When many parents think about orthodontic treatment, they often picture straighter teeth that lead to their child having more confidence. But did you know that when it comes to overbites, seeking treatment can yield more than just purely cosmetic benefits? An overbite, which occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, can greatly affect your child’s dental development, comfort, and even speech. However, addressing it early with orthodontic care can make an immeasurably big difference. Here’s what you need to know.
Addressing an Overbite Protects Teeth from Needless Damage
Children with an overbite are at a much higher risk of chipping or wearing down their front teeth, since those teeth end up absorbing more force when biting directly into food. Correcting the bite helps to redistribute pressure more evenly among all the teeth, reducing the chance of damage and helping them last longer.
An Overbite Can Impact Chewing and Digestion
An overbite can also make it much harder to chew food properly. What’s worse is when food isn’t broken down well inside the mouth, it can impact digestion and even make mealtimes uncomfortable. It can also trigger issues like indigestion. Orthodontic treatment can help to align the bite so that every meal is easy to eat for your child.
Bites Problems Can Cause Issues with Speech
Sometimes, a significant overbite can interfere with speech development, making certain sounds, words, and phrases much harder to pronounce correctly. By addressing the bite, orthodontic treatment helps improve clarity and support better speech patterns, which in turn means your child will be more successful in the classroom and more engaged and confident when socializing with others.
Your Child Might Be Uncomfortable Due to Their Overbite
Overbites don’t just affect teeth—they can also place great strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. This may lead to jaw pain, headaches, or even TMJ problems later in life. Correcting the bite early on means this discomfort can be easily prevented, not to mention it promotes healthier jaw function.
If you’ve noticed your child’s top teeth sticking out significantly over their bottom teeth, now is the time to schedule a consultation with their orthodontist. Correcting an overbite is an investment in their future smile—as well as their future happiness!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in Randolph and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including complete orthodontic treatment for children of all ages with customized solutions such as braces, Invisalign, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (781) 218-7342.