Can Braces Fix Overbite? & How Do Braces Fix Overbite?

When it comes to achieving a perfect smile, overbites are one of the most common dental issues. It’s a condition where the upper front teeth significantly extend beyond the lower front teeth. Overbite not only affects your appearance but hampers your oral health. The best way to fix them is by consulting our orthodontist who will suggest you wear braces. It’s a trusted treatment for decades that provides a reliable solution to overbites.

In this blog post, we will explore and understand the surrounding overbites and braces. Can braces fix an overbite? And if so, how exactly do they work to correct this issue? Whether you’re a teenager, an adult, or a parent researching options for your child, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions.

Potential Complications of Overbites

Before we discuss overbites in detail, let’s first consider the potential complications of overbite.

Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder

Overbites can put pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It’s the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. This strain can lead to jaw pain, clicking and popping sounds, bruxism, headache, and more.

Wear & Tear of Tooth

When the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, this can result in wear and tear of the tooth enamel. It can wear down the teeth, cause decay, and trigger other dental issues.

Gum Disease

An overbite makes it challenging to maintain oral hygiene. Misaligned teeth can create hard-to-reach areas and lead to difficulty brushing and flossing. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up on the tooth’s surface, increasing the risk of gum disease.

Difficulty Chewing and Speaking

Chewing can become uncomfortable, leading to digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, overbites can affect speech clarity or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.

Sleep Apnea and Breathing Issues

In some cases, overbites can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, where the airways are wholly or partially blocked during sleep. The misalignment of the jaw and teeth can narrow the airway, leading to disrupted breathing, snoring, and poor-quality sleep.

Apart from the above-mentioned conditions, an overbite can also cause issues like premature aging, wrinkles, jaw tension, shoulder stress, neck pain, poor posture, and more.

Can Braces Fix an Overbite?

There’s always a constant fear lingering around braces among adults as well as kids. But, remember, braces are meant to fix overbites. It will not only improve your appearance or straighten your teeth but also harness dental health and fix the threatening problems before they spiral out. Wearing braces can also prevent grinding and teeth clenching.

Minor overbites will not cause much trouble, but if they cause obstacles like speech interference, gum diseases, tooth decay, jaw pain, and other dental complications, then it is highly suggested that you seek orthodontic treatment.

Using the most advanced tools and treatments, your orthodontist will determine the type of overbite and the relationship between the jaw and teeth. Based on that, they will suggest the following steps to proceed.

Why do you need braces if you have Overbite?

Braces enhance not just your looks, but also your oral health! Minor overbites may not require treatment, but severe overbites can result in jaw discomfort, enamel degradation, tooth decay, gum disease, speech impediment, and other dental issues. People with major overbites should get orthodontic treatment as soon as possible to avoid these complications.

How Do Braces Fix Overbite?

Braces fix the overbite by applying continuous pressure on the teeth and jaw, gradually shifting them into an aligned position. The orthodontic brackets are connected to the teeth with a wire that your orthodontist will tighten at timely intervals. Over time, this consistent pressure corrects the overbite and improves overall functionality.

How Long Does it Take Braces to Fix an Overbite?

The duration largely depends on the overbite condition. If it’s in a critical position, then it can take at least a year or more to align the teeth. After that, a retainer is worn to keep the teeth in place. We always advise you to get in touch with a trustworthy orthodontist who can help you navigate through the entire process.

FAQs

1. How Can I Tell if I Need Braces to Fix Overbite?

   Signs you might need braces for an overbite: excessive tooth overlap, difficulty closing lips, jaw pain, trouble chewing or speaking. Consult an orthodontist for diagnosis.

2. Can you fix an overbite without braces?

   You can fix overbite without braces by undergoing orthognathic surgery or using Invisible Aligners. These treatments will repair the top teeth on the upper jaw and the bottom teeth.

3. Can braces fix an overbite in adults?

   Yes, braces can fix an overbite in adults. While it might be a bit more complex than treating an overbite in children, since adult jawbones have stopped growing, it’s still a standard and effective treatment.