Most people have at least a little bit of an overbite; that is a natural and normal facet of oral anatomy. But if you have a prominent overbite, you might require orthodontic treatment. Regardless of your age or how you think your overbite may be affecting your quality of life, it is still worth your time to consult with a team of dental professionals. What are some specific reasons why you might need to correct your overbite? This blog post explains a few.
Protect Your Oral Health
In some people with an overbite, their lower teeth bite against the roof of their mouth. Over time, this can lead to gum recession, which may cause the sensitive tooth roots to be exposed. Plus, your overbite may make it challenging for you to thoroughly clean your teeth, especially if you also have other orthodontic issues. You could be at an increased risk of cavities.
Enjoy Easier Eating and Speaking
Clear speech depends on complex interactions between the tongue and teeth. If you have a severe overbite, you may find it challenging to clearly enunciate certain sounds. Your ability to eat a wide variety of foods may also be affected if your upper and lower teeth do not work harmoniously together.
Reduce Wear and Tear on Your Enamel
Your overbite might cause your upper and lower teeth to slide against one another repeatedly. This can wear away your enamel, causing it to become thin and weak. As a result, your teeth may experience extreme sensitivity to outside stimuli. For example, you could find it very uncomfortable to consume hot, cold, and spicy foods.
Achieve a More Confident Smile
Many people feel self-conscious due to orthodontic issues. An overbite may cause you to look like you have a weak chin, and if your teeth are crooked, it could add to your reasons for hiding your smile. Treatment may be able to give you the confident, gorgeous grin you deserve.
It Is Not Too Late
If you are an adult, you may have learned to live with your overbite. You might even reason that since braces are often portrayed as something for adolescents, it is too late for you to seek treatment. That is not true! Braces can be effective for patients of virtually all ages, from young children to senior citizens.
Is your overbite affecting your quality of life? Now is the time to think about getting it corrected!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Blair Struble is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She is proud to provide a range of orthodontic treatments for patients of virtually all ages. If you are thinking about correcting your overbite, she would be happy to consult with you. Contact our team at 541-848-6642.