Overbite vs normal – can you tell the difference? What causes an overbite in the first place? How can it be corrected? Read on to learn more about the differences between overbite and normal, and see if you can identify which type of bite you have. Whether your overbite was caused by genetics or another factor, there are treatments available that can help correct your bite and improve your oral health at the same time. Plus, certain preventative steps can be taken to reduce your risk of developing an overbite in the first place.
Signs of an Overbite
Overbites are typically categorized as mild, moderate or severe, and signs of an overbite include: an unusually large gap between your upper front teeth; one or both top front teeth appear too long compared to your bottom front teeth; your chin seems too long compared to your lower jaw; and your lower jaw appears too small for the rest of your face. If you have a serious overbite or a normal bite that is causing you pain and making it difficult to chew food properly.
Signs of a normal bite
If you have a normal bite, your upper teeth will touch your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. However, as you probably know, there is a difference between normal and healthy. Your gums should also be bright pink and firm. A healthy bite that slightly overbites or underbites isn’t necessarily problematic—as long as it’s not painful or affecting your ability to chew properly. If you’re unsure if your bite is normal or not, make an appointment with our dentist. We’ll check for signs of gum disease and recommend treatment options if any are needed. Our dentist can help identify if your bite is actually abnormal and in need of treatment.
Ways to treat an overbite
If you have an overbite, but haven’t yet started treatment, don’t wait. Braces are one of most effective ways to treat your overbite, and they can be customized to fit your jaw precisely. The quicker you start treatment, the sooner you’ll see improvements in your smile. There are also many orthodontic products that can help with alignment prior to receiving braces like Invisalign®, lingual braces, or clear aligners (if you want a very clear solution). If getting traditional braces is not for you there are other non-invasive options for treating your overbite such as Teeth Aligners that just require small adjustments every few weeks until straight teeth appear.
Ways to prevent an overbite
1. Wear a retainer at night and when you’re not eating to prevent your teeth from drifting out of alignment 2. Make sure your jaw muscles are strong by chewing gum after meals, yawning as much as possible, and exercising regularly 3. Cut back on sweet or sugary foods and always brush twice a day 4. Don’t forget about regular dental checkups; one thorough cleaning per year is typically enough to keep an overbite in check 5. Finally, tell your dentist if you think you may have an overbite when you go for your next appointment because they can make necessary adjustments if they need to 6)
