Do your upper front teeth overlap or protrude over your bottom teeth? Then you might have what’s known as an overbite.
While a minor overbite may not be a problem, your dentist will likely recommend fixing a more severe overbite so it doesn’t lead to problems down the road, like headaches and jaw pain. Plus, an overbite might even impact your speech, so resolving this issue sooner rather than later is best.
If you have been diagnosed with an overbite, or your child has one, don’t worry, as there are several ways that you can go about treating this problem. Check out our guide below to see what we mean.
First of all, an orthodontist can determine which overbite treatment options would be right for you. Also, keep in mind that treatment may take quite a bit of time, sometimes up to a couple of years or more, but it will be more than worthwhile.
Generally, treating an overbite in kids will be easier because they’re still growing and their jaws are still developing. However, adults can also fix this problem, so there’s no need to think that you can’t get relief from your symptoms just because you’re older.
Various factors, such as your age, the condition of your jaw, and the severity of your overbite, will help your orthodontist determine the appropriate treatment plan that will deliver the best results in the shortest amount of time possible.
Braces and retainers are common solutions for both children and adults with an overbite. These can help slowly fix the overbite by moving the teeth into their proper positions. You might be told that fixed braces, which you can’t remove on your own, are best for your condition, or you might be able to go with removable aligners, such as Invisalign. However, aligners may not be appropriate for kids who haven’t had all of their permanent teeth grow in yet.
Also, there are various types of braces, and some will be more visible than others, so you can discuss the pros and cons of each with your orthodontist. Metal braces might be the ideal solution if you have a more complex overbite. But if you don’t want it to be obvious that you’re wearing braces, lingual braces that are attached to the backs of the teeth aren’t as visible, and they might be an option as well, depending on the severity of your overbite.
Appliances, such as a bionator, biteplane, utility arch, palatal expander, and turbo brackets, might be prescribed to treat an overbite. Some appliances are removable, and some are used prior to braces.
Tooth extractions might be necessary in some cases. For example, a child may need to have baby teeth removed to make extra room to ensure the permanent teeth will grow in straight. In adults, teeth may need to be extracted before using braces in order to make sure there’s enough space for all of the teeth to be properly aligned.
Surgery might be required when orthodontics wouldn’t do enough to correct an overbite in adults. For example, if the overbite is caused by a skeletal problem with the jaw, a surgical procedure may be necessary.
For kids and teens, there are several options available to tackle an overbite while the jaw and mouth are still developing. For example, an orthodontist might recommend what’s known as a growth modification device to position the jaw, or a space maintainer to hold an empty space after a baby tooth is lost too early and you’re waiting for the permanent tooth to take its place.
Treating an overbite can certainly get pricey right away, but having a high-quality dental insurance plan in place can help you get the treatment you need to fix this problem. With Spirit Dental, you can reap the benefits of coverage for children’s orthodontics when your son or daughter has an overbite, and you can also enjoy savings when you need to receive dental treatments as an adult.
The bottom line is this: if you have an overbite that is affecting you in any way, such as by causing pain or making you feel insecure, there’s no need to live with it. With so many treatment options available, and affordable dental insurance to help cover the cost, you don’t have to hesitate to see your dentist and orthodontist for advice.
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