If you have bite problems (an overbite or an underbite), you may feel embarrassed about your appearance. Moreover, you may feel self-conscious about the way you speak. Depending on the extent, underbites and overbites can have a direct impact on your physical appearance, as well as your speech. For instance, if you have an overbite, you may have buck teeth and speak with a lisp.
Can a Cosmetic Dentist Fix Bite Problems?
Of course, your bite not only impacts your appearance and the way that you speak, but it can also impact your oral health and cause dental problems. Brushing and flossing can be a bit more challenging if you have an underbite and overbite. If you suffer from one of these common dental issues, you may be wondering if a cosmetic dentist in your area can correct it for you.
What are an Underbite and Overbite?
Your bite refers to the way that your teeth sit when you bite down; when you clench your upper jaw down onto your lower jaw, as you do when you’re chewing.
If you have an overbite, the teeth in your upper jaw protrude out and over the lip and the teeth of your lower jaw.
If you have an underbite, the opposite is true; your lower teeth protrude out further than your upper front teeth.
As with any other dental condition, the severity of an underbite and an overbite can vary greatly.
How to Treat an Underbite or Overbite
The severity of your misaligned bite will determine the best treatment option to correct the problem. As such, a cosmetic dentist will treat patients on a case-by-case basis.
Treating Underbites and Overbites Related to the Teeth
In some cases, overbites and underbites may be more related to the teeth than the jaw. These cases are considered more minor, and generally speaking, a tooth straightening treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, may be able to correct the problem.
If you have an underbite, braces will help by fixing crooked teeth and also drawing the lower front teeth back while also pushing the upper front teeth forward.
If you have an overbite, braces will draw the upper front teeth back while pushing the lower teeth forward at the same time, thereby correcting the problem.
Cosmetic dentists may also be able to use crowns or porcelain veneers to correct very mild under or overbites.
Treating Underbites and Overbites Related to the Jaw
In some cases, overbites and underbites are more related to the jaw. These cases tend to be more severe, as pressure is applied to different parts of the jaw, and it isn’t distributed evenly. This can result in issues with temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), which occurs when the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, are misaligned.
TMJ can result in several problems, such as headaches, earaches, and clicking and popping of the jaw. Facial abnormalities can also occur, such as an extended chin, as well as faster tooth wear, and even tooth decay.
Jaw Surgery
In more severe cases of underbites and overbites, more complicated treatment would be needed, such as jaw surgery. It can take multiple treatments and several years to complete the correction. Because of the severity of the corrections that are needed, cosmetic dentistry wouldn’t be the only treatment method; however, it would be used in conjunction with other treatments.
All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact All Smiles Family Dentist.