Overbite Specialist

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a type of malocclusion (jaw misalignment) where the front upper teeth protrude out and over the lower front teeth. It’s commonly referred to as “buck teeth.”

People with less severe overbites can sometimes live with their malocclusion, though many people prefer to treat it for cosmetic purposes. More severe overbites can lead to several health risks.

What causes an overbite?

Overbites are most often hereditary and come from genetically inherited jaws that are uneven or small. There is a wide range of other factors that can lead to the development of this malocclusion, though, such as:

Tongue thrusting

Tongue thrusting is a habit of pressing the tongue too far forward in the mouth. It’s most common in children, but it can sometimes linger into adulthood as a bad habit.

Chronically swollen adenoids or tonsils, poor swallowing habits, or stress commonly cause tongue thrusting. While tongue thrusting most typically leads to the development of an open bite, it can sometimes cause an overbite instead.

Crowding of teeth

Overbites can develop in response to having extra teeth, impacted teeth, or tumors or cysts that push your upper front teeth forward and out.

Alternatively, an overbite can also develop if you have missing teeth, as holes in your smile can cause your teeth to shift out of alignment, which can affect the positioning of your front teeth.

Why should I correct my overbite?

Many people choose to correct their overbite for aesthetic reasons, but there are also several health complications that can arise from having a severe overbite, such as:

• Difficulty breathing, chewing, or speaking
• Damage to other teeth, gums, and palate
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Changes in the appearance of your face
• Jaw or joint problems
• Excessive wear of the lower teeth

The negative impact of an overbite typically depends on its severity. In some cases, treatment isn’t necessary, though Dr. Touni recommends it if the overbite is interfering at all with your confidence, daily activities, or oral health.

How do you treat an overbite?

There are several ways Dr. Touni can treat your overbite to enhance the appearance and function of your smile, such as jaw and teeth realignment, tooth extraction, or expansion technologies.

Don’t wait to treat your overbite. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Touni and get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Touni Orthodontics uses state-of-the-art sanitization technology, such as the Safe-Flo™ saliva ejector, the Sterisil® Straw V2, and the Mocom Sterilizer — B Futura. You can book a visit by calling Touni Orthodontics or by using the convenient online tool.