Your Guide to an Overbite malocclusion or Buck Teeth

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? | What Causes an Overbite? | Types of Overbite | What issues does Buck teeth cause? | Fixing Buck Teeth

What is an Overbite?

An overbite, often known as buck teeth, occurs when the upper teeth protrude too far beyond the lower teeth. Most individuals have a little overbite, which isn't obvious and has no impact on their biting or dental health.

When the disease becomes sufficiently severe, it may result in irreversible tooth damage and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Severe buck teeth may also significantly change face shape, leading to psychological difficulties and poor self-esteem. Our dentist at Hardy Orthodontics can permanently straightened your teeth and eliminate your overbite

What Causes Buck Teeth?

The reason is often inherited and may be handed down through generations, although external stimuli can drive the teeth to move.

Thumb Sucking

It is natural for a child 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

It may be caused by sucking a pacifier in the same manner that thumb sucking can. Pacifier usage, according to the 2016 Journal of the American Dental Association, increases the risk of malocclusion.

Tongue-thrusting

When the tongue moves far forward in the mouth, the teeth are frequently forced to migrate forward as well. This often develops in an open bite malocclusion, although it may also result in buck teeth.

Teeth Grinding

Many individuals grind their teeth without even realizing it. It is fairly normal for teeth to grind during sleeping. Overbite is often caused by bruxism, which may lead to significant discomfort in the jaw and head region. Teeth grinding may also cause early wear of the tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay.

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 location of your teeth.

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

Genetics

Some individuals have an uneven jaw or a tiny upper or lower jaw from birth. An overbite is inherited, so if your parents, siblings, or relatives have one, you may as well.

Read more on treating abnormal eruption of teeth.

Tumors and cysts of the mouth or jaw

Tumors and cysts in the mouth or jaw may alter the alignment of your teeth 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 a pen, pencil, or other items.

Types of Overbites

Vertical - It is a condition in which the upper teeth greatly overlap the bottom teeth.

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

It is conceivable for a patient to have both vertical and horizontal overbite. It is also classified as dental or skeletal. When the teeth cause buck teeth, it is dental. A skeletal ailment occurs when the jaw is the source of the problem. Read more about treating gaps between teeth.

What issues does Overbites can cause?

If left untreated, this condition may lead to tooth loss, crowding concerns, 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 get frequent checkups. More about hidden bracket braces and Bite Alignment.

Fixing Buck Teeth/Treatment for Overbite

In most cases, you will need orthodontics treatment since medicine alone will not be able to cure it. It is simpler to treat in youngsters since a child's jaw is still developing. Adults, on the other hand, will struggle as if you had not had any therapy up to this point. The symptoms will be more intense.

In any situation, the professional will inspect the affected region and provide treatment recommendations. These therapies may take up to two years, if not longer.

Here are some dentistry 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.
Metal Braces
Retainer (orthodontics)

Adults:

Braces are the most effective 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 indicated for skeletal-type disorders.

Hardy Orthodontics can help treat your overbite and get you the smile you always wanted.

Don't put up with an overbite when there are alternatives. Schedule an appointment now and discover what it takes to have you smiling your brightest and enjoying good dental health.