Overbites: Protect Your Kids Smile!
Wires, rubber bands, brackets, oh my! Braces are a solution for quite a few oral issues including overcrowded teeth, overbites, crooked teeth, and “bad bites” just to name a few. In particular, the overbite is the second most common reason for braces.*
According to the medical dictionary, an overbite is a condition in which the top teeth or incisors overlap the bottom teeth too much when the jaw completely is closed. The issue is quite common and can be remedied with braces and proper care. Although, secondary issues can appear if the issue is ignored.
Causes of an Overbite
An overbite is a malocclusion that can be inherited, caused by a jaw malformation during development or a result of bad habits. Thumbsucking, prolonged bottle feeding, cleft lip and palate, and the use of a pacifier after three years of age can all be contributing factors.
How Braces Help
Orthodontics is a standard solution for helping a condition such as an overbite. The process starts with a round of x-rays and impressions to see the structural overview which is then used to help determine the path needed to manipulate both the bottom and top teeth over time. Most abnormal bites are discovered between ages 6-12 with treatment starting between 8-14.** Seeing as this condition is usually discovered at an early age, parents or caretakers might be eligible for financial help from their dental insurance plans. Not all plans cover children’s orthodontics, something to keep in mind when shopping for an orthodontic dental insurance.
Why Fixing the Problem Is Important
When an abnormal alignment is caught early, it can help cut down on the time needed to fix the issue. If teeth aren’t aligned properly, they might not be able to perform vital functions quite as well which can result in other oral issues or digestive problems. Whether you’re a child or an adult, it’s never too late to fix this issue. If it will help improve your quality of life, we recommend seeking medical attention as soon as you can.