How to Fix an Overbite? Overbite Correction Treatments

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Overbite Correction: Treatments to Fix

When the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth it is defined and classed as an overbite.

The average bite is 2-4mm.

If you are looking for solutions or expert orthodontists to correct and reverse and overbite, then you can trust that you will be in safe hands with The Perfect Smile, which has one of the largest and most experienced orthodontist teams who work on hundreds of overbite cases every year.

For correct advice, accurate planning and solutions talk to us today...

Defining an overbite; What are buck teeth?

Overbites, crossbites, underbites and open bites are types of maloclussions. When the upper teeth protrude over the bottom teeth between 30 and 50 percent it is medically determined as a malocclusion. 

Malocclusions fall into three categories:

• Class 1: Normal bites with slight overlaps (the most common occlusion)
• Class 2: Diagnosed when an overbite is more complex/severe (retrognathic)
• Class 3: Severe underbites (when bottom teem overlap the upper)

The causes

The main causes of an overbite tend to be mostly due to genetics, teeth grinding and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

There are various reasons and factors that can cause overbites; the most common being the shape/size of the jaw and teeth. For example, you could have too much or too little room in your jaw to accommodate all of your teeth.

However, external factors such as bad habits push the tongue behind the teeth thus producing an overbite. Overbites that are not hereditary are often formed in the developmental stages of a child's growth through thumb sucking or pacifier use. 

During a consultation with The Perfect Smile Studios, the most important thing is for your dentist to understand what anterior relationship you currently have and so better decisions can be made on how your teeth can be protected in the future.

Learn more about teeth straightening consultations.

Types of overbites

In nature, overbites are either defined as skeletal or dental.

• Vertical: A significant overlap of the top teeth over the bottom
• Horizontal: When top teeth protrude over the bottom
• Skeletal: This is where the lower jaw is too small for the upper jaw. These type of overbites often need surgery to be corrected as the problem lies within the jaw structure
• Dental: Where the teeth cause an overbite

 It is possible for overbites to be diagnosed as both vertical and horizontal. 

The potential oral threat of ignoring overbites

When an overbite is ignored it can allow the teeth to crowd and grow crooked due to an insufficient amount of space in the mouth and we have seen time and time again how untreated overbites can cause serious oral health complications. 

Due to abnormal positioning and misalignment, damage can happen to the teeth and cause problems such as:

• Jaw pain
• Tooth decay
• Cavities, gum disease and worn enamel
• Discomfort when eating
• Headaches

Ignored overbites also have the power to alter your appearance, which can worsen as you get older.

Not only do your jaw muscles become strained and cause pain, but your entire facial structure can change from weak chins to sunken cheeks.

Overbite corrections

It is common practice for a dentist to refer a patient experiencing malocclusion issues to a specialist orthodontist clinic like The Perfect Smile.

Treating children for orthodontic issues is relatively easier as their jaw is still within the developmental stages and can be easily manipulated. However, with this being said, advances in technology have meant that correcting bites issues in adults has become a lot easier too.

Children/teens:

• Tooth extraction of baby teeth to make room for new permanent teeth
• Modification devices to help reposition the jaw through periods of growth
• Either fixed metal braces or clear aligner systems
• Retainers to be worn through the evening and post-braces to lock teeth into position

There are multiple options and treatments available to realign teeth and correct overbites.

Traditional, metal braces have often been the go-to, well-known treatment in the past, however, clear aligner technology has advanced and impressed so much that it's now the leader in orthodontics.

For example, treatments like Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen have been specifically designed to suit growing mouths. Plus as they are completely removable, children can go about their daily lives uninterrupted.

Read more:

• Children and Invisalign
• Smile Guide for Parents

Adults:

• Tooth extraction to make more room in the mouth for teeth to move (however, this is very rare and is only performed in the most severe overbite cases)
• Brace systems either discreet or more traditional
• Surgery for skeletal-type overbites that cause jaw problems

If you are experiencing any issues with your overbite, it's important to get in touch with a dentist who will be able to advise you on the best next steps and the most suitable treatments for your oral condition.

Again, adult patients have found treatments like Invisalign more preferable and successful. This is because they are virtually invisible, removable and take half the time of traditional, metal braces.

Of course, there are other options such as instant orthodontics (veneers), CFast, Six Month Smiles etc. However, finding the right one for you will be important to meet your expectations. Invisalign is more accurate and precise due to the technology used to map out your smile, these results are less predictable with more traditional or cheaper systems.

Read more:

• Invisalign Guide
• Types of Invisalign
• Invisalign Costs
• What Others Say About Invisalign

How difficult is overbite correction for adults?

Due to advances in modern technology, innovative orthodontic treatments have emerged, which give adult patients the option to consider brace systems to straighten their teeth faster and more realistically.

As braces can have negative connotations (like "brace face), many adults feel embarrassed to wear braces to fix their misalignment or malocclusion issues. 

However, teeth straightening systems like Invisalign offer discreet benefits with removable clear aligners that align teeth faster than fixed braces.

Systems like CFast (most affordable), Six Month Smiles (treatment takes half a year) and Invisalign (virtually invisible) are becoming increasingly popular for adults in the UK.

With many options available to adults to treat their overbites, no matter which one you would like to progress with, it's always important to consult with an orthodontist who will be able to advise on the most suitable treatment for your budget and expected completion time. 

Overbite fix, no braces, no aligners, no surgery

It is certainly the case, where many patients opt for quick aesthetic fixes for their overbites. 

Using cosmetic dentistry treatments like veneers, patients take advantages of the quick fix solution to give the appearance of a straight, white smile.

However, it is important to seek advice as in some cases, veneers will only conceal the issue rather than fix it.

This is due to a slim chance of the veneers breaking or cracking due to the misalignment problem of the jaw.

Consult with our orthodontists to determine which treatment will be the best option for you.

 Call 01992 552115.

 

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