The field of orthodontics goes far beyond just making smiles straighter. It also deals with issues of the jaw and the bite, ensuring a complete solution for every patient. Moon Orthodontics will be uncovering how orthodontists treat overbites and underbites.
How Do Overbites and Underbites Happen?
Like most orthodontic issues, these two conditions are primarily developmental. They can be influenced by certain practices, but often, patients aren’t strictly responsible for how they occur. Let’s break them down:
- Overbites: An overbite is present when the upper teeth severely overlap the lower front teeth while the mouth is closed.
- You’ll notice that the upper teeth extend over the lower teeth and, in some cases, obscure them entirely when a patient bites down.
- This condition can result in a face appearing shorter or rounder.
- Patients usually experience issues with biting and chewing certain foods and are at a higher risk of damage to the front teeth from accidentally biting down.
- Underbites: This is the reversal of an overbite: When the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth.
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- The lower jawline can visibly protrude, either to a mild or severe extent.
- Speech and chewing can be challenging, the jaw can experience soreness, and certain teeth can be more susceptible to wear.
Not to Be Ignored
One thing we say for certain is that you don’t want just to ignore these bite issues. The consequences can happen early or later in life—and aren’t always evident at first. Allowing Dr. Moon to intervene can help avoid the following symptoms and consequences:
- Tooth Damage: In accidents that involve trauma to the mouth, this manner of bite overlap can be dangerous and result in cracked or chipped teeth.
- Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or dysfunction is far more likely with these conditions. They put additional strain on the jaw, which can be exacerbated by tooth grinding at night (bruxism).
- Gum Recession or Bone Loss: Deep overbites can push the lower teeth into the roof of the mouth in severe cases, causing gum damage or bone deterioration.
- Potential Surgery: Finally, delayed treatment can result in the need for more invasive procedures like jaw surgery.
- Hygiene Issues: Overbites and underbites can make effective cleaning feel almost impossible without additional effort or specialized tools—which can result in cavities or decay.
Treating Overbites and Underbites
So, how does Dr. Moon approach treating these bite issues? There are a good number of options he can choose from, depending on the severity of the condition and other factors, such as the age of the patient.
- Early Intervention: When it’s possible, we like to address bite issues early in life. For kids around age seven, this time window is especially ideal. Their jaws are still developing and are more adaptable.
- Habit Correction: Our team can also work with kids and parents to help them avoid behaviors like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting—both of which can directly affect the bite.
- Herbst Appliance: For overbites, we might use what’s called a Herbst appliance to help guide jaw growth in children. This attaches to the back molars on the upper and lower jaws.
- Palate Expander: A palate expander or reverse pull headgear is able to resolve underbites, also specifically in children.
- Braces: For kids and adults alike, traditional braces, especially with the addition of orthodontic rubber bands to target areas of concern, can be a great way to counter overbites and underbites. Retainers are used after treatment to keep results in place long-term.
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners can be used to help with mild cases of overbites and underbites, but not severe or complex ones.
- Tooth Reshaping, Extraction, or Surgery: In certain cases, Dr. Moon might deem it necessary to remove or reshape certain teeth that are obstructing the bite. If orthognathic surgery is ever in question, we will be sure to have that discussion and thoroughly evaluate your options with you and/or your family members.
Additional Questions
Finally, we’d like to answer a few common questions patients have about these bite conditions. Our team at Moon Orthodontics works hard to foster open communication, so please be sure to come to us with any concerns you may have!
Q: Can my child outgrow an overbite or an underbite?
In many cases, no. There’s a chance that these conditions can improve as a child’s jaw grows, but it can go either way. Remember that early intervention is always ideal for specific anatomical reasons. Please bring your child in for a consultation if they have signs of bite issues.
Q: Are bite problems hereditary?
They definitely can be. Genetics can play a big role in jaw and teeth development. If both parents have bite issues, a child definitely runs a higher risk of inheriting them.
Q: Can facial structure change with this treatment?
It absolutely can and often does. Correcting bite issues and jaw alignment improves facial symmetry and overall aesthetics for many patients.
Problems and Solutions
The first step in fixing these types of conditions is simply being educated on why and how they happen! Moon Orthodontics will guide you in the right direction—that is our promise to you. Whether you’re in Overland Park or Olathe, we’ve got your back through it all.