There are also psychological problems that can develop in people with an overbite. People, especially adults, with overbites are far less likely to smile, and they suffer from lower self-esteem. Correcting an overbite gives a more uniform appearance to face and allows the individual feel more comfortable while smiling and eating.

The treatment process for adults is not unlike that for a child and will need to be done over a period of time—months, and in some cases may take one or more years.

There are two causes that create an overbite:

• Skeletal where the bone causes the upper jaw to extend over the lower jaw, leading a misalignment of the teeth, and

• Dental caused by the patient’s abnormal mastication behavior, or by the teeth being too large for the space they’re meant to inhabit.

In mild cases there are several options for correcting this misalignment, but all will involve a form of treatment combined with braces.

Elastics and Spring Loaded Bite Correctors

Elastics or rubber bands placed on hooks present on the braces help to slow down bone growth in younger adults, or help to move the teeth back into a more aesthetically pleasing, chewing position in older adults. These along with spring loaded bite correctors, will bring the teeth back into alignment with the lower jaw and teeth. This is sometimes employed along with extraction. Extracting unnecessary molars that have caused the teeth to become misaligned can create space for the teeth to fit the jawbone correctly.

Orthognathic Surgery

In extreme cases Orthognathic surgery may be the only option for correcting the overbite. This is when there is a skeletal misalignment caused by the bones of the upper and lower jaw having grown at different rates or lengths. This is a hereditary issue that can be exacerbated by allowing a child to suck their thumb or a pacifier for extended periods of time.

The surgery is performed to shorten the upper jaw. Sometimes the overbite is caused by the lower the jaw being too short and surgery must be performed to lengthen the bone. It is an invasive surgery, as the bones do have to be exposed; however, if the situation is not dealt with, the overbite can cause more problems as you age.

The benefits of correcting an overbite far outweigh the available treatments and expense. Not only are you healthier, you’re able to smile and feel comfortable about your appearance. People who feel confident are more successful and happier with their lives.

If you’re having problems chewing your food due to an overbite, or if you simply yearn for a more confident smile, consult a dentist to find out what your options are for correcting the issue.

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Are You a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for dental veneers have healthy mouths. This means being free of gum disease and tooth decay. You’ll also need to have enough enamel on your tooth for the process, as your dentist will need to remove some of the enamel and roughen the surface of your tooth in order for the veneer to attach properly to it. If you already have issues with tooth enamel or tooth sensitivity, you may not be a good candidate for dental veneers for your gaps. People who grind their teeth are also not ideal candidates as grinding can damage the veneers over time, so you may want to consider alternative options if you grind your teeth.

Porcelain Is Better

While resin composite is moderately cheaper, porcelain will hold up better in the long run for your dental veneers for your gaps. Porcelain is stain resistant and also less resistant to chipping and cracking. Porcelain can be an excellent choice for your gaps and gives you the most natural appearance by accurately mimicking the shine and color of your natural teeth. Your gums will also handle the porcelain
well, which is important since it’ll be adhered permanently to your tooth. The color cannot be altered once attached though, so if you plan on getting your teeth whitened, it’ll be best to do it before the dental veneer process begins.

Long Lasting Beautiful Teeth

Veneers are a great option for your gapped teeth and can even cover other imperfections such as chips in your teeth. Since porcelain is stain resistant, you won’t have to worry about discoloration or unnatural looking teeth after you get your veneers. They are resistant to scratches and chips as well so they’ll hold up very well over time. Since veneers so accurately mimic your real teeth, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to take care of veneers just like real teeth though, so your brushing and flossing habits will need to continue just as they would without the veneers.

Dental veneers can be an excellent choice for some people who wish to conceal the gaps in their teeth. Consider these things and schedule a consultation with your dentist. Dental veneers are custom made for your mouth, so consider these “shells” to mimic your natural teeth and beautify your smile!

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