A healthy and attractive smile should have the following qualities: good oral hygiene, symmetry, an appropriate gum line, a great smile line, and whiteness of teeth. Regarding symmetry, one aspect is having your mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw) meet at a proper alignment to prevent malocclusion. Having aligned teeth and jaw gives you the ability to avoid severe jaw, teeth, and mouth problems that you might encounter in the future if you do not treat them early on.
What is the Difference Between Overbites and Underbites?
An overbite means your upper teeth extend more as compared to your lower teeth. In an underbite, the lower teeth extend more than the upper teeth. Some cases may be milder and not require braces, but a dental appointment is necessary to assess your case further.
Health Risks Associated with Malocclusion
If an overbite or underbite is not treated early, it may cause severe oral problems. These can include jaw strain, headaches, earaches, tooth decay, breakage, cavities, and gingivitis. The sooner you seek out treatment for these issues, the better your prognosis can be.
Treatments to Improve Your Overbite or Underbite
If you suspect that you may have an overbite or an underbite, there are a variety of options available to you. These options can include the use of retainers, braces, or clear dental aligners.
During your checkups, our dentist will assess if you have an underbite or overbite to accordingly set up a treatment plan. Every smile may vary in the treatment plan depending on the orthodontic assessment made before the treatment. Treatment courses may vary in length of time depending on the severity of the case.
If you suspect that you may have a case of overbite or underbite, set up an appointment as soon as you can. Our treatment plans are here to help solve your oral problems early and prevent them from becoming a severe in the future.
