Have you noticed that the top arch of your teeth seems to protrude significantly over your bottom row of teeth? This dental condition, known as an overbite, can develop for a number of reasons, including genetics, overcrowded teeth, and poor oral habits in childhood like thumb sucking.
If left untreated, an overbite can result in a decline in oral functions like speech and chewing. A dental patient with an overbite may feel soreness in their teeth and jaw over time. And they could face a greater risk of cavities and other oral health concerns due to inhibited oral hygiene capabilities.
Fortunately, an orthodontist can amend bite problems such as an overbite to restore and protect a patient’s oral health. Early intervention for this issue can allow an orthodontist to treat it with greater ease. Discover the two primary ways that an orthodontist can correct an overbite when you read on.
Invisalign to Treat an Overbite
In minor instances of an overbite, an orthodontist can use Invisalign to fix the bite problem. The orthodontist will use 3D imaging of a patient’s smile to build custom aligners: clear, plastic trays that fit over the patient’s teeth. Each week, the patient will swap out sets of these personalized aligners to gradually push the teeth into their desired position.
In the case of an overbite, Invisalign will press the top row of teeth deeper into the mouth to reduce the protrusion and align the top and bottom arches. These aligners will also shift the teeth into a straighter position during this process. Then you can look forward to a fully aligned finish at the end of the treatment.
Make sure that you wear Invisalign as directed by your orthodontist for optimal results. If you wear Invisalign removable aligners for less than 22 hours a day, you could risk your teeth shifting out of place, delaying your treatment.
Wear retainers at the end of your treatment to ensure that your bite problems stay fixed. They make sure that your teeth do not start to protrude again without the support of Invisalign.
Fix an Overbite with Braces
Some overbites are too severe for Invisalign alone to correct. A dentist can address more severe bite problems with traditional braces. This treatment features fixed brackets on the teeth linked with metal wiring. Ask your orthodontist if you might benefit from ceramic braces as a more subtle-looking alternative to metal ones.
The orthodontist will tighten the wires of braces during periodic check-up appointments, which will push the protruding teeth deeper into the mouth. This fixes the overbite and also ensures you see a beautiful, straight smile at the conclusion of the treatment.
The length of braces treatment may vary depending on the severity of the overbite. In the event of a more extreme malocclusion, your orthodontist may refer you to an oral surgeon to address the bite problem. Discuss your orthodontic treatment options when you schedule a consultation at your orthodontist’s office.