A correct overbite is a fairly common pathology. It manifests itself in the incorrect closing of the lower and upper jaw dentition. It can have a negative impact on the digestive tract. Understanding what a proper bite is makes the detection of overbite easy.
What Is a Normal Bite?
The relative position of the lower and upper rows of teeth when they are closed is referred to as the bite (Occlusion is a less common name). If this is correct, the upper teeth will cover the lower ones slightly (less than a third). This allows for an even distribution of the chewing load while also being aesthetically pleasing.
A person’s bite starts developing from the moment they are born. There are five time periods in the process.
- 0-6 months (the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw, which is corrected by the infant’s active efforts during feeding);
- 6 months – 3 years (milk teeth erupt, a temporary bite is formed);
- 3 years – 6 years (active jaw growth occurs, the body prepares for the appearance of permanent teeth);
- 6-12 years (jaws continue to grow, permanent teeth erupt);
- 12-16 years (jaws continue to grow, permanent teeth erupt); (final bite is formed).
Having dental problems during the first three years can cause overbite to form.
Is It Too Late To Fix an Overbite?
It is never too late to fix an overbite. The most prominent danger overbite poses to one’s oral health is the degradation of the enamel and teeth structure. As long as you haven’t lost your teeth, you can always fix an overbite.
Do Overbites Worsen With Age?
correct overbite worsens with age. The displacement of the teeth doesn’t necessarily increase but sufferers may experience frequent headaches, toothaches, and in extreme cases, gum decay.
Causes of the correct overbite
There are several factors that contribute to the development of overbite. They include:
- The bite and the child’s habit of constantly holding a finger, pacifier, or other objects in the mouth, and breathing through the mouth, suffer as a result.
- Not following proper nutrition plans. A child’s meals should be balanced and complete, and it should keep the body’s fluoride, calcium, and other substances at optimal levels else the teeth and gum will not develop properly.
- If the bite was correct in childhood, it can be ruined by a jaw injury, an outdated restoration of lost teeth, or prosthetics errors.
- If the child’s parents have an incorrect bite or teeth that are of an irregular shape or size, the pathology is highly likely to be passed down to him as the main factor in its occurrence is a hereditary predisposition.
- Another internal factor is intrauterine growth disorders and pregnancy pathologies (maternal anemia, intrauterine infection of the fetus, and so on).
- The way parents care for their newborns in the first few months of life has an impact on the formation of the bite. Not following the proper feeding methods becomes a prerequisite for the development of overbite. For example, The nipple opening should be small enough for the child to exert effort, chewing, and sucking movements.
The Consequences of an Incorrect Bite
A person with an uncorrected bite suffers from aesthetic inconveniences: Furthermore, an overbite can lead to diction problems, making full-fledged communication impossible.
In addition, the consequences include:
- excessive abrasion of tooth enamel and sensitivity
- susceptibility to severe caries
- gum and jaw bone problems, and early tooth loss
- deformation of the lower part of the face
- persistent headaches
How To correct overbite
Overbite only poses a problem when it’s ignored and professional help isn’t sought. Today there are four ways to correct the bite and one way to carefully mask the problem.
- Aligners
- Braces
- Trainers
- Veneers
- Surgical intervention
● Aligners For correct overbite
Removable mouth guards are created according to the impressions of the teeth. The most modern method of occlusion correction, is suitable for the treatment of uncomplicated disorders. After drawing up a treatment plan, the patient receives 3-5 sets of aligners of varying rigidity. The mouthguard is designed for two weeks, and then it needs to be changed to the next one, and so on until the final result. The course of treatment lasts an average of 4–8 weeks.
● Braces
Braces are small clasps that are attached to the teeth with special composite glue. A metal arch is placed in the grooves of the braces that gradually pull the teeth into place.
● Trainers
Removable silicone mouthguards for two jaws, which help to correct an uncomplicated bite or to consolidate the result obtained. You need to wear a trainer during sleep and during the day for up to 4 hours.
● Veneers
In terms of characteristics, they are similar to crowns, but they are installed only on the front surface of the tooth in the form of a thin plate on a special dental glue.
Veneers can be composite, ceramic, or zirconia. The first two types last about 10 years. Zirconia products with external porcelain – up to 15 years. Veneers eliminate defects that occur as a result of cracks or damage to the integrity of the teeth.
● Surgical intervention
Surgery can be performed to correct the alignment of the jaw. In some cases, the tooth can be replanted and moved to the right position.
How Much Does It Cost To Correct an Overbite?
The cost of orthodontist treatment of overbite is determined by several factors, including the type of braces or other orthodontic structures used, the duration of treatment, and the need to use additional or auxiliary methods of correction. Age is also taken into consideration, as well as the severity of the condition. Bite correction in children is easier and faster using relatively simple (usually removable) devices. Adults are more likely to use braces as a powerful tool that can help even in severe cases. During an in-person consultation, the doctor will assist you in calculating the exact amount of treatment.
Dr. Michael Sokoloff is one of the leading orthognathic surgeons and currently practices in New York. For further inquiries, call 914-949-0068 or visit the office at 20 Old Mamaroneck Rd, Suite C White Plains, New York 10605.
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