can an overshot jaw correct itself in stock

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An overbite might not seem like a serious condition for your dog, but severely misaligned teeth can lead to difficulty eating, gum injuries and bruising, bad breath and different types of dental problems, including tooth decay and gingivitis. Fortunately, there are ways to help fix the problem before it becomes irreversible.

An overbite is a genetic, hereditary condition where a dog"s lower jaw is significantly shorter than its upper jaw. This can also be called an overshot jaw, overjet, parrot mouth, class 2 malocclusion or mandibular brachynathism, but the result is the same – the dog"s teeth aren"t aligning properly. In time, the teeth can become improperly locked together as the dog bites, creating even more severe crookedness as the jaw cannot grow appropriately.

This problem is especially common in breeds with narrow, pointed muzzles, such as collies, shelties, dachshunds, German shepherds, Russian wolfhounds and any crossbred dogs that include these ancestries.

Dental examinations for puppies are the first step toward minimizing the discomfort and effects of an overbite. Puppies can begin to show signs of an overbite as early as 8-12 weeks old, and by the time a puppy is 10 months old, its jaw alignment will be permanently set and any overbite treatment will be much more challenging. This is a relatively narrow window to detect and correct overbites, but it is not impossible.

Small overbites often correct themselves as the puppy matures, and brushing the dog"s teeth regularly to prevent buildup can help keep the overbite from becoming more severe. If the dog is showing signs of an overbite, it is best to avoid any tug-of-war games that can put additional strain and stress on the jaw and could exacerbate the deformation.

If an overbite is more severe, dental intervention may be necessary to correct the misalignment. While this is not necessary for cosmetic reasons – a small overbite may look unsightly, but does not affect the dog and invasive corrective procedures would be more stressful than beneficial – in severe cases, a veterinarian may recommend intervention. There are spacers, braces and other orthodontic accessories that can be applied to a dog"s teeth to help correct an overbite. Because dogs" mouths grow more quickly than humans, these accessories may only be needed for a few weeks or months, though in extreme cases they may be necessary for up to two years.

If the dog is young enough, however, tooth extraction is generally preferred to correct an overbite. Puppies have baby teeth, and if those teeth are misaligned, removing them can loosen the jaw and provide space for it to grow properly and realign itself before the adult teeth come in. Proper extraction will not harm those adult teeth, but the puppy"s mouth will be tender after the procedure and because they will have fewer teeth for several weeks or months until their adult teeth have emerged, some dietary changes and softer foods may be necessary.

An overbite might be disconcerting for both you and your dog, but with proper care and treatment, it can be minimized or completely corrected and your dog"s dental health will be preserved.

My baby is 4.5 months old, and alas, still has the overbite. She had a perfect sizzors bite when I picked her up, and I noticed that around 11 weeks old, she started to get an overbite.

As I said, she did have a good bite at 6-11 weeks old, but she hit the 11th week and it started to develop. None of her litter mates have an overbite...

Krista, the lower jaw grows at a rate different from the muzzle. A puppy can have a perfect scissors bite, then this can change briefly from this to an overshot or even an undershot lower jaw. The muzzle can suddenly grow very quickly in length and the lower jaw has to catch up.

I"m taking her into the vet tomorrow, see what they think, and I"ll report back, good or bad news. THANKS FOR ALL OF THE HELP AND THE PERSONAL EMAILS! THANKS

I can"t find the previous thread, I didn"t realise it was so large... if your pup has a really large overbite of 1/2" or more there might be a problem. I think that is kind of alot, and you definately need to watch whats going on with her canines. Let us know what your vet said.

Still alot but hope it keeps on getting better. I have seen a couple dogs like this over the years but neither one ever corrected itself back to a correct bite.

Enzo is the Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital Pet of the Month for May. Everyone knows that puppies need vaccines to keep them healthy and protected from diseases. However, it can be easy to underestimate the benefits of thorough and regular examinations when puppies are growing into adulthood. Every breed has special characteristics that make them unique and add to their appeal and sometimes there are physical changes that need to be addressed quickly. For this reason our veterinarians believe in examinations with every vaccine, especially during a puppy’s formative months.

Enzo is a short-haired Havanese and he was born with his lower jaw shorter than the upper jaw. This is called an Overbite, also referred to as an Overshot Jaw, a Parrot Mouth or Mandibular Brachygnathism. This malocclusion is a genetic change and can be seen in a number of breeds, oftentimes collie related breeds and dachshunds. Occasionally this change happens because of differences in the growth of the upper and lower jaws, and in many cases it doesn’t cause any significant problems other than cosmetically.

Dr. Robin Riedinger evaluated Enzo at his first visit when he was just 11 weeks of age and while the lower jaw was too short, there was no evidence of damage and no indication that this was causing a problem for Enzo. When there is abnormal occlusion of the teeth, it is important to monitor closely for trouble caused by the teeth being aligned improperly. Malocclusions can lead to gum injuries, puncturing of the hard palate, abnormal positioning of adjacent teeth, abnormal wear and bruising of the teeth, permanent damage and subsequent death of one or more teeth, and in the long run, premature loss of teeth. Some malocclusions can be severe enough to interfere with normal eating and drinking.

Within three weeks, when Enzo was only 3.5 months old, it was clear that our doctors would need to intervene. The left and right sides of Enzo’s upper jaw (maxilla) were growing at different rates because the lower canine teeth were being trapped by the upper canine teeth. This is called Dental Interlock. Because the teeth are ‘locked’ in place, the lower jaw cannot grow symmetrically and this creates a number of other problems. Early intervention is critical.

The solution for Dental Interlock is to extract the teeth from the shorter jaw; in this case, the lower ‘baby’ canines and thereby allow the lower jaw (mandible) to grow in the best way possible. This procedure is most effective when the Dental Interlock is discovered early and the extractions are performed quickly. In some cases, this can be as early as ten weeks of age. Dr. Riedinger consulted with a local veterinary dental specialist to confirm the treatment plan and to get advice on extracting the deciduous teeth without damaging the developing adult canines. Dental radiographs are essential to proper extraction technique and also to ensure that there are no other abnormalities below the gumline.

You can see how long the roots of the deciduous ‘baby’ teeth are. During normal growth, the body will begin to resorb the roots, making them loose, and allow them to fall out as the adult tooth begins to emerge. When we need to remove the deciduous teeth before they are loose, it can be quite tricky to remove the tooth carefully without breaking it and without injuring the adjacent teeth.

Once extracted, each deciduous canine tooth was about 2 centimeters long; the roots were about 1.5 centimeters. Many people are surprised to learn that the root of a dog’s tooth is so large – 2/3 to 3/4 of the tooth is below the gumline. This is one reason why it is so important to use radiographs to evaluate teeth on a regular basis, not just in a growing puppy. Adult teeth can, and frequently do, have problems that are only visible with a radiograph.

Enzo came through his procedure extremely well. He was given pain medications for comfort and had to eat canned foods and avoid chewing on his toys for the next two weeks to ensure that the gum tissue healed properly. As he continues to grow we will be monitoring how his jaw develops and Dr. Riedinger will also be watching the alignment of his adult canine teeth when they start to emerge around six months of age. Hopefully this early intervention will minimize problems for Enzo in the future.

Here is a visual look into what an “undershot” and “overshot” jaw looks like. In recent years, I’ve noticed more and more dogs with this issue. Can a dog live productive life with a malocclusion: (imperfect positioning of the teeth when a jaws closed) Yes but with some issues along the way.

Let’s begin with a puppy will have 28 “puppy teeth” by the time it reaches six months old (this number can vary from breed to breed) By adulthood, most breeds will have a total of 42 teeth. As defined above a malocclusion or simply a misalignment of a dog’s teeth occurs when their bite does not fit accordingly beginning as puppy’s teeth come in and worsening as their adult teeth follow.

the upper jaw is longer than the lower one, an overshot or overbite. When a dogs mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors (teeth) will be present. In most cases, puppies are born with a slight over/under bite and with time the problem can correct itself if the gap is not too large. What should be noted is if a dog’s bite remains over/undershot by 8-10 months old, that’s how it will remain for the remainder of its life. In overbite’s the structure may worsen as the permanent teeth come in as they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary.

Structural dentition of a puppies jaw should be checked very early on to help eliminate this issue. Unfortunately most dog owners won’t notice until is late in the game. More so is the issues of backyard and/or inexplicable breeders breeding dogs with undershot/overshot jaws and potentially passing along this trait to future generations.

With an overbite, the upper jaw is longer than the lower one. When the mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors occurs. Puppies born with an overbite will sometimes have the problem correct itself if the gap is not too large. However, a dog’s bite will usually set at ten months old. At this time improvement will not happen on its own. Your pet’s overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary.

Problems that can arise from malocclusion are; difficulty chewing, picking up food and other objects, dogs with overshot jaws tend to pick up larger chunks of food since they can’t chew nor pick up smaller morsels which can lead to choking and future intestinal issues. These dogs are also prone to tartar and plaque build up which if left untreated can lead to other significant health issues such as heart problems. Other issues are listed below:

What’s important to note is that most malocclusions do not require treatment, it’s simply how a dog will live its full life as. This is important since most breeders breeding for financial gains don’t think about. What can be done is to brush the teeth regularly to prevent abnormal build-up of tartar and plaque. A veterinarian in cases that can be solved will sometimes recommend a dental specialist if a client want to correct the teeth misalignment. Recently I’ve heard o specialist putting “braces” on puppies to realign the teeth.

#dog #dogs #puppy #pup #puppies #puppylove #pets #life #family #bulldog #maltese #mastiff #chihuahua #cockerspaniel #vet #meds #instadog #instagood #instadaily

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Normally, a puppy will have 28 baby teeth once it is six months old. By the time it reaches adulthood, most dog breeds will have 42 teeth. A misalignment of a dog"s teeth, or malocclusion, occurs when their bite does not fit accordingly. This may begin as the puppy"s baby teeth come in and usually worsens as their adult teeth follow.

The smaller front teeth between the canines on the upper and lower jaws are called incisors. These are used to grasp food and to keep the tongue inside the mouth. Canines (also known as cuspids or fangs) are found behind the front teeth, which are also used to grasp. Behind the canines are the premolars (or bicuspids) and their function is to shear or cut food. Molars are the last teeth found at the back of the mouth and they are used for chewing.

If problems with the palate persist, a fistula may result and become infected. In cases of misaligned teeth (or malocclusion), the dog may have difficulty chewing, picking up food, and may be inclined to eat only larger pieces. They are also prone to tartar and plaque build-up.

The tips of the premolars (the teeth right behind the canines) should touch the spaces between the upper premolars, which is called the scissor bite. However, it is normal for flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) such as Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos not to have scissor bites.

With an overbite, the upper jaw is longer than the lower one. When the mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors occurs. Puppies born with an overbite will sometimes have the problem correct itself if the gap is not too large. However, a dog"s bite will usually set at ten months old. At this time improvement will not happen on its own. Your pet"s overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary.

The way the upper teeth align with the lower teeth is called occlusion. It is normal for most breeds to have a slight overlap of the upper front teeth. When the jaw is closed, the lower canine (fang) should fit in front of the upper canine. Most cases of malocclusion have a hereditary link.

Most bite malocclusions do not require treatment. In some cases, extractions may be necessary. It’s a good idea to brush the teeth regularly to prevent abnormal build-up of tartar and plaque. Your veterinarian will sometimes recommend a dental specialist if you want to correct the teeth misalignment. In recent years, “braces” have been made for puppies to realign the teeth.

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As the puppies grow, we see different body parts growing at different rates. Sometime, a German Shepherds puppy has a slights overbite at 8 weeks, when the teeth are not in a tight scissors bite, as they should per breed standard. As the puppy continued developing, this slight overbite usually resolves itself, as puppy gets through teething stage and has their adult teeth. Because overbite is a fault, breeders should never use dogs with any less-than-perfect teeth in breeding. (Luckily for us, humans, an orthodontic treatment exists and even those of us with the most un-perfect smiles, still able to reproduce. Dogs in a show world aren"t that lucky ). We have never seen an under-bite in this breed. While to many pet owners slight overbite might not seem like a serious condition, but a cosmetic defect, it is very important that your puppy"s teeth are aligned as close as possible. Severely misaligned teeth can lead to difficulty eating, gum injuries and bruising, bad breath and different types of dental problems, including tooth decay and gingivitis. Fortunately, there are ways to help fix the problem before it becomes irreversible.

An overbite is a genetic, hereditary condition where a dog"s lower jaw is significantly shorter than its upper jaw. This can also be called an overshot jaw, overjet, parrot mouth, class 2 malocclusion or mandibular brachynathism, but the result is the same – the dog"s teeth aren"t aligning properly. In time, the teeth can become improperly locked together as the dog bites, creating even more severe crookedness as the jaw cannot grow appropriately.

This problem is especially common in breeds with narrow, pointed muzzles, such as collies, shelties, dachshunds, German shepherds, Russian wolfhounds and any crossbred dogs that include these ancestries.

Dental examinations for puppies are the first step toward minimizing the discomfort and effects of an overbite. Puppies can begin to show signs of an overbite as early as 8-12 weeks old, and by the time a puppy is 10 months old, its jaw alignment will be permanently set and any overbite treatment will be much more challenging. This is a relatively narrow window to detect and correct overbites, but it is not impossible.

Small overbites often correct themselves as the puppy matures, and brushing the dog"s teeth regularly to prevent buildup can help keep the overbite from becoming more severe. If the dog is showing signs of an overbite, it is best to avoid any tug-of-war games that can put additional strain and stress on the jaw and could exacerbate the deformation.

If an overbite is more severe, dental intervention may be necessary to correct the misalignment. While this is not necessary for cosmetic reasons – a small overbite may look unsightly, but does not affect the dog and invasive corrective procedures would be more stressful than beneficial – in severe cases, a veterinarian may recommend intervention. There are spacers, braces and other orthodontic accessories that can be applied to a dog"s teeth to help correct an overbite. Because dogs" mouths grow more quickly than humans, these accessories may only be needed for a few weeks or months, though in extreme cases they may be necessary for up to two years.

If the dog is young enough, however, tooth extraction is generally preferred to correct an overbite. Puppies have baby teeth, and if those teeth are misaligned, removing them can loosen the jaw and provide space for it to grow properly and realign itself before the adult teeth come in. Proper extraction will not harm those adult teeth, but the puppy"s mouth will be tender after the procedure and because they will have fewer teeth for several weeks or months until their adult teeth have emerged, some dietary changes and softer foods may be necessary.

An overbite might be disconcerting for both you and your dog, but with proper care and treatment, it can be minimized or completely corrected and your dog"s dental health will be preserved.

Most people aren’t born with perfectly aligned teeth. Usually, slightly misaligned teeth don’t require any medical treatment. However, correcting an underbite, especially when it’s severe, can have big benefits.

Teeth will become easier to clean. Your risks for tooth decay and gum disease will decrease. You’ll also feel less strain on your teeth, jaws, and facial muscles.

This can reduce your risks of breaking a tooth and also painful symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, which are common with underbites. Some common treatments for underbite include:

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly in addition to visiting a dentist for checkups and cleanings are important parts of treatment for healthy teeth. But those with an underbite or other dental issues must take special care of their teeth to prevent further damage and decay.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time with toothpaste containing fluoride. Pay attention to brushing along your gumline and on the inside, outside, and the back of your mouth. Be sure you floss in addition to brushing. See your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

Medical treatment is the only way to truly correct an underbite and align teeth correctly. At the very least, medical treatment can improve the appearance of an underbite.

In less severe cases of underbite, a dentist may be able to use wire or plastic braces or other dental appliances to move the teeth into their correct place.

Removal of one or more teeth on the lower jaw may also help improve the appearance of an underbite if overcrowding of the teeth is contributing to the issue. A dentist may also use a grinding device to shave down or smooth teeth that are large or stick out.

The earlier an underbite is addressed, the better. If a child’s underbite is less severe, parents should wait until at least age 7 to seek corrective treatment such as braces. That’s when permanent teeth begin to erupt.

If your child has a severe underbite, especially if it’s caused by a birth defect such as cleft lip, early surgery may help. Talk to your child’s dentist and doctor to see what course of treatment they recommend.

Surgery has its risks and should only be used in children when underbite is interfering with their quality of life or ability to eat, breathe, or speak.

Undershot is a class III malocclusion that is also referred to as mandibular prognathism, maxillary brachygnathism, mandibular mesioclusion, or an underbite. This malocclusion is characterized by a shorter upper jaw and a longer lower jaw, resulting in lower teeth that are in front of the upper teeth. While this condition is normal for some breeds, such as Bulldogs, in many breeds it is unusual. An undershot jaw occurs when the lower jaw grows faster than normal and becomes longer than the upper jaw, and is usually evident around 8 weeks of age in puppies. This misalignment can cause soft tissue trauma, such as to the lips. When the incisors meet instead of fitting next to each other, it is called a level bite. When the malocclusion causes the lower incisors to be placed in front of the upper incisors, it is called a reverse scissors bite.

The cause of overshot and undershot jaws in dogs relate to the increased or decreased rate of growth of the upper and lower jaws in relation to one another. This can occur due to a: Genetic disorder Trauma; Systemic infection ;Nutritional disorder; Endocrine disorder; Abnormal setting of puppy teeth; Early or late loss of puppy teeth.

After a quick physical exam, your vet may have to sedate your dog in order to perform a thorough oral exam. This will assess your dog’s skull type and teeth location in relation to the teeth on the opposite jaw. Often, the placement of the upper and lower incisors in relation to one another can determine what type of malocclusion your dog has. Your vet will note any areas of trauma due to teeth striking those areas, and any cysts, tumors, abscesses, or remaining puppy teeth that may be present. A dental X-ray can also help to assess the health of the jaws and teeth. These diagnostic methods will lead to a diagnosis of an overshot or undershot jaw in your dog.

Treatment of a jaw misalignment will depend on the severity of the condition. If your dog has a misalignment, but can still bite and chew food without problems, no treatment may be needed. If the misalignment is caught early in a puppy’s life, it may only be temporary and may correct itself over time. However, there are times when intervention may be needed. If your puppy’s teeth are stopping the normal growth of his jaws, then surgery to remove those puppy teeth may be performed. This may allow the jaws to continue to grow, but will not make them grow. For older dogs who are experiencing pain and trauma due to misaligned jaws and teeth, oral surgery is generally performed to extract teeth that are causing trauma, to move teeth so that they fit, or to create space for a misaligned tooth to occupy. Other therapies include crown reductions or braces.

If your dog is genetically programmed to have an overshot or undershot jaw, intervention can help, but will not slow or stop the abnormal growth of either jaw. Prevent jaw misalignments in puppies by not breeding dogs who have overshot or undershot jaws.

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Here is a visual look into what an “undershot” and “overshot” jaw looks like. In recent years, I’ve noticed more and more dogs with this issue. Can a dog live productive life with a malocclusion: (imperfect positioning of the teeth when a jaws closed) Yes but with some issues along the way.

Let’s begin with a puppy will have 28 “puppy teeth” by the time it reaches six months old (this number can vary from breed to breed) By adulthood, most breeds will have a total of 42 teeth. As defined above a malocclusion or simply a misalignment of a dog’s teeth occurs when their bite does not fit accordingly beginning as puppy’s teeth come in and worsening as their adult teeth follow.

the upper jaw is longer than the lower one, an overshot or overbite. When a dogs mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors (teeth) will be present. In most cases, puppies are born with a slight over/under bite and with time the problem can correct itself if the gap is not too large. What should be noted is if a dog’s bite remains over/undershot by 8-10 months old, that’s how it will remain for the remainder of its life. In overbite’s the structure may worsen as the permanent teeth come in as they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary.

Structural dentition of a puppies jaw should be checked very early on to help eliminate this issue. Unfortunately most dog owners won’t notice until is late in the game. More so is the issues of backyard and/or inexplicable breeders breeding dogs with undershot/overshot jaws and potentially passing along this trait to future generations.

With an overbite, the upper jaw is longer than the lower one. When the mouth is closed, a gap between the upper and lower incisors occurs. Puppies born with an overbite will sometimes have the problem correct itself if the gap is not too large. However, a dog"s bite will usually set at ten months old. At this time improvement will not happen on its own. Your pet"s overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary.

Problems that can arise from malocclusion are; difficulty chewing, picking up food and other objects, dogs with overshot jaws tend to pick up larger chunks of food since they can"t chew nor pick up smaller morsels which can lead to choking and future intestinal issues. These dogs are also prone to tartar and plaque build up which if left untreated can lead to other significant health issues such as heart problems. Other issues are listed below:

What"s important to note is that most malocclusions do not require treatment, it"s simply how a dog will live its full life as. This is important since most breeders breeding for financial gains don"t think about. What can be done is to brush the teeth regularly to prevent abnormal build-up of tartar and plaque. A veterinarian in cases that can be solved will sometimes recommend a dental specialist if a client want to correct the teeth misalignment. Recently I"ve heard o specialist putting "braces” on puppies to realign the teeth.

#dog #dogs #puppy #pup #puppies #puppylove #pets #life #family #bulldog #maltese #mastiff #chihuahua #cockerspaniel #vet #meds #instadog #instagood #instadaily

An overbite is one of the most recognisable problems that require orthodontic treatment. Overbites can also cause health and psychological problems, so it’s an orthodontic condition that is often treated earlier rather than later. Treatment methods and times depends on the severity of the case.

An overbite is when the top jaw and teeth overlap the lower jaw and teeth. Dentists and orthodontists refer to overbites as a type malocclusion. An overbite may be vertical or horizontal. A vertical overbite is where the top teeth overlap the bottom and a horizontal overbite has the top teeth protruding over the bottom teeth (more commonly known as overjet). Some patients can have signs of both.

An overbite can also be classified as being dental or skeletal. A dental overbite is when the teeth are in the wrong position and skeletal means the jaw causes the overbite. Overbites are the most common dental disorder in children.

It’s not clear why one person develops an overbite and another doesn’t. Some people are born with malformed jaws that develop unevenly. Others may be born with a jaw that is too big or too small for the teeth resulting in crowding or large spaces and an overbite. We know that genetics play a major part so if the parents needed orthodontic treatment for an overbite, it’s more likely their children will need treatment for similar problems.

Some of the deepest overbites are due to the environment rather than genetics. A child that consistently has a dummy or sucks their thumb or finger/s regularly past the age of five is at risk of pushing the bone and front teeth forward. The top teeth and jaw grow outwards to accommodate the forward tongue while the dummy or parts of the hand can push the bottom teeth and bone back. Encouraging a child to stop thumb sucking from five is important for allowing the jaw and teeth to develop as they should.

Even when a person passes childhood with no sign of an overbite, it could still develop as a teen or adult. Chewing fingernails, biting a pen consistently or losing teeth with no follow up treatment can cause an overbite later in life.

Braces are effective for treating most overbite problems. As part of the assessment stage, x-rays help determine the overbite type and the relationship between the teeth and jaw. Braces are then attached to the top and lower arches of the teeth.

The arch wire first straightens and aligns the teeth. During the second stage of braces, elastics (small rubber bands) may be used to slowly shift the jawline into the correct position. The bands are fitted on the brackets from top to bottom or front to back to help move the teeth and jaw. The bands are removed before eating, drinking and brushing teeth and replaced. It is important to wear the bands at all times so constant pressure is applied. Wearing them on and off can cause the teeth and jaw to ache more often.

Some patients have the choice of the more concealed options of ceramic or lingual (inside) braces or Invisalign aligners to fix their overbite. It’s best to consult your orthodontist before deciding on the treatment type you want as not all treatment types are suitable for every case.

With an overbite, typically the earlier the orthodontic treatment can start the better. If a patient is grinding their teeth and clenching their jaw, they are damaging their teeth. Some overbites make teeth cleaning difficult so the patient is at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Living with regular headaches, migraines and jaw pain can impact everyday life. For some patients these health problems improve as soon as braces start moving the jaw into place.

Some adults with severe skeletal overbite and jaw problems need more than braces to correct the problem and surgery is required to reposition the jaw. Braces need to be used in combination with other treatments such as surgery or tooth extractions. An orthodontist refers patients to an oral surgeon or dentist for extractions.

Early treatment of children may include a palate expander to increase the size of the jaw to accommodate the crowded teeth in a small jaw. A larger jaw makes it an easier job for the braces to move teeth into the correct position and stops the need for removing teeth.

Parents most often recognise their child with an overbite has an orthodontic problem that needs attention. Children with an overbite will often come in earlier for treatment than other problems because they have health or psychological problems related to their teeth.

Fixing an overbite is not a cosmetic procedure, it’s a functional issue that can cause other problems. Someone with an overbite will often suffer from related health problems. Some patients will connect the two, while others only make the connection after treatment or if the orthodontist asks. The most common health problems linked to overbites are:

Headaches and migraines are common in people with an overbite because the jaw isn’t aligned. The muscles connecting the jaw to the skull overpower the lower jaw which can compress the joint and skull bone. Jaw muscles attach to the sinus and a jaw imbalance can cause sinus infections and sore throats.

During sleep, a patient with an overbite may clench their jaw, or grind their teeth. This can cause joint pain and wear on the teeth. They may recommend a retainer worn at night to protect the teeth before the overbite problem is resolved.

One of the most common problems connected to an overbite is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The joint that connects the jaw bone to the cheek bone on either side of the face allow movement for eating, drinking, talking and facial expressions. The symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw pain, pain in front of the ear, a clicking noise while eating or opening the mouth and even locking of the jaw.

Neck pain is also common in people with an overbite because the neck is closely connected to the jaw. If the jaw is imbalanced then neck or shoulder pain can result. Physiotherapy can help with the pain in the short-term but it may not resolve itself without aligning the jaw.

A deep overbite affects the look of the patient’s face. An overbite often gives the patient a recessive chin which makes their face look shorter and rounder and can make them appear older than they are. With orthodontic treatment the jaw‘s position changes because the chin comes forward and the face looks longer and narrower.

A patient with an overbite may speak with a lisp and use their tongue more which impacts on speech clarity. Fixing the overbite can often lead to improved speech in children and adults.

Protruding front teeth are the most obvious orthodontic problem. Kids are cruel and it’s an easy taunt when their peer’s teeth are so noticeable. The bullying can cause serious self-esteem issues. Many parents request treatment as early as possible before their child’s peers tease them.

Someone with an overbite is at greater risk of damaging their teeth. When the top teeth protrude past the bottom, they can chip or be knocked out during sports, an accident or just being kids. Moving the front teeth back and fixing the overbite with braces ensures the teeth are more protected from knocks and falls.

If you think you or your child has an overbite, contact The Orthodontists by calling (08) 9364 8020 or booking an appointment online to discuss your options if we think orthodontic treatment is necessary.

An underbite is a fairly common problem for children. With a normal bite, your child’s upper teeth stick out slightly farther than their lower teeth when they bite down. With an underbite, however, the lower teeth actually protrude out farther than the upper teeth.

The University of Maryland Medical Center identifies genetics as the most common cause of underbite. Some children are simply born with a natural tendency for an underbite. If you had an underbite as a child, there is a good chance your son or daughter will have the same issue.

Thumb sucking, constantly pushing one’s tongue against teeth, and extended use of a pacifier can also contribute to an underbite. But these factors are much less common than simple genetics.

Underbites are problematic because they do not look “normal.” It can make others think you are conveying an emotion that you aren’t trying to convey, which can be socially awkward, especially for children.

Not only that, but underbites can also cause difficulties with chewing and eating, excessive jaw pain (such as TMJ), challenges with speaking, tooth decay because of worn down enamel, sleep apnea, snoring, and difficulty sleeping.

Because of the many complications, it is recommended that an underbite is treated as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, which we will now explore.

There are several treatment options and they tend to vary based off the severity of the underbite. One of the reasons we recommend children visit the orthodontist by age 7 is that the earlier treatment begins, the simpler and less expensive it will be.

For some children, a simple appliance is all that is required. An upper jaw expander is a wire-frame device that we place across the child’s palate. Each night, you use a special key to widen the jaw expander a very small amount. Over time, this process causes the upper jaw to widen until there is no longer an underbite. Patients typically wear this appliance for about a year, followed by a retainer that helps hold the teeth in place.

This is another appliance, although it is slightly more complicated. It resembles headgear because it wraps around your child’s head. It uses metal bands fastened to the upper back teeth, and then pulls the upper jaw back into the correct position.

When an appliance won’t do the trick, braces probably will. Braces are the most common way to correct an underbite. Braces are made up of several components, but essentially they involve brackets bonded directly to the front of a tooth. Brackets hold the wires that move teeth in the correct position.

Braces can also include spacers or separators that create space between teeth; the rubber ties that hold the wire to the brackets; and rubber bands that attach to the brackets of both the upper and lower teeth to apply pressure and create a perfect bite.

In rare cases of extreme underbite, surgery might be required. We rarely recommend surgery and avoid it as much as possible. Treating an underbite early will help ensure treatment is easy and does not require surgery.

If your child has an underbite and you are in the Cumming, Hamilton Mill, or Suwanee, Georgia areas, then we recommend you make an appointment with us at Chattahoochee Family Orthodontics. Our team of orthodontists have extensive experience and love working with children.

Each child is unique so we will start by determining the severity of the underbite and then create a treatment plan that suits the specific needs of your child. Remember, leaving an underbite untreated can cause further complications down the road, so don’t delay!