3 Dangers of Uncorrected Overbite

An overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth to a degree that goes beyond normal bite alignment. At Jim D. Lassiter DMD, overbite can be corrected with Invisalign® in Jay, FL. Left untreated, overbite can lead to additional oral health consequences, with increasing severity. Learn more about the X dangers of overbite.

1. Jaw Pain

When the bite is incorrectly aligned, jaw pain often occurs. This is because the jaw joint isn’t moving the way it should, and it may come to rest in an awkward position that causes pain from undue stress and pressure. This extra pressure can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, which are characterized by jaw pain, headaches, earaches and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth. Chronic jaw pain can significantly affect daily life and may require long-term treatment. All this may be avoided by treating the overbite.

2. Nutrition Deficiency

Surprisingly, overbite can even result in a person not getting sufficient vitamins and minerals. The resultant difficulty in chewing can lead to digestive problems, or a resistance to eating certain foods that pose a challenge for the person with the overbite.

3. Increased Risk of Gum Disease

The misalignment caused by an overbite can make it harder to maintain proper oral hygiene. When teeth are crowded or overlapped, it becomes difficult to clean between them effectively, leading to plaque buildup. Over time, this can increase the risk of gum disease, which can have serious consequences for oral and overall health if not managed properly.

If you or your family member has an overbite, contact your dentist in Jay, FL for diagnosis. Often, treatment is as simple as being fitted for Invisalign®, a clear aligner that gently corrects mild to moderate overbite problems.