An overbite, also known as a deep bite or a Class II malocclusion, happens when the upper front teeth severely overlap the lower front teeth vertically. A slight overbite is quite normal and not usually something to be concerned about, but if you have a severe or untreated overbite, there may be cause for some concern. An overbite can lead to a number of oral health issues so it is important to have your bite checked by an orthodontist and see what, if anything, needs to be done to correct it.
Risk of Tooth Damage
One of the issues with an overbite is that it increases the potential for tooth damage. If the upper teeth make too much contact with the lower teeth when biting or chewing, your teeth can experience abnormal wear and erosion. This increased wear can cause dental damage like tooth chipping, fracturing, or the flattening of your teeth.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Another risk of an overbite is that overbites can lead to issues with your jaw joint. These issues are called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and can lead to pain in your jaw, stiffness, clicking or popping sounds, as well as difficulty with opening or closing your mouth.
Troubling Chewing and Irregular Digestion
Severe overbites will probably affect your ability to chew food properly. This can lead to issues that begin to affect your digestive system. Without the ability to properly bite, chew, and break down your food, you can suffer issues of indigestion, blasting, and even the malabsorption of necessary nutrients.
Speech Impediments
Overbites not only affect your oral health, jaw joint, or eating and digestion. Severe overbites can also lead to speech impediments. Overbites alter the position of your tongue and airflow and can affect how you are able to articulate words and speak. Misalignment like this can lead to lisping, slurred speech, or trouble pronouncing certain sounds.
Risk of Gum Disease
The overlap or crowding that accompanies severe overbites can create space in your mouth where food can become lodged or plaque cannot be easily brushed off. This increases the risk of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene, even when unintentional can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Facial Aesthetics and Self-Esteem
If you have a significant overbite that changes your facial aesthetics and symmetry, you may find that it affects your self-confidence and self-esteem. Individuals with a prominent overbite may feel self-conscious about their smile or facial appearance, which can lead to social anxiety or avoidance of social situations.
Orthodontic Complications
Overbites often require orthodontic intervention to correct the misalignment of the teeth and jaws. Without proper treatment, an overbite may worsen over time, leading to more and more severe dental and skeletal issues that require more extensive and invasive interventions to correct such as corrective jaw surgery.
In conclusion, while a slight overbite may not necessarily cause significant problems, it is best to have it checked out by your orthodontist and seek early orthodontic treatment as soon as possible. A mild overbite can develop into a more severe overbite and if left untreated can lead to some very serious issues when it comes to your oral health and jaw function.
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