Atlanta Cosmetic Dentistry: The Importance of Treating an Underbite

1. July 3, 2017 Atlanta Cosmetic Dentistry: The Importance of Treating an Underbite An underbite presents more problems than aesthetics alone. It can affect a person’s overall health, with certain complications causing pain and excessive wear and tear, as well as chewing and speech problems. For some, it can even cause low self-esteem. With all the problems that an underbite can cause, it becomes ever more important to have it addressed by an Atlanta cosmetic dentistry practitioner. Page | 1

2. What is an underbite? An underbite is a type of misalignment in the teeth where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. The degree of misalignment can vary between mild and extreme, wherein the gap between the upper and lower teeth is so wide that they can’t meet at all. That said, even slight underbites can cause significant problems. What causes underbites? Underbites and other forms of teeth misalignment are generally caused by genetics, which means they run in the family. This makes it difficult to prevent them. Less frequently, underbites can be caused by childhood behaviors such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, bad chewing habits, etc. What happens if an underbite is left untreated? Underbites almost always require treatment—even the mildest ones. This is because an underbite condition doesn’t reverse on their own, unlike with overbites, where mild conditions don’t always require intervention. An underbite can cause a wide array of issues as people age without treatment. Possible complications that may arise from an untreated underbite include: ● Temporomandibular joint disorder ● Rapid wear and tear of tooth enamel ● Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease ● Speech impediments ● Changes to one’s facial structure and appearance Page | 2

3. Treating an underbite If you observe underbite in your child, it pays to address it early. Treating an underbite at its earliest stages is crucial to ensuring the shortest and most comfortable means of treatment possible. Several underbite correction methods exist, from orthodontic appliances to jaw surgery. Atlanta cosmetic dentistry practitioners such as Dr. Jeffery Ballard of Buckhead Dental Partners performs bite adjustments to re-shape teeth and correct the way they connect. Get in touch with us so we can evaluate your bite and discuss possible treatment methods. About Buckhead Dental Partners Buckhead Dental Partners is dedicated to providing our clients with the best dental care possible. We invest in the most trusted tools and research the latest techniques in order to improve the quality of dental healthcare that we give. Our Atlanta dentist offers a wide array of services including general and cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening, veneers and dental surgery. With more than seventeen years of dental experience, Dr. Jeffery Ballard, Atlanta dentist, is the leader of our great team at Buckhead Dental Partners. Atlanta residents in search of a dependable and professional Buckhead dentist are invited to drop by at our office and experience top-quality dental care with a warm and caring touch. Source: Types of Underbite Correction Treatment and How to Choose, Colgate.com Page | 3