Why Do People Overbite? How Can It Be Treated, and how? seonorth, September 14, 2022September 13, 2024 If you’ve hit a certain age and are still wondering what an overbite is (or if you thought it was just a common term for your teeth literally biting down on each other), then this article is for you. It’s time to put this mystery behind us and consult Orthodontist Melbourne! Here, we’ll dive into the causes of overbites, signs and symptoms, and how they can be treated. What Is An Overbite? An overbite occurs when your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower teeth. It’s the most common type of malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), or bite problem. While there are several types of malocclusion, the most common type is a normal overbite, also known as a “buck” or “parrot-like” bite. When you smile, this condition occurs when both upper and lower central incisors are visible. What causes an overbite? There’s no single cause for an overbite; instead it results from several factors working together to create this problem. Children with crooked jaws may develop this condition because their jaws aren’t growing at a normal rate—this can happen because they have genetic abnormalities or because their facial features are asymmetrical from birth (their faces aren’t exactly symmetrical). Some children also suffer from jaw disorders that affect their growth rate as well as other dental issues such as crowding caused by too many teeth in one arch or irregular spacing between certain teeth in each arch due to abnormal alignment during development. Overbite Signs And Symptoms Overbite refers to the alignment of the upper and lower teeth. In this case, the top teeth extend past the bottom ones. An overbite can occur in one or both jaws and may be hereditary or caused by injury. Tooth alignment plays an important role in chewing and speech. When there is an overbite, it can cause a variety of problems including: Misalignment of teeth that are adjacent to each other A change in tooth positioning due to muscle function changes (i.e., the tongue and jaw) If left untreated, these symptoms could result in serious oral health complications later on down the line—such as gum disease! Causes Of Overbite An overbite is caused by an incorrect alignment of your mouth’s upper and lower teeth. It is usually hereditary, but it can also be caused by factors like: Inadequate dental hygiene A poor diet Pregnancy Injury to the jaw or teeth (dental fractures) from accidents or sports injuries, such as hockey’s famous “puck bunny.” Overbites are also common among adults who grind their teeth at night. If you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep and wake up with a sore jaw and headache every morning, stop right away! You are putting yourself at risk for irreversible damage to your mouth. Visit an Orthodontist Melbourne to find a solution. If you’re interested in a more permanent solution to your bite problem, visit an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in correcting teeth and jaw misalignment. Orthodontists will first perform an evaluation to determine which treatment option is best for you. They may suggest braces or other types of appliances that can be used to gradually move teeth into place over time. This often involves wearing special retainers after treatment ends as well. The cost for this type of treatment varies depending on where you live and how many appliances are needed, but it will likely cost hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on where you live (and if you have any health care coverage). Conclusion An overbite is a major dental problem that can affect your smile, speech and eating habits. It is important to treat this condition as soon as possible by visiting an Orthodontist Melbourne who will prescribe you with braces or other corrective appliances that will help align your teeth. Author seonorth View all posts