Having misaligned teeth can affect your overall health. You may have difficulties chewing or speaking properly, and in the long term, teeth can get crooked or suffer from wear.
Overbites and underbites are categorized as malocclusions, and they are not uncommon. If you or a loved one have this problem, this article is for you. Here, you can discover if you have an underbite or overbite, the difference, and possible treatment options for both.
Identifying an Overbite
Typically, regularly aligned teeth have a slight overbite, and it is normal for the upper teeth to overlap the bottom ones slightly. But if the upper teeth excessively overlap, it is considered an overbite. You can determine if you have an overbite by looking into the mirror and checking if your upper teeth cover your bottom teeth entirely or partly. However, if you feel your bottom teeth are too close to the roof of your mouth, you most likely have an overbite.
People who have a shorter lower jaw or a small lower jaw are most likely to have an overbite.
If you think you or a loved one has an overbite, it is essential to consult an orthodontist. Leaving it untreated can worsen alignment problems, as lower teeth may grow and crowd the upper teeth. This can also cause sores and difficulty with eating and speaking. It is especially worrisome for children as it affects their general development outlook.
Identifying an Underbite.
For underbites, the lower set of teeth is wider than the upper teeth, such that it protrudes slightly above it. This is easily identifiable and is a common concern for people who visit the orthodontist. If you look in the mirror and see that your lower teeth extend over the upper teeth, you have an overbite. An easily identifiable trait in people with underbites is that the lower jaw and chin may seem protruded or large.
Underbites happen when the lower jaw grows excessively, or the upper jaw is underdeveloped. In some cases, both factors are the cause of the underbite. Like with an overbite, it results in the fast wearing of the teeth, as well as speech problems.
An underbite puts you at risk of gum disease and oral health problems.
Orthodontic Treatment for Overbite and Underbite
Having misaligned teeth does not have to be permanent. With orthodontic treatment options, they can be gradually corrected until they are correctly aligned. Primary treatment options are:
- Traditional braces
Braces are effective in correcting underbites and overbites. The metal brackets and wire apply pressure on the teeth for better positioning and alignment. You can expect the wire of your braces to be modified every two months as your teeth gradually get in place
- Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are also an excellent option for treating misalignment. As they are clear and barely noticeable, they have become the more favored option in recent times. They are especially helpful as they are customized to fit your mouth, considering your teeth’ structure and size. Another perk of using Invisalign is that they are removable.
Overbites and Underbites can be difficult to leave with as they negatively affect quality of life. It mostly affects your self-esteem, your ability to articulate and chew normally. Thankfully, a visit to the orthodontist will set you on the path of correcting it. After your treatment course, you may be given retainers to maintain your bite so it stays aligned.
If you are ready to correct your misaligned teeth, Beauty Smile Orthodontics can help.
We provide modern and customized treatment plans for every individual oral health goal . Schedule an appointment with us today and get on your way to achieving the perfect smile.