How much of an overbite do you have to have to consider braces? our dentist recommended that we should look into getting braces for our daughter due to her overbite. i'll admit that she does have a very slight overbite, but it doesn't bother her, and it's

That : That question is best answered by having a consultation with an orthodontist in your area. Without seeing any information or doing an examination personally on her it wouldn't be appropriate to say one way or another. However, the ideal form and function is that the front teeth should touch as well as overlap by 3-4 mm.

Overbites : Overbites can get worse with time. It is a good idea to correct it as soon as it is diagnosed. In addition, overbites can lead to future crowding, TMJ and functional bite problems. You and your daughter will be happy that you corrected it early. Good luck.

First : First of all let's describe what an overbite is: an overbite is an overlap of the upper front teeth vertically over the bottom teeth. Some people mistake the word overbite for a condition orthodontists call overjet. Overjet is where the top teeth stick-out or jet-out past the bottom teeth in a forward or protrusion direction. So specifically, overbite is a vertical measurement not a horizontal measurement as would be described in overjet. Everybody should have a slight amount of overbite or overlap with the top teeth covering in front of and over the bottom teeth. However more than approximately 1 to 2 mm of overlap is an excessive amount of overbite or sometimes described as a deep bite. Problems which may arise out of a deep bite problem would include excessive wear of the lower and upper anterior teeth and the potential for recession of gingival (gum) tissue from behind the upper front teeth. It is also possible that some temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) problems could result.

As : As previously stated by dr.Ryan k tamburrino and dr.Ryan k tamburrino any deformity or inadequate bite has to be resolved at your earliest opportunity available, because if left alone may develop into a complication that could have been avoided. I understand and i'm sorry, you are questioning your dentist's advise, or you are not communicating good enough. I would like to wish to you good luck in finding an orthodontist you feel comfortable with, to take care of your daughter.

Elective: Orthodontics is an elective procedure. It does not need to be fixed. However, if the overbite (you probably mean overjet) is severe, it does put the upper front teeth at risk for trauma i.e. Fracture. In that case it is a worthwhile and in the end less costly procedure throughout her life. Get another opinion to make yourself comfortable. Best of luck!

Opinion: If the dentist has determined that an orthodontic opinion is recommended, why not follow through with the specialist to determine your daughter's needs. An overbite is unlikely to ever "bother" anyone; however, correcting it may be an improvement esthetically and functionally.

Seek consultation: Why don't you seek information from the orthodontist your dentist recommended? That way you can make an informed decision based on a thorough understanding of your child's malrelationships. If it doesn't look right, it probably doesn't fit and function right, either. A small overbite my not be serious, but what else is going on...

I agree. Orthodontic: Treatment is not merely for cosmetic purposes. Abnormal alignment of the maxilla & mandible can lead to temporo- mandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome in adulthood with chronic neck pain, sleeping problems, jaw pain and migraines. Overbites can cause teeth to wear unevenly. Seek 2 orthodontic opinions to assure yourself that the money will be well-spent.