At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, the modern waiting room features blue velvet chairs, a geometric rug, and a sleek black accent wall with dental art focused on overbite care. Large windows fill the space with natural light beneath a striking hanging light fixture.

Overbite in Sunnyvale TX: Causes, Consequences and Treatment Strategies

An overbite is a frequent dental issue where the top teeth overlap the lower teeth more than they should. While a small overlap is normal, too much of an overbite might cause various oral problems if untreated. This guide explains the causes, symptoms, and solutions for overbites so you can take charge of your dental health.
A close-up shows a woman's mouth with metal braces correcting an overbite at Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX; she has a neutral expression and soft makeup.

Defining Overbite vs Overjet: Common Dental Misalignments

It’s essential to know the difference between an overbite and an overjet. An overbite happens when the upper teeth vertically overlap the lower teeth. In contrast, an overjet refers to how far the top teeth stick out past the lower ones horizontally. Understanding the difference helps decide the best treatment.

Causes of Severe Overjet and Overbite

Severe overjet and overbite can arise from various factors, including:

Problems with jawbone structure
Teeth not lining up correctly
Genetic predisposition
Childhood habits such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use for too long

Knowing the root cause is key to creating the right solution for your needs.

A person with metal braces correcting an overbite rests their hand near their chin, smiling at Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX.
At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a close-up highlights an individual with fair skin and brown hair wearing metal braces on both upper and lower teeth to correct an overbite, dressed in a dark top.

Signs and Symptoms of an Overbite

Spotting an overbite early prevents complications and improves treatment success. Look out for these signs:

Upper teeth overly covering the lower teeth
Top teeth appearing much more visible than the lower ones
Difficulty shutting your mouth properly
Facial imbalance or discomfort in the jaw

If you notice these symptoms, consult an orthodontist for an expert evaluation.

Potential Health Issues from Untreated Overbite

Leaving an overbite untreated could risk your oral and overall health. Some potential issues that may arise include:

Jaw pain and discomfort

TMJ disorders

Tooth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene

Risk of tooth decay and gum disease

Speech difficulties

Negative impact on self-confidence

At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a boy in a navy hoodie displays a cheerful overbite while sitting on the grass and smiling at the camera, with other children blurred in the background.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Overbite Severity

During routine dental visits at Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, our skilled orthodontist, Dr. Jacob, will evaluate your teeth’s alignment and analyze the severity of your overbite. Timely detection and precise evaluation are essential to develop the ideal treatment approach customized to your unique needs.

Treatment Methods to Fix an Overbite

Different treatments can fix overbites depending on how serious the condition is. At Smile City Orthodontics, we use methods like:

Orthodontic treatments with metal braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign) to gradually move teeth into position and correct the bite
Surgical options for severe cases to adjust jawbones and achieve the best results
After treatment, retainers are prescribed to maintain straightened teeth and stop them from shifting back

Our team will help you find the most suitable solution, personalized to your unique requirements.

A young woman with long brown hair and braces, subtly showing an overbite as she smiles slightly at the camera, represents Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, TX.

Braces and Invisalign Clear Aligners

Metal braces help correct overbites by straightening teeth and aligning the jaw as needed. Severe situations may involve extractions or other orthodontic appliances. For less severe overbites, Invisalign clear aligners provide a nearly invisible and convenient way to fix the problem.

Surgical Intervention

In cases with extreme jaw irregularities, surgery may be required to fix the overbite. The procedure realigns the jaw and works together with orthodontics for better results. Recovery may include time in the hospital and weeks for healing.

Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies

Preventing severe overbites and overjets starts with early action. The American Association of Orthodontists advises children visit an orthodontist at age 7 to spot issues early. Stopping habits like thumb-sucking can also help prevent problems later on.

Outdoors in a park in Sunnyvale TX, a bearded man with long hair tied back smiles, his overbite subtly visible against greenery and a blurred building—an everyday scene Smile City Orthodontics understands well.
At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale TX, a young woman wearing a dental bib smiles and points to the gap between her upper front teeth to highlight her overbite.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Orthodontist

Selecting the right orthodontist is essential for achieving great results in overbite or overjet treatment. At Smile City Orthodontics, Dr. Jacob and our skilled team create custom plans to align teeth, improve bite function, and enhance facial harmony. With our advanced expertise, you’ll receive effective, lasting results.

FAQ

Is it OK to have an overbite?

A minor overbite may not need treatment since some overlap is normal. However, if the overbite is significant and the lower teeth are mostly hidden, it’s wise to see an orthodontist and discuss your options.

What causes an overbite?

Overbites may result from factors like genetics, prolonged thumb-sucking as a child, prolonged use of pacifiers, and issues with speech or extra teeth. These factors can impact jaw growth and tooth positioning, causing an overbite.

How can an overbite be corrected?

Correcting an overbite depends on its severity. Orthodontic methods like clear aligners or traditional metal braces, along with rubber bands or bite pads, can gradually move teeth and improve the bite. Severe cases might need jaw surgery for the best outcome.