How can an overbite with bridges and crowns on the top teeth be corrected?

Question

I lost 3 teeth on top do to an accident and had bridges and crowns to fix my upper teeth, however, years later am having jaw pain and have a deep overbite. I feel as if a have to move my bottom jaw back in order to chew. What are options for treatment of my overbite? Braces aren't an option as I understand because of bridges.

Donald L. Wilcox, DDS · Answer

Definitely a throrogh exam is needed by someone knowledgeable in occulsion (bite), restorative dentistry, and TMJ.  From your description, sounds like your lower jaw is positioned too far back and closed down too much.  Sometimes the jaw muscles can accomodate to a bad bite for many years but eventually symptoms can develop.  Your options most likely would include orthodontics or a reconstruction to position your jaw and teeth in a more physiologic position to alleviate your symptoms.

Martin Frankel, DDS · Answer

It is difficult to answer your question without seeing the situation and your jaw and tooth relationships.  Just some interesting points to consider.  We people are very adaptable to subtle changes in our body. We can often go many years adapting to a less than ideal situation by making postural compensations.  What I have seen in the past in situations like yours is related to the contour of the bridges and crowns on the back of the teeth.  If the back is too thick for example, the lower jaw must adapt by posturing itself in a more retruded positon than would be ideal.  Over years this can create a lot of wear and tear and break down of the jaw joints, and create fatigued overworked jaw muscles.  This deterioration process can lead to discomfort and pain. I agree that you would be well served by a dentist who is knowledgeable about jaw alignment, tooth contours, occlusion, and how to bring these together to help solve your problem.

Pamela Marzban, DDS · Answer

When braces are not an option, you must be evaluated by a TMD specialist and /or Neuromuscular dentist that will look into detail about your bite and how it is al related to the jaw.TMJ problems can originate from a misaligned bite, called malocclusion, as well as physical, emotional, and psychological stress. These factors can push the TMJ joint out of its natural, relaxed position, leading to strain on the surrounding muscles and nerves, which in turn can lead to:

	- Chewing problems

	- Clenching and grinding

	- Neck,back and shoulder pain

	Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on TMJ/TMD diagnosis and treatment through an understanding of the relationship between the joints, nerves, muscles, tendons and bones that affect your jaw alignment and bite position.

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

Very difficult but can be done first I suggest you consider neuro muscular dental care to make sure if your bite is changes your muscles can tolerate the treatment, If they can an orthodic splint should be made after the neuromuscular analysis and you would wear a temporary fixed bridge for 3-4 months if no TMJ problems the final bridge would be inserted good luck

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD  CEO Baystate Dental PC

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

You will need to have a thorough exam and consultation by an experienced dentist who understands not only occlusion but orthodontics and TMJ Dysfunction as well. A bridge does NOT preclude you from having orthodontic treatment. Your most pressing problem is the jaw pain as this can affect your entire body if it is related to TMJ Dysfunction. 

	Good luck!

How can an overbite with bridges and crowns on the top teeth be corrected?

Answers (6)

Answer: How do I correct overbite or over jet without braces?

Answer: How do I correct overbite or over jet without braces?

Answer: Correcting an Overbite with Bridges and Crowns

Answer: Correcting an Overbite with Bridges and Crowns

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How can an overbite with bridges and crowns on the top teeth be corrected?

Answers (6)

Answer: How do I correct overbite or over jet without braces?

Answer: How do I correct overbite or over jet without braces?

Answer: Correcting an Overbite with Bridges and Crowns

Answer: Correcting an Overbite with Bridges and Crowns

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bridge

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.