An overbite is a dental condition in which your teeth don't match up.In the early stages of childhood, it can be caused by habits such as thumb sucking, pushing the tongue against the teeth, or extended use of a pacifier.When the arch and the palate become narrow, the lower jaw has no other choice but to move back, leaving the upper teeth to overlap.Patients who lose their back teeth can experience overbite.Anyone with an overbite can be treated, even if they are younger than 10 years old.
Step 1: Close your mouth.
Make sure your jaw remains relaxed by placing your teeth together.If your teeth overlap at the bottom, you can see it.If you force your teeth together, it will produce exaggerated results.
Step 2: Look in a mirror.
You need a mirror to help you see your teeth.While standing in front of a mirror, smile and reveal your teeth.If you want to spread your lips away from the teeth, position yourself as close to the mirror as possible.If your upper teeth fall over your bottom teeth, it's time to check.If your teeth overlap the bottom more than 3.5mm, your bite alignment is off and you have an overbite.Your lower row of teeth may be biting into the roof of your mouth.
Step 3: Find out the type of overbite.
Malocclusion is when your teeth are not aligned correctly.Overbite and underbite are two categories of malocclusion.The most common class is Class 1.The upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth, if you have a class 1 overbite.The upper jaw and teeth overlap the bottom jaw.The chin is behind the normal position when viewed from the side.Class 3 malocclusion is when the lower jaw protrudes so that the teeth overlap the upper jaw.
Step 4: Your teeth should be checked by a dentist.
If the home test indicated that you may have an overbite, it is best to have it checked out by a dentist.headaches, tooth decay, speech difficulties, mouth breathing, and difficulty chewing are some of the health consequences of an overbite.It can affect your posture.
Step 5: Go to the dentist.
It is highly recommended that you visit the dentist at least twice a year.If you experience pain or discomfort with the overbite, your dentist can give you a diagnosis and treatment.Nearly 30% of children would benefit from treatment for overbite, according to estimates.Early diagnosis is important for the treatment of overbite.
Step 6: Get a dental checkup.
A consultation with the dentist is the next step after a dental exam or checkup.The dentist will take a look at your teeth during the checkup to see if you have an overbite.
Step 7: Say yes for an x-ray.
Your dentist can usually overbite by just looking at your bite, however, they may also take dental x-rays to visualize your jaw and teeth.If permanent teeth have not yet erupted, this is important.Your dentist can use dental x-rays to diagnose how your child's permanent teeth are positioned and see any damage or dental diseases.Treatment options will be discussed if the dentist sees any problems with your x-rays.
Step 8: An orthodontist can be consulted.
If your dentist confirms that you have an overbite, they will refer you to an orthodontist.An orthodontist fixes and realigns teeth.orthodontists have two to three years more education than dentists and are trained to treat overbite and other conditions.Treatment options to correct the bite will be discussed during your consultation.If you have an overbite, you can decrease your chances of tooth decay or gingivitis and help diminish the strain malocclusion has on your teeth, jaws, and muscles.
Step 9: If you want braces, get them.
Overbite can be treated with braces in childhood.The teeth are realigned by applying pressure and directing them in a certain direction.Arch wires are attached to your teeth.The archwire will be held to the brackets with tiny elastic bands.Once braces are applied, teeth will usually be sore.The wire, bands, and brackets can cause irritation to the tongue, cheeks, or lips.Discomfort can last up to two weeks.
Step 10: Ask about the aligner.
Aligning is an option for correction of overbite.They fit over the teeth just like a retainer.Aligners can be removed for eating and brushing, so they are preferred by some.Teens and adults are more likely to use aligners since they are custom made.
Step 11: Ask if you need to have your teeth removed.
If your overbite is caused by overcrowding, you may need to have your teeth removed.The tooth is removed from the bone.The dentist will take x-rays to determine which teeth need to be removed and may give antibiotics or anesthesia depending on the procedure.The dentist will loosen the tooth with an elevator instrument during a simple dental removal.Forceps will be used to remove the tooth.The dentist may cut the bone around the tooth to make it easier to remove it during a surgery.This type of removal is done under anesthesia.
Step 12: Inquire about dental work.
When you have an overbite, the misalignment can cause strain on your jaw and muscles, leaving your body to respond by grinding the teeth into a more comfortable position.This grinding can cause teeth to chip.Your dentist can help by capping the teeth or providing a mouth guard.A TENS machine can be used to stop teeth grinding.You attach an electrical device to your jaw.When it senses tension in your jaw due to clenching or grinding, it will give you an impulse to relax the muscles and stop the behavior.
Step 13: Ask about surgery.
When orthodontist treatment does not correct the overbite, oral surgery is used.The type of surgery done to fix an overbite is horizontal.The overbite is corrected during the operation.