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Featured, Orthodontics

Overbite Correction Treatments: How to Fix an Overbite

When you think of a perfect smile, images of perfectly aligned teeth tend to come to mind. However, in reality, many adults and children are not born with an ideal set of teeth.

When you think of a perfect smile, images of perfectly aligned teeth tend to come to mind. However, in reality, many adults and children are not born with an ideal set of teeth. Malocclusions – the medical term for the misalignment of teeth – is a widespread phenomenon even in society today.

Fortunately, most of these malocclusions are easy to correct with the appropriate treatment. In this blog, we’ll be focusing specifically on one of the most common types of malocclusions that we treat – the overbite.

What Is an Overbite?

As the term suggests, an overbite describes a misalignment of teeth where the upper teeth overlap in front of the lower set of teeth.

The ideal smile involves the top teeth overlapping the bottom teeth, touching slightly for protective purposes. The problem only comes when there is a larger allowance in between. 

What Causes an Overbite?

While overbites can be genetic due to the shape and size of your jaw or teeth, there are things that you can do as a child or adult that could result in the development of an overbite over time.

Here are some habits that you should try to avoid preventing an overbite from developing:

  • Sucking on thumbs or pacifier use over prolonged periods can cause the back of the teeth to be pushed forward by the tongue, creating an overbite.
  • Habitual biting and chewing behaviors with nails or pencil end also push the teeth forward.
  • Teeth grinding.

Does An Overbite Cause Health Complications?

Apart from aesthetics, overbites could also extend to other possible health complications, so it’s essential to get treated as soon as possible. 

Some possible health complications related to overbites include:

  • Damage to teeth due to misalignment – with a gap between the two layers of teeth, the bottom layer of teeth is exposed and can be damaged more easily.
  • Jaw pain and discomfort while eating.
  • Cause sleep apnea due to the blockage of airflow.
  • Difficulty in maintaining teeth health resulting in poor dental hygiene and related issues.
  • And much more.

How to Fix an Overbite?

Are you interested in getting your overbite corrected? The first step is to visit an orthodontist who will review your case individually and come up with the best treatment plan for you.

Here are some possible overbite correction treatments that we use here at Dunegan & Cole Orthodontics:

  • Removal of teeth to allow room for the teeth to become realigned
  • Growth modification gadgets such as expanders to help reposition the jaw (common in teenagers experiencing growth spurts)
  • Braces to slowly realign the teeth to correct the overbite and retainers to keep them in position once an ideal state is present.
  • Surgery for severe skeletal jaw issues (only recommended for adults)

Tip: Don’t wait until your overbite is causing you problems to seek treatment! For children, the earlier you get checked, the more straightforward the treatment will be! 

Are you interested to learn more about overbite correction?

Contact us at Dunegan & Cole Orthodontics for a free consultation. Ask us anything about your overbite teeth and learn about our recommended treatments to fix overbites.

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Featured, Gainesville Favorites

Gainesville Virginia Favorites: Must-Visit Restaurants as Shared by The Dunegan & Cole Team!

Whether you’re passing through, just moved, or looking to become a tourist in your own town, the team at Dunegan & Cole Orthodontics wants to share with you our local Gainesville, Virginia favorites in our newest blog series!

As a local business in the Gainesville, Virginia area, our team at Dunegan & Cole has had the opportunity to thoroughly explore everything from the local landmarks, restaurants to fun family activities!

Whether you’re passing through, just moved, or looking to become a tourist in your own town, the team at Dunegan & Cole Orthodontics wants to share with you our local Gainesville, Virginia favorites in our newest blog series!

In this series, we poll our staff for their takes on “Must Visit Restaurants”!

Read on to learn more!

Jimbo’s Grill

Photo Courtesy of Uber Eats

A hot favorite staff choice, picked by Mary (our Office Manager), Cierra (our Treatment Coordinator), Jyllian (our Clinical Coordinator), Lorrie and Erica (our Clinical Assistants), and Michael Dunegan (one of our resident Doctors).

Jimbo’s Grill, affectionately known to the locals simply as Jimbo’s is a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike! 

Part quintessential sports bar and part casual dining restaurant, Jimbo’s serves up amazing classic American fare (from hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, chips, steak to wings, and more), drinks, and a fun atmosphere throughout the day!

Wondering what you should pick from the menu? Mary and Erica both agree that they have some of the best wings around, so that definitely should not be missed!

Location: 7901 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville, VA 20155

Tel: (571) 248-0752

La Finca Mexican Restaurant

Photo Courtesy of Yelp

A personal favorite of David Cole (one of our resident Doctors)

Even though it has been open only a short while (early 2021), La Finca has already worked its way into the hearts and minds of local foodies – just ask Dr. Cole who could not stop raving to us about the great ambiance and amazing food!

As a Mexican-themed restaurant, you can expect regular favorites from tacos, fajitas, chimichangas, burritos as well as many other authentic flavorful Mexican dishes served up in large  portions.

Now you know where to get your Mexican fix whenever you are in town!

Location: 7615 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville, VA 20155

Tel: (571) 261-9259

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Photo Courtesy of BJ’s Brewhouse

Kathi Reed, our treatment Coordinator shares her favorite steak place in town!

Go for their award-winning handcrafted beer and stay for their awesome food!

Can’t decide on what to have for a meal? BJ’s famously extensive food and drinks menu that ranges from pizzas, soups, and salads, a wide variety of entrees, different kinds of pasta, burgers, sandwiches, wines, handcrafted beer, draft beer, and more. Bj’s is bound to be able to settle any cravings you might have.

Location: 13930 Promenade Commons St., Gainesville, VA 20155

Tel: (571) 222-6950

Which Are Your Personal Favorite Restaurants in Gainesville Virginia?

Other staff picks include:

  • Firebirds (Whitney Legue, Business Assistant)
  • Uncle Julios (Brenda Ramos, Business Assistant)
  • Pizza NY Margherita (Lezy Pineda, Clinical Assistant)
  • Rockwood (Tanya Jovel, Clinical Assistant)
  • The Bone (Madeline Snider, Clinical Assistant)
  • Chick Fil A (Ashley Ugarriza, Clinical Assistant)

Is our list missing out on your personal favorite? Let us know on your next visit! We absolutely cannot wait to try out even more exciting food around the area!

Stay tuned for more staff picks coming soon! 

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