An overbite occurs when misaligned teeth overlap with one another, causing a bigger gap between your upper teeth and lower teeth than should be there. Not only can an overbite create aesthetic issues for people affected, but it can also cause oral health issues when left untreated. When your overbite is affecting your everyday life, it's time to look for a treatment plan.
Today we're looking into whether braces are the best treatment for overbites, and whether they're a viable option for you.
An overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. You can often spot an overbite by teeth protruding over each other. While you might not think an overbite is a big issue other than aesthetic purposes, untreated overbites can actually lead to several issues, such as jaw pain, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Overbites are often caused by the shape and size of the jaw or teeth. Too much room in the jaw could mean too much space to accommodate your teeth, as well as too little room meaning not enough space for your teeth.
It's also been indicated that young habits could lead to an increased chance of overbites, such as thumb sucking or overuse of pacifiers. Losing teeth can also increase the risk of an overbite if they're not treated quickly. Here are a few more causes of overbites:
Genetics
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TLD)
Grinding teeth
Teeth clenching
Traditional braces are the most common type of braces, and they're what most of us think of when we think of braces. Metal braces are effective, safe, and usually one of the most affordable options. They're made of metal brackets bonded to the teeth, with wire attaching them with tiny elastic bands making a chain along the teeth. The tension created by the elastic bands can move the teeth to realign them with the rest.
Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces in the way they work and how they can treat an overbite. The only difference between these two types of braces is the colour, as ceramic braces are teeth coloured and, therefore blend into your smile better.
Ceramic braces are more fragile than metal braces, so there's a slight risk of needing more frequent repairs with this type of braces.
Lingual braces are another type of aesthetic braces, as the brackets are attached to the back of the teeth rather than the front. These are popular among people who don't want people to see that they're wearing braces.
Unfortunately, only a select number of people can use lingual braces for overbite treatment. This is because if your overbite is too strong, the pressure of your teeth might put too much tension on the brackets, increasing the risk of them falling off. Your dentist will be able to tell you whether you're suitable for lingual braces or not.
Invisible aligners are a popular alternative to metal braces because they can be hidden much easier than traditional braces. They can also be preferable for adults since they can be taken out (although they must still be worn for 22 hours a day).
Invisalign can be used to treat an overbite by moving the teeth to a more optimal position. However, Invisalign tends to be a little more expensive than traditional braces.
The majority of people suffering from overbites find braces fix an overbite within the timeframe they've been given by their dentists. However, there are a few select cases that require a larger fix, such as surgery and realignment.
Surgery might be offered with alignment treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, to correct an overbite. Surgery is only required in the most severe overbite corrections, so your dentist might refer you to a jaw specialist for this if all other methods have failed.
Traditional braces feature power chains and wires that straighten the teeth to the optimal alignment. The power chains will need to be tightened every few weeks to keep the teeth moving in the right direction. Next, your orthodontic treatment will involve lifting the jawline into the correct position with small rubber bands. These are fitted onto the back brackets to keep them out of the way, but you'll need to remove them before eating or drinking.
These bands offer constant pressure to slowly fix your overbite, so wearing them continually is essential. Forgetting to replace them will lessen the effects of treatment and cause more jaw pain.
Finally, you'll need to wear a retainer to keep the front teeth in their new position.
You might prefer to opt for Invisalign to fix an overbite, as the treatment tends to be less invasive and shorter. This type of treatment realigns crooked teeth to make them straight, which should hopefully allow your overbite to reduce.
Invisalign works through a set of aligners that are slightly different to your teeth so they can be guided into the correct position. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth 0.2mm, so every two weeks you'll need to swap to a new clear aligner.
Aesthetic braces, like lingual or ceramic braces, can be used to fix an overbite. They work similarly to traditional braces for overbite treatment, but they tend to be less obvious to spot. Only some can use these types of treatments for their overbite depending on the severity of treatment required, so you'll need to consult your dentist before choosing one of these aesthetic brace options.
Traditional braces often take between six and 12 months to fix an overbite, depending on the severity of your overbite. This is the most common type of method to fix an overbite, and most people who choose traditional braces as their treatment have them removed within a year.
Invisalign is a newer treatment, so there's less evidence of their effectiveness for overbites, as well as timescales. However, most people who choose to use Invisalign as their overbite treatment seem to wear them for the same length as traditional braces. Some treatments can even take 24 months to completely fix the overbite.
Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign isn't always a quicker fix for overbite correction. In fact, the final result can take longer than traditional braces. So, many only choose to use Invisalign if they want to benefit from the less noticeable benefit.
Some minor overbites don't require treatment right away, but they can cause complications in the future if they're not dealt with in a timely manner. Most experts suggest you get treatment as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
Jaw pain
Severe headaches
Discomfort or pain when eating
Sleep apnea
Trouble with opening or closing your mouth
Speech difficulties
For people suffering with these symptoms that can affect everyday life, braces are often a no-brainer. An overbite can also prevent you from brushing your teeth effectively, leading to gum disease and dental decay.
Braces can fix a number of other issues, rather than just overbite correction. We've detailed a few of the most common dental disorders that can be fixed with braces below:
Gaps in teeth
Crossbites
Misaligned jaw
Overcrowding
Open bite
Underbites
Crooked teeth
Low confidence levels
Chewing difficulties
Speech issues
An overbite is a common dental disorder that can lead to headaches, dental decay, and changes in your everyday life. Luckily, most overbites can be corrected easily with braces, between six and 24 months. Most severe skeletal overbites might need surgery as well as braces, but most dentists will try braces to fix the issue first.
Traditional braces are best for most overbite correction, but Invisalign can also be an effective treatment. Metal braces tend to be a little cheaper than Invisalign, but the latter is less obvious when you smile. So, which treatment option you choose will depend on your aesthetic personal preference and budget. Make sure to talk to your orthodontist before making any final decisions as they'll be able to guide you to make the right choice.
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