Do you or your child have an overbite? Our Lyons Orthodontic team wants you to know that you’re not alone here. So many people in the world have a stressed bite or even an underbite. So, what exactly is an overbite? Are there ways of correcting an overbite with braces? In this article, our orthodontists at Lyons Orthodontics is answering all your questions about overbites.
About Overbites
When the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, this is considered to be an overbite. Overbites are most often the result of an underdeveloped lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw. Typically, overbites are hereditary. However, they may also be as a result of bad habits that started during childhood. This could include extensive use of a pacifier or thumb sucking. It can also lead to concerns with eating, speech, and swallowing.
The good news is that some procedures and treatment options can help to reduce or completely repair an overbite! One of the treatment options could include a range of dental appliances or braces. If you have an overbite, just come visit us at our Fair Oaks or El Dorado Hills locations for a no-obligation consultation! Our team would love to help you or your child create the smile they’ve always wanted.
Braces for an Overbite
Your braces will move the teeth into the right position to correct the overbite. The adjustments can be slow but steady. In time, the upper and lower teeth will be better aligned, thus repairing the overbite.
The majority of overbites can be recognized in children by the time that they reach the age of six. Once identified, your Fair Oaks orthodontist can begin to offer you a treatment plan. The suggested age for treating an overbite is typically between the ages of eight and 14. This is because the child’s bones are still developing and growing, which makes it much easier to manipulate and correct the overbite. Children will most often wear braces to fix their overbite for one to 3 years. Every patients’ smile is different in their own unique way. So, the length of the treatment will vary. Just contact our Fair Oaks or El Dorado Hills office to schedule a free consultation with us!
We want to reassure you that teeth can be straightened at any age. Although, it’s much easier to correct an overbite during the developmental years of a child. It can prove to be a bit more complicated in older teens or adults. That’s not to say that it is impossible to correct at these ages. Adult braces, including the Invisalign Clear Aligners, can help to see some remarkable results with the right type of treatment plan.
The Importance of Correcting Overbites with Braces
While overbites may initially seem like a small dental concern, the truth is that overbites can lead to several oral health issues. Some of the oral health concerns that can result from a severe overbite include the following:
- Jaw pain
- Pain in the joints
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Difficulties speaking
- Concerns with chewing
We highly recommend getting your overbite fixed by the experts at Lyons Orthodontics. We don’t want you to suffer the consequences! It’s typically a quick and easy fix with braces. Braces can help to prevent some of these concerns. They will also have the bonus of creating a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile.
Another concern about delaying treatment for an overbite, beyond the oral health concerns that may become an issue, is that the damage may be permanent and require surgery to make the repairs.
Which Overbite Solution is Right for You?
There are several solutions for treating an overbite with braces. The best way to determine which of the options is best for you and your smile, visit your local Fair Oaks orthodontist.
Some of the braces options for an overbite include the following:
- Metal braces
- Clear braces
- Lingual braces
- Invisalign
Traditional metal braces are typically constructed with stainless steel brackets and archwires. Our friend, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a Sterling Heights Dentist, says that traditional braces are used quite often to fix overbites, as well as straighten out teeth that are misaligned or overcrowded. Many of our patients who choose traditional braces as their orthodontic treatment are children and teenagers. Traditional braces can be used on adults too. However, the majority of adults prefer Invisalign Clear Aligners because they’re hardly noticeable!
The severity of your overbite will typically dictate the type of braces that are needed. An examination of your jaw position and your teeth, along with 3D x-rays, will help to provide us with a clear understanding of your smile.
If your child has an overbite, it’s best to correct the issue while your child is still growing and developing. Each smile is unique, so make an appointment with Lyons Orthodontics, to find out which orthodontic treatment is best for your smile!