You may think that an overbite is simply a cosmetic issue. However, it is much more than a cosmetic issue. An overbite will occur when your upper and lower jaws do not align properly. Majority of the time, an overbite or underbite is hereditary. However, it can also because of bad habits as a child such as sucking on your thumb or pacifier excessively. They can also be caused from an injury related to sports or even an automobile accident.
Why Correcting An Overbite Is Imperative For Your Oral Health
- Difficulty Speaking
- Overbites or underbites can cause speech impediments; this is due to people attempting to hide the fact that they have an overbite or underbite, and they will try to talk to avoid others from noticing which can ultimately cause a speech impediment that is hard to get rid of.
- Tooth Wear
- In some cases, overbites or underbites can be so severe that they will rest on either your upper or lower jaw teeth depending on which you have; this increases your risk of a serious dental problem in situations that can happen from accidents playing sports or instruments.
- Jaw Pain / TMD
- A misaligned jaw can result in chronic jaw pain and headaches and may contribute to the development of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder; this is commonly called TMJ, and it can be very painful and uncomfortable. It can also negatively affect your daily eating habits.
How Can I Correct My Overbite?
Majority of the time, overbites or underbites are corrected with traditional braces. Of course, each patient is different, and possibly we can correct your overbite or underbite with Invisalign. Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces as they are invisible, so invisible that your family and closest friends will not even know that you are going through treatment to correct your overbite or underbite. They will, however, notice the results when your treatment is over whether we address your issue with traditional braces or Invisalign.
Schedule A Consultation
Visit our Timonium, MD dental office for the orthodontic care you need. We gladly welcome new patients from many local communities, including Mays Chapel, Lutherville, Cockeysville, and the Falls Road Corridor. Start your orthodontic treatment today by contacting our office at (410) 919-9806 or request a consultation online.