When you see someone with an overbite, you can’t help but notice it, since it’s so much more obvious than a normal bite. When you don’t have an overbite, your upper and lower teeth fit together when you close your mouth normally, but with an overbite, the top jaw extends beyond the bottom one. It doesn’t cause any problems on its own, and most people are born with it, but if left untreated it can lead to dental issues like tooth misalignment or overcrowding that may necessitate braces or other corrective procedures.
What exactly is an overbite?
An overbite is just what it sounds like: when your upper teeth protrude past your lower jaw. The same definition applies to underbite, but that word is reserved for when your lower teeth bite past your upper jaw. It’s easy to tell if you have an overbite or not; simply look in a mirror and take note of where your lips end (usually at the very bottom of your top front teeth) and where your tongue ends (around halfway down). If there’s more space between these two areas than normal, then you most likely have an overbite.
Things can be out of balance even if you don’t have an overbite
As with many of these topics, it’s always best to visit your dentist if you suspect something’s not quite right. They will look at your teeth to assess whether there are any problems, or if everything is just as it should be. If there is an issue with overbite (or anything else), they will tell you how to fix it and also recommend some products like nance appliance to help with your condition. Don’t let having an overbite deter you from living life!
How to diagnose what your bite really looks like
1. First, look at yourself in the mirror with your mouth closed and gums exposed. Hold up your index finger just behind your upper front teeth. If you have an overbite (as seen in #1 below), your gum line should be just behind or even slightly in front of your finger; if you have a normal bite (as seen in #2 below), it will touch or barely come close to touching that finger.
What your bite says about you
The best way to correct your bite is with braces. If you aren’t sure which type of braces would be best for you, there are several types out there. One of these types is called a nance appliance. This device attaches to your upper teeth, helping them stay in place while straightening your smile. Call our dentists today to schedule an appointment with us!
Common causes of abnormal bites
The causes of abnormal bites are often genetic; occasionally they may be developmental or caused by tooth-grinding. One cause, referred to as overbites, occurs when your upper jaw is too small for your lower jaw, which forces you to push your lower teeth forward. That’s why there’s such a big difference between an overbite vs normal bite. While some people have these types of abnormal bites naturally, others develop them due to poor dental care habits. It’s worth noting that children can also suffer from chronic dental issues that lead to abnormal bites. A dentist will typically determine if you have an abnormally high or low bite after looking at your teeth and comparing them with X-rays.
Tips for looking after your teeth
Brushing and flossing daily is one of the best ways to keep your smile white, healthy, and bright. If you’re concerned about your oral health, schedule regular checkups with your dentist to monitor any developing problems. The first step in maintaining a healthy smile is making sure you understand how best to take care of it. Proper brushing, flossing, chewing habits – all these things can help ensure you have a strong set of pearly whites for years to come.
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