or more. Learn about overbite correction invisalign aligners to treat irregularities in the alignment of teeth.

 

Here are some dental procedures that your orthodontist (one of several medical specialties) may recommend:

Children:

 

  • Baby teeth are removed to create place for permanent teeth to emerge.
  • To better place the jaw, a growth modification device is used.
  • Dental Braces
  • Retainer (orthodontics)

Adults:

 

  • Braces are the greatest way to address this issue.
  • Tooth extraction – your orthodontist may attempt to avoid this treatment and will only recommend it if the situation is too serious.
  • Surgery is advised for skeletal-type disorders.

Highland Oak Dental can help treat your overbite and get you the smile you always wanted.

Don’t put up with an overbite if there are alternatives. Make an appointment now to discover what it takes to have you smiling brightly and enjoying wonderful dental health.

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