How To Fix An Overbite

Overbites are common – they happen when your top front teeth stick out over your bottom ones. They range from normal to severe, and when they’re on the severe side, you might need some help with braces or even surgery to correct it. An overbite can lead to stuff like trouble chewing or speaking clearly down the road. But, don’t worry! Orthodontic treatments have come a long way, and now there are ways to sort out many overbite issues without having to go the traditional braces route.

How Do You Know if You Have an Overbite?

1. Check your teeth alignment by biting down and smiling

Close your mouth as you normally would with your teeth resting in their natural position. With your teeth clenched shut, smile at a mirror and see how much your top teeth extend over your bottom ones. A slight overlap is normal, but if your top teeth stick out a lot more than your bottom teeth, you probably have a more significant overbite.

2. Get a checkup from your dentist

Give your dentist a call – they can give you a physical exam and x-rays to determine whether or not you have an overbite. They can also help recommend the correct course of action for your overbite correction, tell you how severe your overbite is, and even refer you to orthodontic treatment if necessary.

Why You Should Correct Your Overbite

A mild overbite is usually not a cause for concern. But left untreated, a severe or ‘deep’ overbite can cause:

• Problems in the structures supporting the teeth
• Stress and wear on the teeth themselves
• Problems chewing
• Trauma to the roof of the mouth

Over time, this can lead to more significant dental problems. Severe overbites can cause jaw issues, and put undue pressure on the temporomandibular joint and muscles. Correcting a severe overbite can help ease this pressure and avoid future problems.

Overbite Correction: Exploring Your Options

Orthodontic treatment is essential for realigning teeth and jaws to correct an overbite. Depending on the severity, options include traditional dental braces, clear aligners, and in some cases, jaw surgery.

Dental Braces: A Traditional Approach to Overbite Correction

Traditional dental braces have been a long-standing solution for correcting overbites. They work by applying continuous pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the correct alignment. The length of treatment with dental braces can vary, often lasting at least a couple of years, especially for more severe cases.

Toothfairy™ Clear Aligners: A Modern Solution for Overbites

For those with mild-to-moderate alignment issues, clear aligners like Toothfairy™ Aligners offer a less visible and equally effective treatment option. These clear aligners are custom-made and worn in a series, each designed to make incremental adjustments to your teeth’s position. You’ll wear them for about 22 hours a day, removing them only for eating and brushing.

Jaw Surgery For Severe Overbite Cases

In extreme cases where other methods are inadequate, jaw surgery might be recommended – specifically in cases where your teeth overlap by 3.5 millimetres or more. This procedure involves repositioning the jaw by pulling back your cheeks and making an incision in the jaw. This in turn adjusts the shape of your chin and re-aligns your teeth, in turn correcting the overbite –  it significantly improves both the function and appearance of your bite and jawline. Postoperative care includes about 2 days in the hospital to recover.

Jaw surgery is usually performed if less invasive methods, like dental braces or clear aligners, fail to fix the overbite, and can be quite expensive.

The Process of Correcting an Overbite

Initial Consultation: What to Expect

Your path to correcting an overbite begins with a consultation. A Toothfairy™ dentist will assess your overbite, determining its severity, and discuss the most suitable treatment options with you.

Creating a Personalised Treatment Plan

Since every overbite is unique, your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs, whether that involves dental braces, clear aligners, or jaw surgery.

Life After Overbite Correction

Post-treatment care, such as wearing a retainer after braces, is vital to maintain the results of your overbite correction. Correcting an overbite is not just about aesthetics; it’s about improving your overall oral health, preventing future dental issues, and enhancing your quality of life.

Expert Dentist Advice at Toothfairy™

Straightening your teeth and fixing your overbite can be easy, quick and affordable. At Toothfairy™, you’ll receive expert advice and treatment from our team of dedicated dental professionals, committed to achieving the best outcomes for your overbite correction.

Find out how to get started today by booking a free online consultation with Toothfairy™.

FAQs About Overbite Correction

Can Overbite Correction Improve Oral Health?

Yes, it can significantly improve oral health by reducing the risk of future dental problems and addressing current issues.

How Long Does Overbite Correction Take?

The duration depends on the severity of the overbite and the chosen treatment method – but it can take anywhere between 3 months to a couple of years or more.

Is Overbite Correction Painful?

Some discomfort is normal, but advancements in treatment methods have made the process more comfortable than ever.