Do you wish your smile was a bit straighter? Are you self-conscious about how people perceive your crooked teeth or an overbite when you laugh or speak in public? If so, braces may be the perfect option for improving the confidence and aesthetic of your oral hygiene.
Neglecting to take corrective action for this issue can lead to long-term dental health consequences far worse than cosmetic. Have no fear, there is hope at hand!
This blog post will discuss everything about braces over bite, including what it is, what causes it, and the common types of braces used for correcting it. Read on to find out more!
What is an overbite?
An overbite is the misalignment of your top and bottom teeth, a condition known as malocclusion. Depending on how noticeable the overbite is, it can be classified as either dental or skeletal.
Dental overbite occurs when the top front teeth protrude further out than the bottom front teeth, while skeletal overbite occurs when the upper jaw juts forward more than the lower jaw. Treatment for both types of overbites will depend greatly on the severity and if any other problems are present.
Dental and skeletal overbites are both highly concerning and should be addressed by a qualified orthodontist. It’s important to understand that ignoring an uncontrolled overbite can lead to more severe problems requiring more dramatic treatments for correction.
What Causes an Overbite?
An overbite is a common dental problem affecting 20-30% of the global population. It can affect the way you look, feel, and carry yourself. Overbites can be caused by many different factors:
- Genetics is one of the most common causes of an overbite. If your parents had an overbite, you may be more likely to develop one as well.
- Crowding or large spaces can occur when the mouth is too small for the teeth present. The teeth overlap each other and push inwards, creating an overbite.
- Sucking on the thumb or fingers beyond the age of 5 can affect tooth alignment in children and eventually cause an overbite.
- Pacifier use and bottle feeding for extended periods can be detrimental to proper dental development and lead to disproportionate positions between top and bottom teeth.
- Habitual chewing on fingernails and biting pens or other hard objects can put extra pressure on the jaw which then affects its position by pushing it forward and creating an overbite.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) and tongue thrusting (forcing the tongue against the front teeth) can also cause an overbite if done frequently.
- Jaw growth patterns can cause the top teeth and jaw to grow outward, resulting in an overbite.
- Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing or flossing regularly can also cause an overbite, as plaque that builds up around teeth can contribute to misalignment.
It is important to keep track of habits and alignments to recognize any potential areas of concern regarding oral health. Consulting with your dentist is a great way to take active steps toward preventive measures for correcting an overbite. Schedule your free appointment today!
Overbite Braces: 6 Alternative Treatments
Are you looking for alternative treatments for braces over bite? Here are 6 treatments that can help you make an informed decision about which is best for you:
1. Invisalign: Clear aligners as an alternative treatment
Invisalign is a popular treatment option for people with an overbite who don’t want traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses clear aligners that are custom-made and fitted to your mouth– they’re practically invisible! The aligners gradually move your teeth into the correct position without wires or brackets. This makes them much more comfortable than traditional braces, and they’re also removable so it’s easier to brush and floss your teeth.
2. Palatal expanders: Widening your jaw with this treatment option
A palatal expander is a device that slowly widens the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to it over time. It works by using a screw located on the roof of the mouth that expands when activated by turning it periodically with a special key provided by your orthodontist. This allows extra space in the mouth, enabling teeth to shift into their proper positions and thus helping to correct an overbite.
3. Ceramic braces: An unnoticeable option for straightening teeth
Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional metal braces but less noticeable due to their tooth-coloured or clear ceramic brackets or bands. They work just like metal ones, except they may be less visible, making them desirable for adults who want an aesthetically pleasing solution for their misaligned teeth while still achieving the desired results with treatment time comparable to regular metal braces.
4. Functional appliances: A combination of orthodontics and facial growth
Functional appliances consist of two parts – one part attaches on top of your teeth while the other part fits behind them to put pressure on the jaw joint and muscles needed for proper growth and alignment of the face, jaws, and teeth in cases of individuals with skeletal problems such as an overbite. These appliances are typically used in conjunction with regular orthodontic treatment such as braces or retainers in order to achieve optimal results.
5. Lingual braces: A discreet way to get straight teeth
Lingual braces are another type of orthodontic appliance specially designed so that they are placed behind the teeth instead of on top like conventional metal or ceramic brackets would be – making them practically invisible from most angles! While this option offers excellent cosmetic appeal, it can also be quite challenging because there is much less room behind the teeth compared with in front of them; however, advancements in technology have made lingual braces a viable option even when complex corrections are needed.
6. ClearCorrect clear aligners: A comfortable choice for straighter teeth
ClearCorrect clear aligners provide a great way for those wishing not only to straighten misaligned teeth but also to improve overall oral health too! These virtually invisible clear aligners fit snugly against each tooth covering any gaps between them while gradually shifting them into desired positions without uncomfortable wires or brackets like traditional dental methods require. Plus, they can be removed when eating or brushing which makes them much more comfortable than other alternatives!
Tips on taking care of your overbite braces
A few tips on taking care of your braces while you have them on include:
- Follow all instructions given by your orthodontist to ensure proper braces care.
- Clean your teeth, brackets, and wires twice a day using an orthodontic toothbrush (with soft or extra-soft bristles) and fluoride toothpaste.
- Rinse with mouthwash after brushing.
- Floss at least once a day using an Orthodontic floss threader.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage the braces or wires.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports to protect your braces from impact or trauma.
- Use wax to prevent irritation from the wires on the braces.
Braces Over Bite: Why Embrace Orthodontics is the Right Choice
When it comes to treating an overbite with braces, Embrace Orthodontics is the premier provider of comprehensive care. Our expert team has years of experience in the field and can work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. We believe in using only the most advanced technology and materials, such as self-ligating braces and clear aligners, to ensure that you get the best possible results.
With our commitment to providing quality orthodontic care and top-notch customer service, you can rest assured that your smile will look its best after we’re done. Don’t wait any longer, let us help you get the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve! Contact us today for more information about how Embrace Orthodontics can help you correct your overbite and achieve a beautifully aligned smile.
