Seated and smiling in a dental office in Kingwood TX, a young girl discusses her overbite with Dr. Sebastian Paige. In his white coat, mask, and blue gloves, the dentist explains the procedure amidst professional dental equipment.

Overbite in Kingwood TX: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment Strategies

An overbite is the common name for the upper front teeth stick out beyond the lower front teeth. Medically, this condition is referred to as excess overjet while overbite is technically how much the top front teeth cover up the lower front teeth. An excessive overbite would be where the front teeth completely cover the lower front teeth when biting and excessive overjet would be where then front teeth stick out, commonly called “buck teeth.” Though a minor overbite and overjet of 2-3mm is normal, excessive overbites and overjets can result in injury to the teeth as well as poor appearance. This detailed guide reviews the signs, damage caused by, and treatment for correcting overbites.

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Defining Overbite vs Overjet: Common Dental Misalignments

An overbite is characterized by the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth, whereas overjet pertains to the horizontal distance the upper front teeth stick out past the lower teeth.

Causes of Severe Overjet and Overbite

Significant overjet and overbite may be caused by a range of factors, such as:

Skeletal variations causing the bones fit incorrectly

Misaligned teeth

Genetic predisposition

Childhood habits like thumb-sucking or  prolonged pacifier use

A close-up in Paige Orthodontics shows a person smiling with metal braces correcting an overbite, with visible skin imperfections on the chin in Kingwood, TX

Young woman receiving expert orthodontic care for her overbite in Kingwood TX at Paige orthodontics

Signs and Symptoms of an Excessive Overbite and Overjet

Identifying an excessive overbite and overjet early is essential for avoiding serious issues and achieving effective treatment results. Here are some important signs to be aware of:

Overbite: Upper teeth covering up more than half of the lower teeth

Overbite: Excessive wear/shipping of the front teeth an the front teeth hitting hard when biting.

Overjet: Upper teeth sticking out past the lower teeth.

Overjet: Difficulty closing ones lips and damage/fracture to the upper teeth upon falling or being hit in the mouth.

If you observe any of these signs, it is recommended to consult a professional orthodontist for an evaluation.

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Potential Health Issues
from Untreated Overbite

Ignoring an overbite can lead to significant repercussions for both your dental health and general wellness. Potential problems that could emerge include:

Jaw pain and discomfort

Severe wear, chipping, and cracking of the front teeth

Risk of gum and bone loss

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In Kingwood TX, a dentist discusses an overbite with a patient, using X-rays displayed on a laptop alongside a dental model for clarity.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Overbite and Overjet Severity

At Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood TX, orthodontist, Dr. Paige, offers free exams to evaluate your tooth alignment, overbite, and overjet. Timely diagnosis and precise evaluation are essential for straightening your teeth and correcting your overbite and overjet.

Treatment Methods to Fix Excess Overbites and Overjets

There are multiple treatments available to address overbites and overjets. At Paige Orthodontics, we provide the following options:

Both braces and clear aligners (like Invisalign) are used to progressively straighten teeth and fix your overbite and overjet.

In severe cases anterior bite ramps may be needed to fix overbites. This is when composite ramps are place behind the upper four front teeth to assist in fixing the bite quickly.

For a severe overjet, an appliance with springs may be needed to correct the bite as well extractions.

Our team at Paige Orthodontics is here to help you navigate the best course of action for you and your child’s specific needs and smile goals.

Progress photo of a woman undergoing orthodontic treatment for overbite correction in Kingwood TX at Paige orthodontics

Braces and Invisalign Clear Aligners

Braces are an effective solution for correcting overbites and overjets by adjusting teeth alignment and jaw positioning. In more severe instances, tooth extractions and additional appliances may be needed.

Growing patients

Dr. Paige is able to guide your child or adolescent’s growth to help correct their overbite and overjet. So the sooner you have your child come in for free growth and development evaluation the better. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen at the age of 7 for a growth and development evaluation.

Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies

Taking early action is essential for stopping serious overbites and overjets from developing. The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to detect and tackle any growth issues that could get worse with time. Furthermore, correcting childhood behaviors such as thumb sucking can help achieve a better smile without braces.

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A teen from Kingwood TX with curly hair, braces, and a slight overbite makes an "OK" for Paige Orthodontics hand gesture against a blue background.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Orthodontist

Choosing a skilled and knowledgeable orthodontist is essential for optimal results in addressing overbites and overjets. At Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, Dr. Paige and our dedicated team focus on developing personalized treatment plans that align teeth, correct bites, and reshape bones. With our extensive training and expertise, we deliver healthy, beautiful, long lasting smiles every day.

FAQ

Is it OK to have an overbite?

A slight overbite typically doesn’t need intervention, as a little overlap between the upper and lower teeth is generally accepted as normal. Conversely, if the overbite is pronounced, resulting in the lower teeth being largely obscured, it would be wise to seek a consultation with an orthodontist for a thorough assessment and treatment options.

What causes an overbite?

Overbites can arise from several factors, including genetic tendencies, childhood behaviors such as thumb-sucking or extended pacifier use, speech concerns, and the existence of extra teeth. These factors can affect the growth and formation of the jaw, resulting in an overbite. At Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, Dr. Sebastian Paige understands how these elements can contribute to bite misalignments.

How can an overbite be corrected?

Overbites can be treated using various approaches, based on the condition’s severity. At Paige Orthodontics in Kingwood, Dr. Sebastian Paige utilizes orthodontic solutions such as braces or clear aligners, along with rubber bands and bite pads, to gradually reposition the teeth and enhance the bite. For more serious cases, surgical options might be required to properly realign the jaw and attain the best results.