Your Guide to an Overbite malocclusion or Buck Teeth

Published on

February 14, 2022

, Updated on

May 10, 2023

Many individuals choose not to address their overbite and instead live with it. Freddie Mercury, the late rock legend, chose to preserve and accept his extreme overbite, for example. Others merely want to enhance their occlusion (dentistry) to improve their aesthetic look. Others, on the other hand, may require treatment to prevent consequences including jaw problems and tooth and gum damage. Read about getting Lingual Braces.

What is an Overbite? | What Causes an Overbite? | Types of Overbite | What issues does Buck teeth cause? | Fixing Buck Teeth

What is an Overbite?

When the upper teeth protrude too far beyond the lower teeth, it's called an overbite or buck teeth. Most individuals have some degree of overbite, which isn't very obvious and has little impact on their biting or dental health.

When the issue becomes too severe, it may result in irreversible tooth damage as well as TMJ dysfunction. Severe buck teeth may change the face shape considerably, leading to psychological problems and poor self-esteem. Our dentist at Taft Hill Orthodontics can permanently straightened your teeth and eliminate your overbite.

What Causes Buck Teeth?

External influences may compel the teeth to move, but the reason is typically inherited and can be handed down through generations.

Thumb Sucking

Sucking one's thumb is typical for a child, but if it persists into three or four years of age and while the child's permanent teeth are developing, the pressure created by sucking the finger might cause the permanent teeth to emerge at an incorrect angle.

Pacifier

It may be caused by sucking a pacifier in the same manner that thumb sucking can. The use of a pacifier increases the risk of malocclusion, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2016.

Tongue-thrusting

When the tongue moves far forward in the mouth, the teeth are frequently forced to migrate forward as well. This usually causes an open bite malocclusion, although it may also result in buck teeth.

Teeth Grinding

Without realizing it, many individuals grind their teeth. Teeth grinding is a typical occurrence when sleeping. Overbite is often caused by bruxism, which may lead to significant jaw and head discomfort. Teeth grinding may also cause early tooth enamel degradation, which can contribute to tooth decay.

Missing or Impacted Teeth

The front teeth may be misaligned as a result of tooth space or crowding. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth move over time, causing your teeth to shift out of place.

Alignment problems may also be caused by a lack of room to fit the teeth.

Genetics

Some individuals are born with a tiny upper or lower jaw or an uneven jaw. An overbite is inherited, so if your parents, siblings, or other relatives have one, you could as well.

Tumors and cysts of the mouth or jaw

Tumors and cysts in the mouth and jaw may change the form of your mouth and jaw, as well as the align your teeth. When the soft tissue or bones in the top area of the mouth continues to enlarge or develop, the jaw might slip forward.

Overbite may also be caused by habitual nail biting and chewing of hard things like pens, pencils, and other objects.

Types of Overbites

Vertical - It occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth sufficiently.

Horizontal - When the top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth, this occurs.

It's conceivable for a patient to have both vertical and horizontal overbite symptoms. It may also be classified as skeletal or dental. When the teeth cause buck teeth, it's a dental issue. A skeletal ailment occurs when the jaw is the source of the problem.

What issues does Overbites can cause?

If left untreated, this condition may lead to tooth loss, crowding concerns, flossing and brushing troubles, discomfort when eating, crossbite, headaches, and gum disease or periodontal disease. To keep your mouth healthy, you'll need to practice good dental hygiene and see the dentist on a regular basis. Learn more about treatment of gaps in teeth smile.

Fixing Buck Teeth/Treatment for Overbite

In most cases, you'll need orthodontic appliances treatment since medicine alone won't enough. Because a child's jaw is still in its formative phases, it is simpler to cure in youngsters. Adults, on the other hand, will struggle as if they had not had any therapy up to this point. The signs and symptoms will be more severe.

In any situation, the expert will inspect the affected region and provide recommendations for therapy. These therapies may continue up to two years, and in some cases much longer.

Your orthodontist (one of several medical specialties) may prescribe the following dentistry treatments:

Children:

  • The baby teeth are removed to create place for the permanent ones to develop.
  • To better place the jaw, a growth modification device is used.
  • Retainer (orthodontics)
  • Dental Braces

Adults:

  • Braces are the most effective way to treat this problem.
  • Extraction of teeth - your orthodontist may attempt to avoid this treatment and will only recommend it if the situation is extremely bad.
  • Surgery is indicated for skeletal-related issues.

Taft Hill Orthodontics can help treat your overbite and get you the smile you always wanted.

When there are solutions available, don't put up with an overbite. Make an appointment now to discover what it will take to have you smiling brightly and in good dental health.