Orthodontic treatment is capable of doing quite a lot for your pearly whites: if they’re crooked or misaligned, they can be straightened. If there are gaps between them, they can be closed. And if you have an overbite or another type of bite issue, it can be resolved. That said, even though a small amount of overbite is natural, did you know that a serious overbite can spell bad news for your oral health? Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t think twice about visiting your trusted orthodontist if you have a prominent overbite.
#1. Overbites Can Affect Your Oral Health
Since overbites cause the upper teeth to not line up with the lower teeth, needless to say, oral hygiene tasks like brushing and flossing become a little trickier. Not to mention, too much of an overbite can actually lead to enamel wear and damaged teeth, which is a major concern since enamel doesn’t grow back on its own. The issue can also cause gum tissue impingement, resulting in undesirable recession.
#2. Bite Problems Make Speaking & Eating Much More Difficult
The teeth play a pivotal role when it comes to speaking; there are a surprising number of sounds that we make by pushing our tongues against our teeth, so if there’s too much overlap, even simple words and sounds can become quite awkward to articulate.
Likewise, our teeth are the best available tools at our disposal for biting and chewing food, and having an overbite can compromise your ability to chew. Since chewing is technically the first step of the digestive process, if your overbite is affecting your ability to eat, it’ll ultimately affect your ability to digest food and process nutrients.
#3. Overbites Can Diminish Your Self-Esteem
Many patients opt for orthodontic treatment in order to correct aesthetic issues with their teeth, since these problems can directly impact one’s confidence. Overbites aren’t just unattractive for the effect they have on the teeth, though—they even have the potential to impact the shape of your face. Needless to say, resolving an overbite can have your confidence soaring sky-high in no time at all!
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to address overbites and other bite issues; braces and Invisalign are two popular options, both of which are proven to be incredibly effective. If you’re suffering from the issue, don’t wait to contact your orthodontist—your oral health and overall liveliness are both at stake!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics Derry & Hudson, we understand that having an overbite, underbite, or any other type of orthodontic issue can greatly impact your quality of life. That’s why we’re excited to offer a wide range of solutions that are capable of handily resolving your issue and getting your smile back on track to being healthy, functional, and beautiful. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a family member, feel free to contact us through our website or by phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (603) 932-7726.