What Are The Problems Caused By An Overbite?

Overbite is an orthodontic condition where the top teeth overlap the lower teeth. A misalignment either in the jaw or the teeth causes overbite. Overbite may be caused due to genetic factors. Thumb sucking habits that persist beyond the age of five can also contribute to overbite. Constantly sucking the thumb or fingers causes the front teeth to push forward.

A child must be taken to a Carlsbad orthodontics clinic by the age of seven to diagnose and rectify bite problems before it becomes too difficult and time-consuming to treat the condition. 

Problems Caused by Overbite

This article discusses in length the common problems caused by an overbite. If you see your child suffering from any of the below mentioned problems, it may be time to consult a Carlsbad orthodontist.  

Headaches

People in overbite often experience headaches and migraines. The misalignment of the jaw is to be blamed for this. The muscles connecting the jaw and the skull exert pressure on the lower jaw causing it to compress the joint and skull bone. If you have an overbite and also experience headache, go to an orthodontist in Oceanside CA to examine if the overbite is responsible for the frequent headaches. 

Grinding

Patients suffering from overbite clench their jaws and grind teeth. Teeth are prone to damage due to excessive grinding. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, often happens at night and also causes joint pain. The irregular contact between upper and lower teeth causes grinding that wears down teeth leading to more oral health complications. 

Children with this condition often recover from it on their own. But if the grinding doesn’t stop, consult an orthodontist Carlsbad to check if the overbite is severe. 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMJ is linked to overbite. A TMJ disorder causes pain in the jaw, ears and produces a clicking sound when the person eats, opens or closes the mouth. 

Alteration in Facial Structure

A severe overbite can alter the facial structure of the patient. A person with deep overbite may have a shorter and rounder face owing to recessive chin. This condition may also make a person look much older than they actually are. An orthodontist in Carlsbad CA can suggest the appropriate treatment for overbite to correct the misalignment and make the face look more aesthetically pleasing. 

Speech Problems

An overbite causes speech impediment which leads to lisps and whistling while talking. Patients with overbite tend to speak more with their tongue which compromises the clarity of words while speaking. Getting it treated with the help of braces or any suitable dental appliance that the orthodontist Carlsbad deems best can relieve the patient from speech disorders. 

Psychological Effects

Overbite doesn’t just cause physical discomfort. It can also have negative effects on a child’s psychological development. Protruding front teeth may cause embarrassment for the patient and it can lead to serious self-esteem issues. That’s why it is important to start treatment early from a reputed Carlsbad orthodontics clinic. 

Increased Risk of Injury

A patient with an overbite has increased chances of getting their teeth damaged while playing sports or indulging in other such physical activities. 

Neck Pain

Neck or shoulder pain can arise due to a misalignment in the jaw. The pain will go away completely only if the overbite is treated. 

Also Read: What Are The Five Stages Of Teething? 

Conclusion

Captain Floss is the best orthodontist in Carlsbad that fixes jaw and tooth misalignment in kids through a range of orthodontic procedures. With board certified orthodontists who have been curing common orthodontic problems in kids with the most advanced dental appliances, you can help your child achieve a perfect, beautiful smile along with great confidence.