How does Orthodontics help Correct an Overbite?

And overbite interferes with many things causing you to consider orthodontic treatment as a technique to correct the problem. However, when receiving orthodontic treatment, there are many things to consider to fix the issues concerning you.

This article details how orthodontics helps fix overbites, giving you various techniques orthodontics in Caledon, ON, recommend to correct the problem. It helps if you are aware of all options that exist when considering a treatment that changes the appearance of your teeth to give you a better smile and oral functionality.

Overbites Explained

Orthodontists generally use the term overbites to describe upper teeth extending beyond the lower teeth. The slang term for misalignment is buck teeth. However, orthodontics uses the term overbite when describing the overlapping of the lower teeth by the upper teeth. Orthodontists categorize the overbite from average to severe depending on how far the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth.

Orthodontics also uses the terms overjet and overbite interchangeably. However, while the condition is similar, they are different. In both instances, the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth. However, in an overjet, the upper teeth protrude beyond the bottom teeth at any angle.

Causes for Overbites

Genetic factors are responsible for overbites and overjets that can also determine the shape of the jaw. Other reasons for an overbite can include crowding or missing teeth in the lower jaw.

During jaw development, habits occurring in early childhood are also responsible for overbites and overjets. The practices include pacifier use, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, long-term bottle use, nail-biting, mouth breathing, chewing on objects like pencils, et cetera.

Orthodontic Therapy or Overbites

We recommend you continue reading about how orthodontic treatment can help fix your overbite. Listed below are three of the most popular options you can consider when having your overbite fixed.

Traditional Braces

Traditional teeth braces for straightening teeth are the most common appliance for treating overbites. However, after teeth straightening, orthodontics focus on the overbite that needs fixing. Coils, springs, and bands help attach the top portion of the braces to the lower part to correct the overbite gradually. Conventional braces are notorious for making oral hygiene challenging. However, they are commonly used in children and adults to correct overbites. Traditional braces remain on the teeth for one to three years and are not removable without help from the orthodontist. Repeated orthodontic visits are also essential to adjust and tighten the braces. However, they are an excellent technique to correct most overbites and overjets.

Invisalign

Using Invisalign dental braces is also beneficial to shift and fix an overbite. Alternatively called precision cuts, elastic bands are generally used to attach the transparent aligners to exert more pressure to force the jaw forward. There is a thinking among many people that Invisalign merely helps straighten teeth. However, the therapy also helps correct mild to moderate overbites. Invisalign braces are removable and need removal when eating or maintaining excellent dental hygiene, confirming they do not make it challenging for you to maintain oral hygiene. However, the removable dental braces must remain on your teeth for a minimum of 22 hours daily without exceptions.

Surgery

Severe overbites will require work on the jawbone by way of surgery. Repositioning of the jaw is needed to fix the overbite. In such scenarios, surgery helps alter the jawbone to take the overbite back to correct it. Surgery is a final resort for severe overbites, and will need an orthodontics specialist and oral surgeon to work together to deliver successful treatment.

Orthognathic surgery helps correct misalignment with the jawbones. Jawbone misalignment occurs when the maxilla and the mandible develop at different rates. Jaw surgery helps modify and realign the jawbones. The surgery requires wearing conventional braces before and after the procedure.

Overbites are common and can range from mild to severe. Orthodontics can treat most overbites using traditional braces. In addition, clear aligners comfortably treat minor to moderate overbites from Invisalign. Unfortunately, if you have severe gaps between the upper and lower teeth resulting from a misalignment of the jaw, you may require surgery and braces to correct the situation and get rid of the overbite or overjet that may be affecting you. However, the situation is possible to manage if you are determined to correct the problem and seek advice from Kennedy North Dentistry in Caledon. Depending on the severity of your condition, the professionals at this practice may recommend one of the three solutions to correct your overbite and prevent the problems affecting you.