Should You Surgically Correct Your Overbite?
Posted on 11/1/2024 by Young Jun DDS MD FACS |
 An overbite is a common condition where your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth significantly.
While a slight overbite is normal, a severe one can cause various problems impacting your oral health, facial appearance, and even self-esteem.
If you are considering correcting your overbite, understanding the potential benefits and risks of surgery is crucial for making an informed decision.
Understanding Overbites
An overbite can occur due to several factors, including genetics, childhood habits like thumb sucking, and jaw development issues.
Depending on the severity, overbites can cause:
| • |
Chewing and biting difficulties: Difficulty chewing food properly can lead to digestive problems and malnutrition. |
| • |
Speech impediments: An overbite can affect the way you pronounce certain sounds, impacting communication. |
| • |
Tooth wear: Excessive force on the front teeth can lead to uneven wear, chipping, and even tooth loss. |
| • |
Gum disease and bone loss: Overbites can make it harder to clean your teeth effectively, increasing the risk of gum disease and bone loss. |
| • |
Jaw pain and headaches: The misalignment of your jaw can cause discomfort, pain, and even headaches. |
Considering Surgical Correction
If you're experiencing any of these issues due to your overbite, surgical correction might be recommended by your dentist or orthodontist. While orthodontic treatment like braces can address some overbites, surgery is often necessary for severe cases.
There are two main types of overbite correction surgeries:
| • |
Orthognathic surgery: This surgery involves repositioning the upper and/or lower jaw bones to achieve proper alignment. |
| • |
Le Fort I osteotomy: This surgery focuses on repositioning the upper jawbone, often used for severe overbites with recessed upper jaws. |
Both procedures are performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons in hospitals under general anesthesia. Recovery typically involves a few days in the hospital followed by several weeks of soft food diet and limited physical activity.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
Like any surgery, correcting an overbite through surgery comes with potential benefits and risks.
Benefits
| • |
Improved oral function: Proper alignment allows for better chewing, biting, and speaking. |
| • |
Reduced risk of dental problems: Improved alignment reduces the risk of tooth wear, gum disease, and bone loss. |
| • |
Enhanced facial aesthetics: A balanced facial profile can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem. |
| • |
Pain relief: Correcting jaw misalignment can alleviate jaw pain and headaches. |
Risks
| • |
Surgical risks: Like any surgery, potential complications include bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. |
| • |
Discomfort and recovery time: The surgery itself and the post-operative period require pain management and dietary restrictions. |
| • |
Cost: Surgical correction is typically expensive and may not be covered by insurance. |
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision to surgically correct your overbite should be made in consultation with our dental and surgical professionals.
They will assess your individual case, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and help you determine if surgery is the best option for achieving optimal oral health and aesthetic goals.
Remember, proper oral care and regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing issues like overbites. If you have concerns about your overbite, consult our oral surgeon for personalized advice and treatment options! |
|
