An overbite, where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth, is a common dental misalignment. This condition, also known as a deep bite or Class II malocclusion, can affect both oral health and facial aesthetics. Orthodontic braces offer a well-established method for addressing this issue, aiming to realign teeth and jaws for improved function and appearance. This article will explain how braces work to correct overbites, alongside other treatment considerations.
What an Overbite Is
An overbite is a type of malocclusion where the upper teeth extend excessively over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. While some overlap is normal, a significant overbite can lead to various problems. Common causes include genetic factors influencing jaw development, as well as childhood habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use.
Correcting an overbite extends beyond cosmetic concerns, addressing functional issues that can impact overall oral health. An uncorrected overbite can lead to uneven tooth wear, potentially causing enamel erosion, tooth decay, or even tooth loss. It can also result in gum damage, where lower teeth may strike the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth, leading to gum recession.
Overbites can also affect speech clarity, chewing efficiency, and may contribute to jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. In severe cases, there is an increased likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
How Braces Work to Correct Overbites
Braces correct overbites by applying continuous, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth and align the jaw over time. This process involves several components. Brackets, typically made of metal or ceramic, are bonded to the front surface of each tooth.
An archwire is then threaded through these brackets. The wire, often made of nickel-titanium, applies steady pressure as it returns to its original straight shape, guiding the teeth into their desired positions. As teeth shift, the bone around them remodels.
To address the vertical overlap of an overbite and adjust jaw alignment, orthodontists frequently use elastics, also known as rubber bands. These small, synthetic bands stretch between hooks on the upper and lower brackets, providing additional force to move specific teeth or to manipulate the jaw joint. For example, Class II elastics are designed to retract upper teeth and advance lower teeth, effectively reducing the overbite. The consistent tension from these elastics helps to achieve the proper bite relationship.
Alternative and Complementary Treatments
While braces are a common and effective solution for overbites, other orthodontic or dental treatments can be used, sometimes in conjunction with braces, depending on the individual case. For children whose jaws are still developing, early intervention often involves functional appliances. These devices, such as Herbst or Forsus appliances, work to modify jaw growth and guide the upper and lower jaws into a more harmonious relationship. Palatal expanders may also be used if a narrow upper jaw contributes to the overbite, creating more space for proper alignment.
For more severe overbites, especially in adults where jaw growth is complete, orthognathic surgery may be considered. This surgical procedure repositions the jaw bones to correct significant skeletal misalignments that cannot be fully addressed by orthodontics alone. The most suitable treatment approach is determined by factors such as the patient’s age, the severity of the overbite, and the specific underlying causes, requiring a thorough consultation with an orthodontist.
The Braces Journey and Beyond
The journey to correct an overbite with braces involves several stages, with the typical treatment duration ranging from 18 to 24 months, though it can extend up to three years for complex cases. During the initial weeks after braces are placed, patients commonly experience some discomfort or soreness as their teeth begin to shift. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help manage this initial adjustment.
Regular adjustments, typically every 4 to 6 weeks, are a routine part of the process, where the orthodontist tightens or modifies the wires. Patients will also need to adapt their dietary habits, avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage the braces. Maintaining rigorous oral hygiene is also important, requiring diligent brushing and flossing around the brackets and wires to prevent plaque buildup and gum issues.
Once the braces are removed, the orthodontic journey continues with the retention phase, which is important for maintaining the corrected bite. Patients are prescribed retainers, which can be fixed or removable, to hold the teeth in their new positions. Consistent retainer wear, as directed by the orthodontist, is essential to prevent the teeth from shifting back towards their original alignment.