Will a 6mm overbite in a 14yo get worse and cause problems or can it be left alone?

[WordInYourShellLike]

I'd really appreciate hearing from parents who've been down the twin blocks route (or decided against) with their DC or any adults whose overbite was untreated. Also, if there are any orthodontists out there, I would love to hear some unbiased opinions. I've tried to find out more about the consequences of either choice but can only find websites of orthodontic practices, rather than those offering a more general point of view.

DS14 has an appointment on Monday to have impressions taken for the twin blocks and I'm really worried. Due to COVID he had to go in on his own for the first 2 appointments and they didn't tell him anything or provide any information to his dad, who went with him. On the third appointment they finally gave us some information and the twin blocks plan came as an unpleasant surprise as he was originally referred for a partially impacted canine.

Knowing that DS has a very low pain threshold, that he has struggled with his mental health during the pandemic, and that he doesn't enjoy school and doesn't have many friends there, I am really concerned about how he will cope, based on threads I have read on here from parents whose children were going through the procedure.

So is a 6mm overbite going to get much worse and could it cause problems in later life? We didn't even realise he had one, it doesn't seem to have caused him any problems so far. It was never commented on during any dental check ups. The canine will require a hospital visit at some point and of course that will be going ahead but are the twin blocks more for the sake of his appearance? He's very clear that he's not bothered about this although I realise he may change his mind on that point eventually. I don't want him to go through the pain, discomfort, embarrassment, having to only eat soft food for months, difficulties at school as he won't have time to clean them after lunch, etc if it's not strictly necessary. And if he knows it's not strictly necessary then we're going to have a huge amount of trouble getting him to keep them in anyway!

Hi,
After some advice from parents of twin block wearers please. My son had his a few days ago, he's doing ok considering and we knew they wouldnt be easy to begin with. What is concerning me most however is when he removes them he cant get his back teeth to meet without moving his bottom jaw to the side, If he bites down normally they dont meet so chewing is difficult. Anyone experienced this and its got better, i'm worried its always going to be a problem - you cant chew with your front teeth!! Thanks in advance

@WordInYourShellLike
I have an overbite myself and had invisalign 10 years ago to correct my goofy teeth!! My overbite is still there as i'd have had to have my jaw broken to sort that but it really doesnt bother me at all. My teeth used to stick out and that was my concern not the overbite. However my son has 'my teeth' and he's just started witha twin block before he has his braces. I have never ebcountered issues due to my overbite (I'm 40 now). If it doesnt bother your son and his teeth look good may not be worth it. As my son needs braces anyway he's going with the twin block but to be honest he's already saying he doesnt care about his overbite and can he leave the twin block (only been 2 days though). It is a big thing for them so unless your sons teeth really 'need' fixing asthetically I'm not sure I'd do it.

@DLCDLC

Hi, After some advice from parents of twin block wearers please. My son had his a few days ago, he's doing ok considering and we knew they wouldnt be easy to begin with. What is concerning me most however is when he removes them he cant get his back teeth to meet without moving his bottom jaw to the side, If he bites down normally they dont meet so chewing is difficult. Anyone experienced this and its got better, i'm worried its always going to be a problem - you cant chew with your front teeth!! Thanks in advance

My son has had his twin-blocks for over two months now and the way his back teeth 'bite' is constantly changing as his jaw moves and muscles adjust. He had a check up after 7 weeks and his over-jet had gone from 14mm to 7mm in those first few week, so they're definitely working. If you're concerned then I'd give the orthodontist a ring with any questions.

@SaffyWall
thanks so much for replying. I will contact them to put our minds at rest but good to know that its not unusual for the bite to change so much! Thanks again x

I have a large overbite 13mm.
My parents were also advised my jaw would require being broken and re-set, they declined.

I don’t mind it at all. I like my teeth, mouth and side profile. Am also happy that my face shape wasn’t changed.

I have some minor issues with biting food (but I’ve never known any different), mouth breathing and a very slight lisp (which may all be attributed to my overbite, but likely a combination of that and mouth shape in general).

All in all, I’m very happy it wasn’t addressed.