You may feel embarrassed about your appearance if you have bite problems like an overbite or underbite. It can also affect your speech, leaving you feeling self-conscious. Depending on the extent, underbites and overbites can directly impact your physical appearance. For instance, if you have an overbite, you may have buck teeth and speak with a lisp. Learn more about treatment options to regain your beautiful smile and feel good about yourself.
Can a Cosmetic Dentist Fix Bite Problems?
Your bite impacts your appearance, speech, and oral health. These issues can cause dental problems. Brushing and flossing can be more challenging with an underbite and overbite.
If you suffer from one of these common dental issues, you may wonder if a cosmetic dentist in your area can correct it. Cosmetic dentists can partially fix common bite issues depending on the severity. However, orthodontic treatments may be needed for more severe alignment issues.
What are an Underbite and Overbite?
Your bite refers to how your teeth sit when you bite down and clench your upper jaw onto your lower jaw, as you do when chewing. Underbites and overbites in children are commonly caused by genetics. However, other reasons can include prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, jaw injuries, or poor oral hygiene habits.
- If you have an overbite, the teeth extend and protrude out and over the lip and the teeth of your lower jaw.
- The opposite is true if you have an underbite; your lower teeth protrude 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 Bite Alignment Problems
The severity of your misaligned bite will determine the best treatment plan to correct the problem. As such, a cosmetic dentist will treat patients on a case-by-case basis.
Treatment Options for 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. Generally speaking, a tooth straightening treatment, such as traditional braces or Invisalign, may correct the problem.
If you have an underbite:
Braces will help by fixing crooked teeth and drawing the lower front teeth back while 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, correcting the problem.
Cosmetic dentists may also use crowns or porcelain veneers to correct mild under or overbites.
Treating Common Bite Problems Related to the Jaw
In some cases, overbites and underbites are more related to the jaw. These cases are more severe and include pain and compromised jaw joint movement.
This can result in issues with temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). TMJ occurs when the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull are misaligned.
TMJ can result in several problems, such as:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Clicking and popping of the jaw
Facial abnormalities, including an extended chin, faster tooth wear, and tooth decay, can occur.
Jaw Surgery to Correct Bite
Severely misaligned teeth and bite correction cases may need more complicated treatment, such as jaw surgery. It can take multiple treatments and several years to complete the correction.
Because of the severity of the necessary corrections, cosmetic dentistry wouldn’t be the only treatment method.
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.