Overbite


	[The College] [The Center]

I am a 29 year old male. I sucked my thumb till I was about 10 years old. I never had any dental work done after the age of 8. My upper teeth in front are pulled forward into the crossbite, but more so on the right side so that my lips don't look right. My bottom teeth have been affected by the top so that they do not match up. This is very uncomfortable, especially when I am tired. I am embarrassed to even open my mouth for the dentist. My teeth are not in bad shape otherwise. I do brush them well. How should I begin to get help?

I would recommend you seek a consultation with an orthodontist in your community. The condition you describe will be evaluated to determine the most effective treatment approach. If the condition is as you have described it may be handled orthodontically. If there are more severe skeletal problems evident, a combination approach of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery may be recommended.

Richard Ceen, DDS, FACD
Professor
Department of Orthodontics

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