Having an overbite means that your upper teeth protrude too far in front of your lower teeth. This may seem like a cosmetic issue on the surface, but like many orthodontic problems, it can have more of an impact on your oral health and your quality of life than you might initially realize. Do you currently have an overbite? Your dentist is here with 4 reasons why you should have it corrected with Invisalign or another treatment as soon as you can.
1. An Overbite Can Make Speaking and Chewing More Difficult
You may not realize it, but the alignment of your bite can affect your ability to speak clearly. An overbite affects the positioning of your teeth, and as a result, you might have trouble pronouncing certain words. On top of that, you may find that it’s unusually difficult to chew; this is because the forces of your bite are not being properly distributed.
Luckily, correcting your overbite with Invisalign will address both of these issues, allowing you to enunciate your words properly while also making it easier to enjoy all kinds of foods.
2. An Overbite Can Cause Excessive Enamel Wear
In some cases, an overbite can cause your upper and lower teeth to slide past each other. This results in your enamel eroding faster than normal. Unfortunately, enamel lacks the means to repair itself, so the teeth will only become more worn down as time passes. It’s therefore best to have your overbite corrected as soon as possible so that you can protect your teeth.
3. An Overbite Can Contribute to a TMJ Disorder
One of the consequences of an overbite is that it can put too much pressure on your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), which is the joint located just in front of the ear that keeps the lower jaw connected to the skull. Over time, this pressure can lead to a TMJ disorder, which can be very painful and may affect your ability to move your jaw. Correcting your overbite with Invisalign can often go a long way toward helping you find relief from TMJ-related discomfort.
4. An Overbite Might Damage Your Gums
If your overbite is particularly severe, your upper teeth may rub against the lower gums when you close your mouth. At the same time, the lower teeth may make contact with the gum tissue behind the top front teeth. This friction could ultimately lead to gum recession, leaving the roots of your teeth exposed. But if you have your overbite corrected, you can avoid this type of gum damage.
In short, leaving an overbite alone could have severe consequences for your smile in the long run. The sooner you speak to your dentist, the sooner you can figure out the best way to achieve a healthier bite.
About the Practice
At Meadowbrook Dental Care, we always give our patients the time and attention they deserve. We offer a wide range of services for addressing all kinds of oral health problems; this includes Invisalign clear aligners for correcting overbites and other orthodontic issues. To schedule a consultation at our dental practice in Mineola, visit our website or call (516) 973-0820.