When it comes to achieving a harmonious smile and a functional bite, the alignment of your teeth plays a pivotal role. Not only is it important that your teeth are straight, but that your bite is properly aligned so that your upper and lower teeth come together evenly. If you have an overbite or underbite issue, you may be wondering if modern dental technology, such as dental implants, can help. In this blog, follow along as we explain the answer to this question and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your oral health.
What are Overbites and Underbites?
If you’re not already familiar with the terms overbite or underbite, here’s a short explanation. An overbite is a condition where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, while an underbite is characterized by the lower teeth extending beyond the upper teeth. Overbites cause the upper teeth and jaw to jut forward giving a person the appearance of having buck teeth. An underbite can get in the way of biting and chewing, ultimately leading to digestive problems, TMJ, worn teeth, headaches, and even neck and shoulder pain.
These “bite misalignments” as they’re often called can cause cosmetic problems, such as creating a distorted facial appearance, as well as lead to more serious health issues, including jaw pain and dysfunction, speech problems, and tooth decay. Ultimately, overbites and underbites need to be corrected through orthodontic treatment, but depending on the underlying problem, the treatment process varies.
How Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth roots. Over time, implants can fuse with the bone, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth. While primarily known for their role in replacing lost teeth, implants can also play a part in orthodontic treatments by providing the necessary support for correcting certain types of bite misalignments, including underbites and overbites.
How Dental Implants Can Fix Underbites
Fixing an underbite, especially one stemming from skeletal discrepancies, often requires a multifaceted approach. Orthodontic treatments like dental implants can realign teeth to a certain extent, but when the issue lies within the jaw’s structure, surgery may be necessary.
Dental implants can be incredibly beneficial. Not only can they replace any teeth that may have been removed but also work in tandem with other treatments, such as jaw surgery, to ensure the lower jaw remains in its new, corrected position.
How Dental Implants Can Fix Overbites
Similarly, dental implants can also play a role in correcting overbites, although their applicability varies. In some cases, implants can help reposition the jaw and improve the alignment of the teeth, ultimately correcting an overbite. However, in severe cases of overbite where the jaw itself is misaligned, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.
Tying it All Together
Generally, implants are not a direct solution to an overbite or underbite correction, but they can help ensure the long-term success of various surgical inventions and other orthodontic adjustments.
Schedule a Consultation at Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry
Ultimately, understanding whether dental implants can address an underbite or overbite in your specific case will require a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon. Each person’s mouth is unique, which is why treatment plans should always be tailored to your needs and goals. If you’re wondering if dental implants can fix your underbite or overbite, and you live in Austin, Texas, consider working with Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry.
We proudly offer dental implants in Austin, and our dental specialists can help you decide on a treatment path that works for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!