When the top arch of your teeth protrude over the bottom arch of your teeth, you may be left with an overbite. An overbite can make you feel self-conscious and lead to a number of oral health problems such as chewing issues, difficulty keeping teeth clean, jaw and muscle strain, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
Genetics is one of the most common causes of overbites. If your parents or grandparents had an upper jaw that was overdeveloped or a lower jaw that was underdeveloped, you may have the same issue and face an overbite as a result. Poor habits can also lead to overbites. If you sucked your thumb or used a pacifier when you were younger, you may get an overbite. Sometimes, your overbite is there because of the way your teeth have decided to come in.
Unfortunately, an overbite cannot fix itself over time and treatment is necessary. The good news is there are a variety of treatments that can resolve your overbite and make you feel more confident while allowing you to achieve optimal oral health. Braces can move your teeth and get rid of your overbite. You can opt for traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners, which are less obvious and more comfortable.
You may also need a tooth extraction if your overbite is severe to give your teeth greater freedom to move. If you have a serious jaw problem that is causing your overbite, surgery may be necessary. After treatment, you’ll likely need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting and prevent an overbite from popping up down the road.
Schedule an Appointment at River Run Dental
If you would like to fix an overbite, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our Richmond, VA spa-like dental office. Call us at 804-262-1060 today. We look forward to hearing from you!