How To Treat an Overbite
Overbites are common and well-studied. They can be effectively treated by a licensed orthodontist. Orthodontists undergo extensive training to straighten your teeth. Their expertise is crucial for safe and successful treatment options.
Orthodontists use various methods to correct overbites. One popular method involves metal brackets. These brackets are part of a treatment plan designed for each patient’s needs. Trusting an experienced orthodontist is key to achieving the best results.
There are multiple tools that your orthodontist can use to treat overbites.
Ceramic Braces
braces are a common tool used by orthodontists to straighten teeth and create beautiful smiles. There are several types of braces treatments available. Traditional metal braces often come with colorful rubber bands, which are popular among kids and teens.
Ceramic braces for overbite correction are another type. These use clear or tooth-colored materials, making the braces less noticeable. Adults often prefer ceramic braces for their subtle appearance.
It’s important to choose an experienced orthodontic provider for your treatment. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists specialize in teeth alignment. They undergo 2-4 years of additional training in this field. This extra study gives them much more experience in teeth alignment than general dentists.
Orthodontists focus solely on straightening teeth. They don’t do other dental work. This focus means they have years of practical experience. They also have the necessary equipment, technology, and instruments to achieve great results.
Remember, wearing braces, whether traditional metal braces or lingual braces, requires a dedicated professional. Look for an orthodontist who can offer the right type of braces for you.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners are a great choice for adults with overbites. It’s important to pick an experienced orthodontist, preferably a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider. This treatment uses clear plastic aligners made just for your teeth. They gently move your teeth into the right position.
Invisalign is a leader in the clear aligner industry. They keep innovating for the best results.
When you choose an experienced orthodontist with Invisalign, you get access to special technology. This includes SmartTrack™ aligner materials, SmartForce™ attachments, and iTero® 3D scanning. These tools help fix your overbite faster and more accurately than other brands.
It’s crucial to get your treatment from a licensed orthodontist in their office. Avoid mail-order aligner companies that don’t require in-person visits. The American Association of Orthodontists warns against at-home kits. These can harm your teeth and mouth.
Many people have complained about mail-order aligners. They either didn’t fix their teeth or caused damage. Always get your treatment from an orthodontist who sees you in person. They will oversee your care, track your progress in moving the teeth, and handle any questions.
In summary, Invisalign treatment for adult overbites is effective when done by a skilled orthodontist. They use technology that precisely moves the teeth and aligns the teeth and jaws. Avoid at-home aligner kits for safe and successful treatment.
Surgery
Orthodontic surgery for severe overbites is often considered the best choice for effective treatment. This type of surgery, combined with braces or other orthodontic treatments, works well, especially in adults.
Adults have fully developed teeth and bones, making them harder to move with braces alone. In children, whose bones are still growing, even severe overbites can often be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. Most adults also benefit from non-surgical orthodontic treatments.
If you have a severe overbite, your orthodontist might recommend surgery. This will involve both orthodontic treatment and surgery.
These methods can fix severe overbites effectively. Surgery is a good option if you have jaw pain or other issues like gum disease that can be related to overbites. Remember, treating overbites early can prevent these problems.
Retainers
After treating an overbite, using a retainer is essential. Whether your treatment involved braces or Invisalign, you will receive a retainer. Its purpose is to keep your teeth in the correct position. You must use your retainer as your orthodontist instructs. This “retainer use after overbite treatment” is a key step in ensuring lasting results.
Additionally, your orthodontist will arrange a six-month follow-up. This appointment checks the success of your retainer use.
Be sure to wear your retainer properly so the overbite doesn’t come back!
Overbite FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
Are Overbites Genetic?
It depends. Overbites are often genetic, due to irregularities in the dental structure or jawbones. But an overbite can be acquired over time, from teeth crowding, loss of the back teeth, or an external force such as thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier.
How Much of an Overbite is Normal?
A small overbite is appropriate for a normal bite: this is about 1 to 3 mm. More than 3 mm is considered too large of an overbite and requires orthodontic treatment.
How Do I Know if I Have an Overbite?
You can assess your overbite at home: using a mirror, smile to show your teeth while biting down gently. If you can see only 50% of your lower front teeth or less, you may have an overbite. To confirm whether you have an overbite, consult an orthodontist to learn about treatment options.
How Do I Measure My Overbite?
You don’t need to do an exact measurement at home – your orthodontist will take precise measurements using x-rays or 3D-imaging tools. To see whether you have an overbite, just smile in the mirror while biting down gently: if you can only see 50% or less of your lower front teeth when your jaw is fully closed, you may have an overbite and should consult an orthodontist to confirm.
When Does an Overbite Need to Be Corrected?
While a medium overbite is normal, anything over 3-4 mm should be checked by a licensed orthodontist. An overbite can negatively impact your health, causing headaches, problems with your bite, or jaw tension, as well as tooth or gum decay from an inability to properly care for the teeth.
If you suspect you may have an overbite, consult an orthodontist – an overbite can be corrected, with results that will benefit your smile and your overall health!
Can You Correct an Overbite Without Surgery?
Absolutely: the majority of overbites can be corrected without surgery. You will need to see an experienced, licensed orthodontist for treatment with braces or Invisalign. If the condition is too severe for orthodontia alone, your orthodontist will refer you to an oral surgeon in addition to orthodontic care.
Does an Overbite Require Surgery?
In rare instances, where the overbite is very severe, it may require some surgical intervention to treat properly. Most of the cases do not require any surgery and can be treated by a licensed orthodontist.
Can You Live With an Overbite?
You can live with an overbite, but letting an overbite go untreated can have serious consequences for your teeth, mouth, and overall health. It’s best to correct an overbite to achieve a healthy, straight smile, to avoid gum disease, excessive wear and tear on the teeth, or even tooth loss.
Will an Overbite Correct Itself?
Absolutely not: an overbite will not correct itself. In fact, if left untreated, overbites will get worse over time, requiring more invasive treatment methods. Rather than wait for an overbite to get worse, it’s best to get it treated as soon as you can, with a simple orthodontic treatment by an expert doctor.
Will My Toddler's Overbite Correct Itself?
It is difficult to predict how a child’s adult teeth will come in after their baby teeth fall out. For this reason, it’s important to begin your child’s orthodontic treatment early before the problem gets worse. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should see an orthodontist at age 7 or 8. They will likely not begin any kind of intervention at this age, but this allows the orthodontist to examine how the teeth are growing in and predict what kind of orthodontic treatment may be needed (if any.)
If your toddler has an overbite, you can ask your child’s general dentist for their opinion about future treatment, and when your child turns 7, bring them to an orthodontic specialist for a check-up. You do not need a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist.
Can an Overbite Cause Speech Problems?
Yes, an overbite can cause speech problems. The excessive overlap between top and bottom teeth can cause a lisp or other speech impediment. Correcting the overbite may correct the speech problem, although other speech therapies may be needed as well.
Can an Overbite Cause a Lisp?
Yes, an overbite can cause a lisp. An excessive overlap between the top and bottom teeth can impact your ability to articulate clearly, causing a lisp or other speech problem.
Can an Overbite Cause Ear Problems?
Yes, an overbite can cause excessive pressure on the ear canal or other inner-ear structures. In patients with TMD (temporal-mandibular disorder) , an overbite can compress nerves, causing ear pain and headaches.
Can an Overbite Cause Headaches?
Yes, an overbite can cause headaches, by putting excessive pressure on the ear canal or by compressing nerves and blood vessels.
Can an Overbite Cause Snoring?
Yes, an overbite can cause snoring, by interfering with the ear-nose-throat system and putting pressure on nasal passages, causing snoring.
Can an Overbite Change Your Facial Structure?
Yes. A large overlap between the top and bottom teeth can cause an unnatural appearance in the lower third of the face, creating the perception of a shorter chin or weaker jaw.
Overjets, commonly associated with overbites, can also cause the teeth to stick out – known as “buck teeth” – which can be a source of embarrassment to those who have this condition.
Can You Correct an Overbite Yourself?
No, it is not possible to correct an overbite without supervision and expertise from a licensed orthodontist. Never attempt to treat your teeth at home by yourself: this is very dangerous and can seriously impact your teeth, with permanent results.
The AAO also cautions against using teledentistry (like mail-order aligners) to correct an overbite. This can be ineffective, or even create worse problems for your teeth and mouth, requiring expensive interventions to correct.
Does an Overbite Get Worse With Age?
Absolutely: overbites grow worse over time, and can cause other issues as they worsen, including headaches or dental pain, trouble chewing or biting, or teeth and gum decay from the inability to properly clean the teeth. To prevent a worsening overbite and the associated risks, it’s best to treat an overbite as soon as you can – the treatment will be faster, less expensive, and require a lighter intervention.
Do Overbites Need to Be Corrected?
Yes. Any overbite over 3-4 mm is considered excessive and should be corrected, to prevent the associated problems, including pain, trouble biting or chewing, or lasting tooth or gum damage. The smaller the overbite, the simpler it is to treat, so it’s absolutely worth it to get the overbite corrected, with effective care from an experienced, licensed orthodontist, using either braces or Invisalign.
How Long Does It Take To Correct an Overbite?
Treatment time depends on your specific condition. Since overbites can cause shifting of the teeth, those patients with overbite often have other problems requiring correction. Expect a treatment time between 6 and 24 months, and then retainers afterward to keep the results in place.
Is Jaw Surgery Necessary for Overbite?
In the majority of cases, oral surgery is not necessary. Only 1 or 2 percent of cases will require surgery. An experienced orthodontist will offer several non-invasive treatment methods, including braces and Invisalign, to correct the overbite without resorting to surgery.
If your case is severe and does require surgery, your orthodontist will refer you to an oral surgeon to supplement your orthodontic care.
Can You Treat an Overbite Without an Orthodontist?
No, an orthodontist is required to safely and effectively treat an overbite. In severe cases, you may also require an oral surgeon to properly correct the overbite. Doing any kind of orthodontic treatment at home without proper supervision is very dangerous and can seriously harm your teeth: do not try to correct an overbite on your own.
Seeking teledentistry, such as mail-order aligners, without the direct supervision of an in-office orthodontist, can also have serious unintended consequences.
Can an Overbite Be Corrected Without Braces?
Yes, there are alternatives to braces for treating an overbite. Skilled orthodontists can use Invisalign to correct overbites: minimally-invasive, easy to use, and extremely effective, Invisalign clear aligners have helped millions of people achieve straight teeth and correct overbites.
Treating Overbite with Invisalign Clear Aligners FAQs
Can Invisalign Correct an Overbite?
Yes – when used as a tool in the hands of a skilled, experienced orthodontist, Invisalign is effective for treating overbites. It is non-invasive (the aligners are removable), easy to use, and extremely discreet. Seek a highly-experienced orthodontist, with specific Invisalign expertise. Diamond Plus and Diamond Invisalign Providers have the most experience treating conditions like overbites with clear aligners.
How Long Does it Take to Correct an Overbite with Invisalign?
Treatment lengths with Invisalign depend on your specific condition and the experience of your orthodontist. Most overbite cases take between 12 to 24 months to correct fully, but this all depends on the specifics of your case.
Make sure to find an experienced Invisalign provider who has lots of direct expertise in straightening teeth with clear aligners, and be sure to see an in-office orthodontist who will directly supervise your case.
How Much Does it Cost to Correct an Overbite with Invisalign?
Your final price depends on the specific of your case and where you seek treatment. Invisalign can run anywhere from $2,650-$7,000. For very mild cases, there are expedited treatment options for around $2,400.
Remember that your Invisalign treatment is an investment in your health, not a boutique purchase – don’t cut corners on your healthy smile to save a few dollars! Choose your Invisalign provider wisely, based not only on cost, but also experience, equipment, and direct supervision.
How Does Invisalign Correct an Overbite?
Remember, Invisalign doesn’t correct an overbite – your experienced orthodontist does this, using Invisalign. Skilled orthodontists can correct an overbite effectively using clear aligners. To do this, your orthodontist will take 3D-scans of your teeth and bite, as well as x-rays. They will design each aligner and each attachment to safely and precisely move your teeth.
Aligners and attachments will be used to create the most optimal direction and degree of force to move your teeth into proper position, correct the bite, and help you achieve a healthy, long-lasting smile.
Mustafa, 21 Years Old, with Overbite: Before and After Invisalign Treatment
Treating Overbite With Braces FAQs
Can Braces Correct an Overbite?
Yes, when used by a licensed, experienced orthodontist, braces are an effective way to correct an overbite. Each overbite case is unique, so your expert orthodontist will develop a custom treatment plan for your specific diagnosis. Often, patients will need to wear rubber bands with their braces to expedite the correction of their overbite.
How Long Does it Take to Correct an Overbite with Braces?
Every case is unique, so treatment times are different for each case. Sometimes, there will be other alignment issues with the teeth that also need to be treated. Generally, correcting an overbite with braces takes between 12 and 24 months. Make sure to choose an experienced orthodontist in a dedicated orthodontics-only practice for the highest quality tools and providers with the most direct expertise in straightening teeth.
How Much Does it Cost to Correct an Overbite with Braces?
The price varies with the specifics of your case, and what else needs to be treated along with the overbite, as well as where you go for treatment and which method you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $7,000.
Make sure to select an orthodontist who works in a dedicated orthodontic practice: they will have more specific experience with straightening teeth and correcting overbites, as well as access to the highest quality materials and cutting-edge orthodontic technology. Their prices will also be lower due to a higher volume of orthodontic patients, rather than a wide variety of dental cases as in a general dentist’s office.
Are Braces or Invisalign Clear Aligners Better To Treat an Overbite?
Both of these types of treatment are reliable tools for correcting an overbite – but the most important part of your treatment is your licensed, experienced orthodontist. Both braces and Invisalign are tools, and only as effective as the skill of your doctor.
Metal or ceramic braces may be a less expensive treatment option, while Invisalign can provide a discreet look that many patients prefer. Many patients find Invisalign to be more comfortable than braces. Be sure to select an experienced orthodontist you trust and talk to them about which treatment is right for correcting your overbite.
How Do Braces Correct an Overbite?
Remember, braces do not correct the overbite: the orthodontist does. To do this, your orthodontist will attach brackets to the teeth and a flexible wire is inserted across them. The wire links the brackets and provides the force that moves the teeth slowly and safely into place.
Your orthodontist will position the bracket on your teeth at specific angles, and apply a gentle force with the wire to carefully adjust the teeth. Your orthodontist may prescribe rubber bands as well, which help direct the movement and advance the lower jaw into its correct position.
Moving teeth is an art requiring serious expertise: be sure to choose an experienced orthodontist who is equipped with the tools and skill needed to safely and effectively correct your overbite.
How to Treat an Overbite Without Braces at Home
Attempting to correct an overbite at home without braces is extremely dangerous and not recommended by any dental professionals. Orthodontists study for years to master the safe movement of teeth: using at-home materials to try to straighten your teeth can seriously damage your teeth, often permanently. There are many thousands of complaints filed against at-home aligner brands that attempt to treat your teeth from a kit at home, for permanent damage caused to the teeth.
Don’t cut corners on your health: see a licensed, experienced orthodontist to correct your overbite and achieve lasting results and better health.
Sources
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – What is a Deep Bite?
AAO: What is a Deep Bite? https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/what-is-a-deep-bite/
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – Your’s First Visit | Parents Guide to Orthodontics
AAO: Parent’s Guide Post First Visit https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/first-visit/
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – Questions to Consider When Researching Direct-To-Consumer Orthodontic Companies
AAO: Online Orthodontic Companies https://www.aaoinfo.org/_/online-orthodontic-companies/
Overbite – What you need to know about transforming your smile with Invisalign® treatment.
Invisalign: Treatable Cases Overbite https://www.invisalign.com/treatable-cases/overbite
Better Business Bureau – SmileDirectClub Customer Reviews
BBB: Customer Reviews https://www.bbb.org/us/tn/nashville/profile/cosmetic-dentistry/smiledirectclub-0573-37111672/customer-reviews
CBC – Hidden camera investigation finds misleading information, questionable treatment plans from SmileDirectClub
CBC: Hidden Camera Investigation Smile Direct Club https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hidden-camera-investigation-finds-misleading-information-questionable-treatment-plans-from-smiledirectclub-1.5511095
