An overbite is a common dental condition among children and adults of all ages. Also known as a malocclusion, an overbite happens when your upper teeth excessively overlap your lower teeth.
As a parent, it's important to understand why you should take your child's overbite seriously and seek appropriate treatment. Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, are here to help.
We specialize in children’s orthodontics and overbite care. In this blog, we share three of the most significant reasons to pay attention to your child's overbite and available treatment options.
Many children naturally have slight overbites. And while some pediatric overbites correct themselves over time, persistent and severe overbites can be cause for worry.
One of the biggest concerns about a pediatric overbite is the potential impact on your child’s oral health. An excessive overbite can cause your child’s teeth to wear unevenly, making them more prone to chips, cracks, and decay.
The misalignment can also cause oral hygiene issues because it can be challenging to effectively clean overlapping teeth. Poor oral hygiene increases your child’s risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Unfortunately, an untreated overbite can affect your child's speech and pronunciation abilities. Improper teeth and jaw alignment can cause lisping or difficulty articulating certain sounds.
Over time, these speech challenges can impact your child’s confidence and social interactions. Treating their overbite early can help correct any speech-related problems, allowing your child to communicate clearly and confidently.
Last but not least, it’s important to consider the appearance of your child's face when it comes to an overbite. A very pronounced overbite can affect the balance and symmetry of their facial features, leading to an altered facial profile.
The shape of your child’s face can result in a lack of self-confidence, especially as they grow older and become more aware of their appearance. Addressing their overbite through orthodontic treatment not only improves teeth and jaw alignment but also enhances overall facial aesthetics to help boost your child's self-image.
The good news is that you have a variety of treatment options available to correct your child’s overbite. Dr. Touni and our team develop a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your child’s overbite and their age.
Traditional braces are a reliable and effective way to correct overbites. They gradually shift your child’s teeth into their proper positions using wires and brackets and align their jaws in the process.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, offer a discreet alternative to braces that can be appropriate for teens. They provide gentle pressure to guide the teeth into proper alignment and your teen can remove the aligners to eat and clean their teeth.
In some cases, Dr. Touni may recommend an orthodontic appliance like headgear or a functional appliance. These devices help modify jaw growth and promote proper tooth alignment.
If your child has an overbite, it’s important to take it seriously. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Touni and our team to find out if you should be concerned about their overbite and to learn more about treatment options. Call our office today or request an appointment online anytime.
