Your top teeth sit in front of your lower teeth. Does that mean you have an overbite? Not necessarily! Your top front teeth naturally sit in front of the lower ones, but if they sit too far forward, you have an overbite.
Can braces fix an overbite? Absolutely!
Smiles By the Bay can fix an overbite with braces or clear aligners. Which one is best for you? We can find out during your free initial consultation.
You may be able to recognize some of the signs of an overbite. Let’s look at the difference between a normal bite, an overbite, and a deep bite. We’ll also examine the question, “Do braces fix overbites?”
What Is an Overbite?
As mentioned, a normal bite is when the upper front teeth sit just in front of the lower front teeth. If there is a space between them, that could be considered an overbite. A large space could be considered a deep bite.
The technical term for these and other alignment issues is “malocclusion.” A malocclusion means your upper jaw doesn’t align properly with your lower jaw.
There are two types of overbite. “Class 1” neutroclusions are regular bites. The front upper teeth lie about 1-3mm in front of the lower teeth, but the back molars fall into their proper positions.
A “Class 2” distoclusion refers to the front teeth resting more than 3mm in front of the lower teeth. The back upper molars may sit more toward the front of the mouth from where they should line up with the lower molars. This is sometimes referred to as “buck teeth.” A type of distoclusion where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth is known as a “deep bite.”
How Did I Get an Overbite?
You can get an overbite several ways, from simple genetics to maintaining bad habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. Crowded teeth could force your front teeth outward. You can even get an overbite from grinding your teeth, which can push the teeth forward.
You can’t do much about genetics, but you can prevent an overbite in other ways. Children should be stopped from using a pacifier or sucking their thumb by the age of 2 to prevent dental problems. If you grind your teeth, talk with your dentist or orthodontist about getting a bite plate or mouthguard to prevent tooth damage and break the grinding habit.
Why Should I Fix My Overbite?
Are overbites bad? You may think that people fix overbites just because they don’t look good, but there are many more reasons why correcting an overbite is important. Your teeth are designed to work best when they are properly aligned. Misalignment can cause all kinds of problems.
- Headaches
- Tooth decay
- Tooth wear
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Skeletal overbite changes (facial structure)
- Sleep apnea
- Snoring
This is why it’s a good idea to fix your overbite as soon as possible. Many of these conditions get worse over time. The longer you go with an overbite, the worse it will get.
Can Braces Fix an Overbite?
Do braces fix an overbite? Yes, you can get braces for an overbite and restore your smile.
Smiles By the Bay uses LightForce braces to treat our patients. These are self-ligating braces. Patients say they are more comfortable than traditional metal braces.
Traditional braces use elastics to hold the archwire against the brackets and apply gentle pressure to move your teeth. The downside is that the rubber bands had to be changed every six weeks, meaning more office visits. The elastics also caused friction that made braces more uncomfortable.
Self-ligating brackets have tiny doors that close over the archwire, holding it against the teeth but allowing the archwire to slide. This eliminates the need for elastics and for the frequent office visits they require. The self-ligating brackets also have less friction, which makes the braces more comfortable.
Braces are a tried-and-true method to fix your teeth and bite. How long does it take braces to fix an overbite? Traditional metal overbite braces can take 12-24 months or more to fix your smile. Self-legating braces for overbites can usually make the repairs in less than 24 months!
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Patients with less severe cases can treat their dental issues with clear aligners like Invisalign. These clear aligners work similarly to braces, applying gentle pressure to move your teeth back into place. Unlike braces, aligners are custom-molded to completely fit around the teeth, giving them a near-invisible look. Many patients who feel self-conscious about wearing braces get treatment with clear aligners.
Clear aligner treatment can fix an overbite and several other dental issues, such as underbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, and crowded teeth, often in 6-12 months. However, the more severe cases probably need braces. We can evaluate you during your first visit and tell you which treatment will be best for you.
Overbite Treatment in Annapolis, MD
An overbite is a very common dental problem and is easily treated with braces or clear aligners. The sooner an overbite is treated, the better it is for your oral health and overall health. If you live in the Annapolis, Kent Island, or Denton, MD, areas, you can get treatment from our outstanding team at Smiles By the Bay!
Schedule an appointment to come in and tour our office, meet our team, and consult with Dr. Trahar-Thomas. We’ll show you the best way to fix your overbite!