Overbite Treatment
in Bend Oregon
An overbite is when your top front teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth. A small overbite is actually normal and healthy, but when its excessive, it can cause problems with how you chew, speak, and even how your jaw feels. If your dealing with an overbite, your probably wondering if you need to fix it and what your options are.
At Stillwater Dental Bend, we evaluate overbites in both kids and adults. Sometimes an overbite needs treatment to prevent future problems, and sometimes its fine to leave alone. We’ll give you honest advice about what makes sense for your situation.
What Is an Overbite and What Causes It
An overbite happens when your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth too much vertically. Dentists measure overbites as a percentage. A normal, healthy overbite is around 2 to 4 millimeters. Anything beyond that is considered excessive.
Most overbites are genetic. If your parents or grandparents had one, theres a good chance you will too. The shape and size of your jaw is largely inherited, and if your upper jaw is bigger than your lower jaw, an overbite develops.
Childhood habits can also contribute to overbites. Thumb sucking, pacifier use past age three, or prolonged bottle feeding can push the front teeth forward. Tongue thrusting, where you push your tongue against your teeth when you swallow, can make an overbite worse over time.
Losing baby teeth too early or having missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift and create bite problems. Jaw injuries or issues with jaw development can also lead to overbites.
Why You Should Fix an Overbite
A severe overbite can cause real problems beyond just appearance. When your bite is off, certain teeth take more pressure than they should when you chew. This can wear down your teeth unevenly and lead to chips or cracks.
People with overbites often have jaw pain or TMJ issues because the jaw joint isnt aligned properly. You might get headaches, clicking sounds when you open your mouth, or difficulty chewing certain foods.
An overbite can also make it hard to close your lips comfortably, which can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth increases your risk of cavities and gum disease because you dont have enough saliva to wash away bacteria.
Speech problems can develop with severe overbites. Some sounds are harder to make when your teeth dont meet properly. And lets be honest, a lot of people are self conscious about how their profile looks with a prominent overbite.
Fixing an overbite improves function, protects your teeth and jaw, and gives you more confidence in your smile. At Stillwater Dental Bend, we help patients understand the benefits and decide if treatment is right for them.
Treatment Options for Overbites
The right treatment for an overbite depends on how severe it is, your age, and whats causing it. Mild to moderate overbites in teens and adults can often be fixed with braces or clear aligners. These gradually move your teeth into better positions and correct the overlap.
Braces
Traditional braces work well for more complex overbites. They give us precise control over tooth movement and can fix even severe cases. Treatment usually takes one to two years, depending on the situation.
Invisalign
Clear aligners like Invisalign can correct mild to moderate overbites. Their less noticeable than braces and you can take them out to eat and brush. Not every overbite can be fixed with aligners, but when they work, patients love them.
Surgeries
In severe cases where the overbite is caused by jaw size differences, orthodontics alone might not be enough. Some patients need jaw surgery combined with braces to fully correct the problem. This is only for the most severe overbites, and we’ll refer you to a specialist if needed.
For kids whose jaws are still growing, we can sometimes use growth modification appliances. These devices help guide jaw development and can reduce or eliminate the overbite as the child grows. Early treatment often means less invasive treatment later.
Oral Health Exams
During your oral health exam at Stillwater Dental Bend, we check your bite relationship and measure your overbite. We look at how your teeth come together when you close your mouth and evaluate whether its causing any problems.
We take x rays to see the position of your teeth and jaw bones. This helps us understand if the overbite is dental (just the teeth) or skeletal (the jaw bones). The treatment approach is different for each type.
For kids, we monitor bite development during regular checkups. If we spot an overbite forming, we can discuss whether early intervention would be helpful or if we should just keep an eye on it.
Teeth Cleaning
If you have an overbite, keeping your teeth clean is super important. Bite problems can create areas where plaque builds up more easily. Our dental hygienists at Stillwater Dental Bend pay special attention to these trouble spots during your cleaning.
If your getting braces or aligners to fix your overbite, regular cleanings become even more important. Braces make it harder to clean your teeth at home, so professional cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease during treatment.
We recommend cleanings every six months, or more often if your having trouble keeping your teeth clean around orthodontic appliances.
Dental Crowns
Sometimes an overbite causes excessive wear on certain teeth. If teeth have been worn down significantly from the improper bite, dental crowns can restore them to the right height and shape.
We usually fix the overbite first with orthodontic treatment, then restore any damaged teeth with crowns. This gives you the best long term result because the crowns wont keep getting damaged by a bad bite.
At Stillwater Dental Bend, we create custom crowns that match your other teeth and work with your corrected bite. The combination of orthodontics and restorative work can completely transform both function and appearance.
Veneers
For very mild overbites that are mostly a cosmetic concern, veneers can sometimes create the appearance of better tooth alignment. But this only works in limited situations and doesnt fix the underlying bite problem.
Most of the time, we recommend actually correcting the overbite with orthodontic treatment rather than just masking it with veneers. But in cases where someone cant or wont do orthodontics, veneers might improve the appearance of the front teeth.
Living with an Overbite While You Decide
If you have an overbite but arent ready to start treatment yet, be aware of potential issues. Pay attention to jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds. These can indicate that your bite is causing strain on your jaw joint.
Protect your front teeth from injury. People with overbites are more likely to damage their front teeth in falls or accidents because they stick out more. If your active in sports, wear a mouthguard.
Watch for signs of excessive wear on your teeth. If you notice your teeth getting shorter or flatter on the biting edges, the overbite might be causing damage. The sooner you address it, the less repair work you’ll need later.
Cost and Insurance for Overbite Treatment
The cost of fixing an overbite depends on the treatment method and how long it takes. Braces and clear aligners are the main expense for most patients. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, especially for children.
At Stillwater Dental Bend, we work with most insurance companies and can help you maximize your benefits. We also offer payment plans to make treatment affordable.
When you consider the long term benefits of correcting an overbite, including better function, less tooth wear, and improved confidence, the investment is worthwhile.
Why Choose Stillwater Dental for Overbite Treatment
At Stillwater Dental Bend, we take a holistic approach to treating overbites. We dont just look at your teeth. We consider your jaw health, facial structure, and how the overbite affects your daily life.
We’ve been serving the Bend community for years and have helped many patients correct their bites. We use modern treatment options and work with you to find the approach that fits your lifestyle and budget.
We’ll be honest about whether your overbite needs treatment or if its fine as is. Not every overbite requires correction, and we’ll never recommend treatment you dont need.
Schedule Your Overbite Consultation in Bend
If you or your child has an overbite and your wondering if it needs treatment, give Stillwater Dental Bend a call or book online. We’ll evaluate your bite, discuss whether treatment would be beneficial, and explain your options.
Dont let an overbite cause ongoing problems with your teeth, jaw, or confidence. Modern treatment options can give you a healthier, more functional bite. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.