An overbite, where the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones, is a common dental issue. While a slight overbite is natural, an excessive one can lead to oral health complications and lowered confidence. It’s important to seek out treatment for an exaggerated overbite as soon as possible.
If you’re wondering why it’s so important to address your overbite, continue reading. Below are several reasons why correcting your overbite is critical.
1. Your Oral Health Depends on It
Correcting your overbite isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about keeping your oral health in check. An untreated overbite can contribute to issues such as teeth wear, jaw pain, and difficulties in chewing and speaking. By addressing the overbite, you promote a healthier bite alignment, reducing the risk of potential oral health problems.
2. Help Your Speech Clarity
In some cases, an overbite can create or contribute to speech impediments. The misalignment of the upper and lower teeth may affect the pronunciation of certain sounds. Your tongue is necessary to produce some words. When it tries to press against an overbite, it has to overcompensate, and can sometimes slip, distorting the sound.
Overbite correction can shore up speech clarity, making communication easier and more effective.
3. Prevent Tooth Erosion
The misalignment associated with an overbite can lead to uneven pressure on the teeth. This can cause them to slide past one another and create enamel erosion. Over time, this wear can compromise the integrity of the teeth and contribute to issues like cavities and sensitivity.
If you have your overbite corrected, it helps distribute bite forces evenly, minimizing the risk of excessive teeth wear.
4. Saves You Money
Overbites are notorious for the additional strain they put on your oral health. Over time, dental issues will continue to pop up, requiring treatment due to your misaligned bite. Addressing your overbite now is the best way to prevent additional repeated costs in the future.
Correcting an overbite is about more than correcting aesthetics. It’s a step towards achieving optimal oral health. If you’re experiencing an overbite, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. Together you can explore suitable correction options tailored to your unique needs. Don’t delay your treatment! Putting it off will only do more harm to your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani is a passionate orthodontist with a desire to help his patients achieve their best smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, and then completed specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His commitment to education continues today as he advances his skills through the American Association of Orthodontists. To schedule an orthodontics consultation at Casady Square Orthodontics, call (405) 254-5094 or visit the website to book online.