How to Fix an Overbite? Overbite Correction Treatments

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Overbite Correction: Treatments to Fix

Overbite Treatments Types | Overjet Solutions | Child Orthodontics | Crooked Teeth

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

An average bite is 2-4mm.

The Perfect Smile has a team of expert orthodontists who work on hundreds of overbite cases every year.

For expert advice and solutions, talk to us today.

What is an overbite?

When the upper teeth protrude over the bottom teeth between 30 and 50 percent it is medically determined as a malocclusion. 

There are various reasons that can cause overbite problems

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.

How do overbites form?

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

The problem often lies with the shape and size of the jaw or teeth, where the jaw area either has too much or too little room to accommodate the teeth.

However, overbites that are not hereditary are often formed in the developmental stages of a child's growth through thumb sucking or pacifier use. 

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

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. 

Treating children for orthodontic issues is relatively easier as their jaw is still within the developmental stages and can be easily manipulated.

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

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.

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 in half the time of traditional braces.

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 the doctor to determine which treatment will be the best option for you.

 Call 01992 552115.

 

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