Overbite in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL: Causes, Consequences and Treatment Strategies

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.
A smiling woman with long dark hair and an overbite, wearing a light denim shirt over a white top, showcases her smile against a plain background. Discover how Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL can transform smiles like hers.

An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. While a slight overlap is normal, an overly excessive overbite can cause various dental issues if not treated. Here’s a complete guide to help you understand the causes, signs and available treatments, so you can make informed decisions about your dental health.

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Defining Overbite vs Overjet: Common Dental Misalignments

It’s important to distinguish between an overbite and an overjet. Overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper teeth over the lower ones, while overjet refers to the horizontal space where the upper teeth stick out past the lower teeth. Identifying the correct issue is necessary to determine the best treatment.

Causes of Severe Overjet and Overbite

Serious overjet or overbite can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Irregular bone development in the jaw
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Misaligned teeth
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Genetic predisposition
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Childhood habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use

Understanding these causes is key to developing a personalized and effective treatment plan.

At Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL, a young woman with long blonde hair wears a light blue top and presses her fingers to the corners of her mouth for a forced smile that reveals a slight overbite against a plain background.
A close-up shows braces expertly aligning teeth and correcting an overbite at Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.

Signs and Symptoms of an Overbite

Identifying an overbite early can prevent complications and improve the chances of successful treatment. Look out for these warning signs:

A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Upper teeth significantly overlapping the lower teeth
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.The upper teeth appearing much larger or more visible than the lower teeth.
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Difficulty in closing the mouth properly
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Potential facial imbalance or jaw discomfort

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to visit Dr. Alex Levine for an assessment.

Potential Health Issues
from Untreated Overbite

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Ignoring an overbite can have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. Some potential issues that may arise include:

Jaw pain and discomfort

TMJ disorders

Tooth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene

Risk of tooth decay and gum disease

Speech difficulties

Negative impact on self-confidence

A woman with long dark hair, wearing a black and white striped shirt and standing against a plain white background, smiles and clasps her hands together, subtly revealing an overbite—an issue expertly addressed by Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Overbite Severity

At Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, Dr. Alex Levine, our skilled orthodontist, conducts thorough evaluations during routine dental visits. He carefully examines your teeth alignment and assesses the severity of any overbite. Detecting issues early and providing precise assessments are essential in creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Treatment Methods to Fix an Overbite

There are various effective ways to treat overbites depending on their severity. Options available at Levine Orthodontics include:

A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Orthodontic treatments using Invisalign, clear aligners, metal braces, and ceramic braces to realign teeth and adjust your bite properly.
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.In severe cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to correct irregularities in the alignment of the jaw.
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.After treatment, orthodontic appliances like retainers maintain the new alignment to prevent teeth from shifting back.

Our team will guide you through every step and recommend the most suitable options for your comfort and lifestyle.

Overbite treatment at Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.

Braces and Invisalign Clear Aligners

Braces are a reliable option to fix crooked teeth and correct overbites. Severe situations might require additional gear like rubber bands, bite pads, or tooth extractions along with braces. For more discreet care, clear braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners work well for mild to moderate cases.

Surgical Intervention

In cases where overbites result from skeletal irregularities, surgery may be needed. The process involves realigning the jaw, paired with orthodontic treatment, to achieve the best outcome. Recovery typically includes time off work or school to allow for physical healing and adjustment.

Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies

The best way to avoid severe overbites and overjets is early intervention. The American Association of Orthodontists advises children to see an orthodontist by age 7 to catch any dental misalignments early. Additionally, ending childhood habits like thumb-sucking is important to reduce risks.

Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL offers a dental clinic equipped with stylish green chairs and stools, vibrant artwork, a practical sink and well-stocked counters to address concerns like overbite with precision and care.
In a well-lit dental office, a young woman in the chair watches as her braces are adjusted to correct an overbite, holding a green mirror. Nearby stands an assistant at Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Orthodontist

Selecting a skilled orthodontist is vital in achieving proper results for overbite or overjet treatments. At Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, Dr. Alex Levine specializes in creating customized treatment plans for all patients. From traditional braces to Invisalign, whatever treatment is required, Dr. Levine ensures the best outcomes that improve your teeth, bite functionality and facial symmetry. His expertise guarantees stunning and lasting results.

FAQ

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.

Is it OK to have an overbite?

A minor overbite is typical and may not need treatment. However, a significant overbite that covers most of the lower teeth could cause problems and should be checked by Dr. Alex Levine for proper care.

What causes an overbite?

An overbite can develop because of genetics, childhood behaviors like thumb-sucking or pacifier use, or jaw growth issues. These factors influence teeth and jaw positioning over time.

How can an overbite be corrected?

Correction depends on the specific case. Common solutions include braces, clear aligners, or orthodontic appliances for milder conditions. Severe cases may need surgery to reposition the jaw along with orthodontic care.
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