Do you believe an overbite is just a cosmetic concern? Not at all. An overbite may not seem like much but without a treatment, it can damage your teeth, create discomfort in your jaw, and even affect your breathing and speech. These issues can eventually make routine tasks like eating and talking more challenging than it is.
Correcting an overbite is beneficial for your general health as well as appearance. To find out why correcting your overbite is a wise choice for a happier & healthier smile, continue reading.
Reasons Why You Should Fix Your Overbite Now
1. Guard Your Teeth Against Early Wear and Damage
Although your teeth should last a lifetime, an overbite can place too much pressure on them, which can cause enamel erosion (a fast deterioration of the tooth's protective layer). Inconsistent pressure might lead to fractured teeth and worn-down enamel is more susceptible to decay.
Over 20% of adults with misaligned teeth endure excessive wear that could have been avoided with orthodontic treatment, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
You will put less stress on your teeth and make them stronger for a long time if you fix your overbite.
2. Stop TMJ Disorders & Jaw Pain
Have you ever had headaches, jaw pain, or a clicking sound when you chew? Then maybe it’s your overbite. Excessive overlap between your upper and lower teeth might result in:
- Jaw Misalignment: An uneven bite puts pain in the jaw.
- TMJ Problems: A misaligned bite can put a strain on the jaw joints.
- Continuous Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines come from excessive jaw muscle stress.
Research indicates that biting misalignment affects over 70% of patients with TMJ issues. If you're experiencing these symptoms, visiting a dentist in Fort Worth can help determine whether your overbite is the culprit and what treatment options are best for you.
3. Work on Your Breathing and Speech
Do you realize the way you breathe and speak is influenced by your bite? Overbite makes it difficult to pronounce some words correctly:
- Having trouble saying the ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds.
- Finding it hard to pronounce words correctly.
- Too many bites might lead to mouth breathing, which is bad for your health.
Now is the moment to get treatment if you have been putting it off. Make an appointment and reach out to our dentist to get rid of the overbite crisis today!