Over half of all orthodontic patients undergo braces treatment yearly to fix underbite and overbite issues. If you seek a practice to realign your smile, you are not alone! Dr. Varallo and the Varallo Orthodontics team are experts in helping patients regain their confidence and achieve the smile they deserve. Read on to learn more about these conditions, how to recognize early signs and the treatment options we provide.
What Are Bite Issues?
Commonly referred to as malocclusion by orthodontists, bite issues are irregularities or misalignments in your jaw, referring to how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you close your mouth. Various circumstances, including genetics, general development, facial injury, and early childhood habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, can cause them.
There are two commonly diagnosed types that patients come in to get fixed: an overbite and an underbite. The former is when your upper teeth overlap with your lower teeth. It is also known as a deep bite when more severe. An underbite is the opposite, in which the lower teeth jut past the upper, causing an imbalance. Varallo Orthodontics strives to shift your teeth back into an ideal position: your upper teeth comfortably lying just past your bottom row.
Recognizing Issues Early
There are issues you can be on the lookout for when recognizing an early bad bite. Temperature sensitivity is one of these signs. When your teeth are misaligned, too much pressure can be placed on specific teeth from everyday actions like chewing, leaving you more susceptible to wearing down your protective enamel layer and exposing them to what they come in contact with. It may also be uncomfortable to bite down on your food due to the angle your teeth are at.
Speech difficulties are another common sign of a poor bite. The placement of your teeth affects your diction and how you speak, making it challenging to pronounce certain words. This can weigh on your confidence in both professional and personal environments. Some of these signs can also be indications of similar issues. However, if you recognize any of these discomforts in your life, we encourage you to come in so Dr. Varallo can provide more information.
When Should You Get Treated?
As soon as you notice the early issues, Dr. Varallo recommends coming in for a consultation so you can learn more about your oral health. Some patients experience problems before their teenage years, while other patients’ teeth may shift later in adulthood. It is never too late to undergo orthodontic treatment. The earlier you can spot it, the more straightforward care can be. However, no matter the condition of your smile, you can come into our offices assured your bite issues will be resolved.
What Happens If Left Untreated?
Leaving an overbite or underbite untreated can intensify the above side effects on both your physical and mental health and necessitate more invasive treatment to resolve them. This can also negatively affect other areas of your general health connected to your teeth’ function. Dr. Varallo stresses the importance of being seen early on so our team can get straight to work in helping you achieve the smile you deserve.
Enjoy Benefits Beyond Aesthetics!
Boost Your Confidence
In addition to health benefits, you can expect a boost in your confidence. Hiding your smile can have adverse effects on your mental health. When you don’t have to think about your smile’s appearance in front of friends and family members, you can enjoy a more fulfilling life by not being afraid to display your happiness. Nothing makes our team happier than seeing our patients leave our office with a huge grin at the end of treatment.
Straightforward Oral Hygiene Routines
With perfectly aligned teeth, your child can expect an easier time with everyday oral hygiene routines by eliminating hard-to-reach areas after treatment. When they brush and floss their teeth, there will be fewer places for food and bacteria to hide and evade cleaning. Proper cleaning twice a day helps to preserve their original teeth and keep them healthy in the long term.
Improved Everyday Function
When your teeth can properly chew your food into small, bite-sized pieces, you can expect smoother digestion and fewer stomach issues after eating. Less work for your stomach speeds up this process and even increases your metabolism. Biting will also become a much more comfortable experience and may encourage you to try new foods you avoided before! You can look forward to your general health improving as your treatment continues.
Your Treatment Options
Braces are incredible orthodontic appliances that can fix countless issues, including overbites and underbites. Varallo Orthodontics is proud to offer our patients options for finding care that fits their treatment and aesthetic goals.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are an excellent aesthetic choice for those interested in a nearly invisible appliance and effective treatment. They are made of ceramic, tooth-colored components, blending in with your smile. This appliance uses stain-resistant technology, so you won’t have to worry about coffee, chocolate or other dark liquids and foods discoloring your braces.
Metal Braces
Known for their strength and efficient treatment, metal braces remain a popular choice among our patients. Though they have been around for years, they have advanced far past their once bulky appearance. Metal braces now use sleeker brackets and thinner wires for a comfortable transition into wear. Like clear braces, they place slight pressure in different directions on your teeth over a long period until perfect alignment is reached.
Achieve Your Smile Goals with Varallo Orthodontics!
Now that you know more about how Varallo Orthodontics treats overbites and underbites with braces, we hope you feel confident to begin care with our incredible team. We provide free consultations with Dr. Varallo at our Arlington and Burlington practices and proudly serve the surrounding areas. Schedule yours today to learn more about your oral health and how we can support your smile journey!