17 Feb Correcting An Overbite With Braces
Correcting an Overbite With Braces – Everything You Need to Know!
Have you noticed a slight overbite to your child’s jaw? Are you starting to wonder if the alignment of your teeth is changing with time? Overbites can occur at all ages. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry – there is plenty of ways to help realign the teeth and jaw to avoid further health problems! Continue reading as we break down how braces could be the overbite solution you’ve been searching for.
For personalised dental advice, contact our team at Boroondara Family Dentist today.
What is an Overbite?
There’s a good chance you already have a general idea of what an overbite is. What you might not know is that there is a variety of different types of overbites. When vertical, the top teeth overlap the bottom. When horizontal, however, the overbite has the top teeth protruding over the bottom teeth. In some cases, patients can display both at once. You may find your dentist or orthodontist referring to an overbite as a type of malocclusion.
Did you know that overbites aren’t always necessarily a ‘dental’ issue? You’ll find that your overbite is either classified as dental, meaning that your teeth are in the incorrect position, or skeletal, where the underlying cause is the position of the jaw.
Common Causes of Overbites
Did you know that overbites are the most common dental issue found in children? Many, many people will have some degree of overbite development throughout their life. And, in many cases, it isn’t clear why! Genetics can play a major role, with plenty of babies being born with a jaw either too big or too small for teeth to grow. If a parent was born with a malformed jaw, there’s a possibility that their child will face similar issues.
Often, however, environmental factors are just as influential as genetics! Habits such as thumb sucking can become dangerous as a child gets older, with risks of their bones and teeth getting pushed forward. As a child reaches five, it’s best to encourage them out of dummy use and finger sucking, to ensure that their teeth don’t start to grow outward.
Even teens and adults can have some nasty habits that risk an overbite developing! Avoid nail biting, pencil chewing, and teeth gnashing to lower the risk.
Can Braces Fix an Overbite?
Thankfully, overbites are highly treatable! Braces can be an effective solution for different types of overbites. An orthodontist will closely assess a patient’s overbites, likely with the use of x-rays, to determine the specifics of their case. From there, braces can be attached, and the archwire can begin to straighten and align teeth. By applying rubber bands further down the line, the jawline can slowly be shifted into the correct position. Treatment via braces and elastic bands is incredibly common – so you can rest assured that it will be easy to adjust!
The logistics of removing bands before eating or drinking and replacing them afterward will be well worth the end result. Treatment timelines will differ from patient to patient, but once the jaw and teeth have been better aligned, braces can be removed. From there, it’s likely that you will receive either a retainer or permanent wire to help ensure the improvement isn’t temporary.
Why Seek Overbite Treatment?
So, what’s the big deal about an overbite? Getting braces isn’t just about straightening your teeth and getting your dream aesthetics. When you fix an overbite, you’re protecting yourself from further health issues developing. Often, a patient with an overbite will develop other related health issues if they leave their condition untreated. And they may not even realise that their problems can all be traced back to their overbite!
Here are a few common problems that can be caused by an overbite:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Chronic neck pain
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
- Permanent alterations in facial structure
- Jaw grinding and teeth gnashing
- Lisps and speech impediments
- Heightened risk of damaging teeth
Get Your Overbite Assessed at Boroondara Family Dentist
There’s no point waiting around to see if an overbite is going to get worse. Early assessment and treatment can save you a whole lot of time and money in the long run! Over at Boroondara Family Dentist, we offer exceptional dental care for people of all ages. No matter the severity of your overbite, we’re ready to lend a hand and build a treatment plan that works for you. Contact our friendly team today to set up an update for yourself or your child! The earlier we can intervene, the better.
Located in Balwyn North, Boroondara Family Dentist provides quality treatment to residents in Balwyn and surrounding suburbs such as Canterbury, Deepdene, Doncaster, Eaglemont, Hawthorn East, and beyond. Schedule an appointment with us.
