Overbites and Underbites
How Overbites and Underbites Affect Your Life

Overbites and underbites are dental health issues that affect many both the young and old. The issues result from misalignment of teeth, giving one discomfort when chewing food. If one visits a Barrie dentist regularly, the problem can be identified and corrected when one is still young. If it goes untreated, it will result to more dental problems as one grows up.
Are you looking for new teeth-in-a-day to transform your loose teeth or old dentures into a confidence-boosting smile? If so, Dr. Adam Chapnick, a renowned cosmetic dentist in Toronto, is here for you. We will make sure your self-esteem remains high as you improve your social connections. The immediately functional Toronto cosmetic dentistry we provide will get you talking, smiling, and laughing without any worries.
Treatment
Custom made appliances: Appliances like expanders, retainers and headgear can be used to fix the problem. However, they might be a bit uncomfortable for the young ones and thus should only be used where necessary. A chip cap can be used for children who are too young for an invasive process. For overbite problems, headgears are attached to the braces, pulling back the upper jaw.
A dentist Barrie will determine the best treatment for you depending on the degree of the problem. Misalignment should be cared for immediately it is noticed. Therefore, start taking your children to the dentist early enough. He or she will be able to identify the issues early and come up with an effective treatment plan. Without treatment, the effects may become worse in future.
Effects of Overbites & Underbites
- Chewing difficulties
- Strain in the teeth and jaw muscles
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Tooth decay
- Wear of the tooth and enamel
- Gum disease
- Abnormal appearance
- Speech impairment
Braces: Braces are the most common treatment options for underbites. Initially, there were only metal braces, but with advanced aesthetic dentistry Barrie, you can now get invisalign braces which are not visible. Consider invisible braces if your child is self-conscious about the metal braces.
Surgery: If the underbite or overbite is too severe, surgery may be required to fix it. Surgery is usually done for adults. It involves pushing the jaw backward or forward. A patient may be required to wear braces first before the surgery.
OVERBITES & UNDERBITES
Overbite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones. Overbite is not a big problem if it’s not large. Most people actually do have it and it does not affect their lives. However, when it is too large, it becomes a problem. Causes of overbites include:
- Genetics: Genes can cause the upper jaw to be too developed or the lower jaw to be underdeveloped.
- Thumb sucking
Underbite
An underbite is a condition where the lower teeth protrude above the upper teeth. The lower teeth cover the upper teeth giving one an unusual appearance. Some causes of underbites include:
- Heredity: Children from parents who have an underbite have a high chance of developing one too.
- Thumb sucking
- Extended use of sucking bottle or pacifier
- Constant thrusting of the tongue against the teeth
For adults, if you feel that your misalignment is affecting your smile, consider cosmetic dentistry Barrie. Your cosmetic dentist will work on the misaligned teeth to give you a beautiful smile that restores your confidence. Whether it is for dental functionality or cosmetics, it is advisable to have overbites and underbites fixed by a professional.
We are a Family-Friendly Practice
At our dental office, we provide family dentistry services. Toronto and Barrie dentist, Dr. Adam Chapnick, works with every child to build trust and comfort throughout the entire dental visit process.