Are you having overbite problems and someone has advised you to wear braces to rectify that condition? If that is the case, then the next question which would have popped up in your mind is: Do Braces Fix an Overbite Forever?

Yes, in almost all cases, wearing braces solves your overbite problems completely and helps in creating a perfectly aligned jaw structure for a healthy bite. Whether you suffer from a minor overbite condition or a major one, braces help in correcting not only the appearance but also the function of your bite structure.

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What Is an Overbite?

Overbite refers to a dental situation whereby the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. A little bit of an overbite is perfectly normal. Most people do have a bit of an overbite. However, once the overbite becomes too much, there might be problems related to your dental and overall health.

There are two types of overbites:

Overbite - Teeth

An overbite in teeth is the result of poor positioning of the teeth even though the positioning of the jaw bones is correct.

Overbite - Jawbones

The jawbones do not come into proper alignment to form an overbite that is genetically induced. In many cases, there is a combination of both types of overbites.

Do Braces Fix an Overbite?

Of course, braces are one of the best methods used for treating an overbite. By applying a steady force on the teeth, braces will help position them correctly. During the procedure, the orthodontist might add rubber bands or springs to align the jaws properly.

Using braces, you can:

• Limit tooth overgrowth
• Align your bite
• Improve facial appearance
• Relieve pressure on your jaw joints
• Make biting easier
• Get a beautiful smile

All these things depend on the seriousness of the overbite problem you have as well as on your age.

How Do Braces Correct an Overbite?

Overbite correction typically takes place in several phases.

Phase 1: Teeth Alignment

Through the use of braces, the crowded, misaligned, or crooked teeth are aligned.

Phase 2: Bite Correction

As soon as teeth have been aligned, elastics or other devices are used to correct the bite problem.

Phase 3: Stability Phase

Following the removal of braces, retainers help to stabilize teeth in their new positions.

What Is The Duration To Correct Overbite With Braces?

The treatment period may vary for each and every person. Normal treatment period may be:

• Milder form of overbite – 6-12 months
• Moderate overbite – 12-24 months
• Severe overbite – 24-36 months and more

Some factors which affect the duration of treatment may include:

• The level of overbite
• Age of patient
• Jaw development status
• Crowded teeth problem
• Spacing issue
• Compliance to wearing elastics and retainers

Teens and children tend to have faster treatment because their teeth and jaws are still developing.

Can Adults Fix an Overbite?

Certainly. Orthodontic correction in adults is becoming more and more popular today, and it is possible to use braces for correcting an overbite regardless of your age. The treatment process might be somewhat slower due to the fact that all bone growth processes in adults are finished, but modern orthodontic methods give amazing results. Sometimes, when dealing with a skeletal type of overbite, surgical procedures can also be involved.

What Will Happen If I Leave My Overbite Untreated?

Most people consider an overbite as nothing more than an aesthetic problem, but overbites can also result in some issues within your mouth if left untreated. Some of these issues may include:

• Worn-down teeth
• Jaw pain
• Headaches/migraines
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Speaking problems
• Receded gums
• Cavities/tooth decay
• Problems with chewing
• Higher chances of breaking your front teeth

The sooner you get treatment, the less likely it is that these problems will occur.

Braces vs Invisalign for Overbite Treatment

A question asked by many is whether Invisalign is able to correct an overbite. The answer is usually yes. Not only braces but also Invisalign are able to successfully correct many types of overbites.

Braces

• Best for medium and serious overbites
• Excellent tooth movement control
• Recommended for serious cases

Invisalign

• Practically invisible
• Can be taken out while eating and brushing
• Good choice for many mild to moderate overbites

Do Braces Fix an Overbite Permanently?

The benefits of braces last long term, yet ensuring that they do takes appropriate retainer use. It is natural for our teeth to move at different times in our lives. Retainers are very important in orthodontics. Those who follow the correct retainer wearing schedule will have great results lasting many years.

Some signs of a need for orthodontic work include:

• Upper teeth covering a lot of the lower teeth
• Difficulties biting/chewing
• Frequent headaches
• Pain in the jaw/teeth that click
• Teeth grinding
• Problems with speech
• Heavy wear on the front teeth

Orthodontic assessment can determine the necessity of treatment.

Final Thoughts

But can braces help treat an overbite then? Yes, in most situations. Braces continue to be among the top options for correcting overbites and boosting overall dental health. There are solutions available for just about anyone regardless of the severity of their malocclusion. To figure out how exactly they can benefit from the latest orthodontic treatments, a person needs to book a consultation. Getting an overbite treated as soon as possible helps people to reap the rewards of improved dental health right away.

If you want to find out more information regarding overbite treatment, come over to Central Coast Orthodontics.