An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth. A slight overbite can be normal, but a more pronounced overbite may affect your bite, oral health, and confidence. If your orthodontist has recommended correcting your overbite, you’ve probably stopped and thought, “Do I really need to fix it?”
While every patient is different, here are 3 potential reasons to consider treatment.
1. Protect Your Teeth from Excessive Wear
A significant overbite can cause your teeth to come together in an uneven way. Over time, this may place excessive pressure on certain teeth and contribute to abnormal wear.
Excessive wear can gradually damage enamel and potentially make teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity, chips, and other problems. In some cases, an overbite can also cause the lower teeth to contact the gums or palate behind the upper teeth.
Correcting the bite can help create a healthier relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Your orthodontist can look at your bite and determine if it’s contributing to tooth damage.
2. Make Oral Hygiene Easier
Crowded or improperly positioned teeth can sometimes be more difficult to brush and floss effectively. An overbite may occur alongside other alignment issues that create areas where plaque and food particles can accumulate.
Improving tooth alignment can make certain surfaces easier to reach with a toothbrush and floss or other interdental cleaning tools.
While orthodontic treatment doesn’t prevent cavities or gum disease on its own, making your teeth easier to clean usually equates to better oral hygiene. That means brushing and flossing every day and seeing your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning.
3. Improve Your Smile and Confidence
An overbite can affect more than your bite. Some people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth or the way their smile looks from the side.
Correcting an overbite can change the positioning of your teeth and, depending on the cause and severity, may improve the overall appearance of your smile. You may be amazed to learn just how good being proud to smile can make you feel.
How Can an Overbite Be Corrected?
Treatment depends on your age, the severity of the overbite, and what’s causing it. Options may include traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic approaches. In more complex cases, additional treatment may be necessary.
Your orthodontist will recommend a treatment plan after examining your teeth, jaws, and bite.
Not every overbite requires correction, but a pronounced overbite can contribute to functional and oral health concerns. Fixing an overbite isn’t simply about creating a straighter smile. For the right patient, treatment can help protect the teeth, support easier oral hygiene, and improve overall confidence.
About the Practice
Drs. Michael and Cristina Everson specialize in orthodontic services. Dr. Michael Everson is among the 1 percent of orthodontists practicing in Georgia who have been certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. In other words, you’re working with people who know their business! Call our Atlanta office today to inquire about orthodontic treatment at (404) 697-7497 or schedule a consultation through our website.