Can You Live with an Overbite or Should It Be Surgically Corrected?

Posted on 5/15/2020 by Huronia Oral Surgery Group

There are many reasons for people to suffer from an overbite. It can result from some bad habits as they were growing up or it could be something they were born with. An overbite can cause a variety of different problems, but the types of problems and severity of the problems can vary. Because of that, some people wonder if they can live with the overbite or do they need to get it corrected. If they do need it corrected, is it necessary to have surgery is another question to ask.

Understanding Overbites

Not all overbites are the same. An overbite occurs when the top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth by 30 to 50% proportionally. There are two types of overbites: vertical and horizontal. It is possible to have either or both types of overbites. Treatment for the overbite depends on the age of the person involved, the severity of the overbite and their willingness to do anything.
Left untreated, overbites can cause a variety of different problems. Tooth decay, jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and appearance are all possible issues due to an overbite. It is because of these problems that many people will look for a way to fix their overbite.

When is Surgery Needed?

The most common way to treat an overbite is through braces. For some people the use of braces is not enough. Their mouth may not have the room for the teeth to align properly. If this is the case, then the solution is surgery to remove some teeth to provide the space needed to adjust the alignment.
In some adults, the overbite is a result of a jaw problem that also requires surgery.
The answer to whether surgery is needed if you have an overbite depends on whether you can live with the complications that can come with an overbite. If you are not worried about the appearance of an overbite and can deal with the effects it has on your oral health, then yes you can avoid surgery. If you want healthy teeth and gums that last a lifetime and surgery is the best way to make that happen, the answer is maybe not.
For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

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