An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. While a minor overlap is considered normal and even beneficial for proper dental function, an excessive overlap can lead to various oral health concerns. For adults, correcting an overbite is possible, and modern orthodontic advancements offer multiple effective solutions. Addressing an overbite can improve not only the appearance of a smile but also overall oral health and function.
Why Correct an Overbite?
Correcting an overbite extends beyond cosmetic improvements, addressing functional and health implications. An excessive overbite can impair proper chewing function, making it difficult to bite into food. This misalignment can affect speech clarity, potentially leading to lisps or difficulty articulating certain sounds.
Improper contact between teeth can cause increased wear on tooth enamel, leading to chipping, fracturing, or heightened tooth sensitivity. An overbite can also place undue strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect the jawbone to the skull, resulting in jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Severe overbites can lead to gum health issues. The lower front teeth may bite into the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth, causing irritation or gum recession. Overlapping teeth are more difficult to clean thoroughly, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
Orthodontic Correction Options
Orthodontic treatments are the primary approach for overbite correction, offering various methods to realign teeth gradually. Traditional braces use brackets and wires, adjusted periodically to apply gentle, continuous pressure. This moves teeth into their desired positions, correcting the overbite. Treatment duration with traditional braces typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the case’s complexity.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, present a more discreet alternative. These involve a series of custom, transparent trays worn over the teeth, each designed to progressively shift them. Clear aligners are removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, though they require being worn for at least 22 hours per day to be effective.
While often suitable for mild to moderate overbites, their efficacy for more severe cases varies. Lingual braces provide another aesthetic option; these custom brackets and wires are placed on the inside surface of the teeth, making them virtually invisible. They apply continuous pressure to reposition teeth, similar to traditional braces. Treatment with lingual braces can last 1 to 3 years.
Advanced Correction Approaches
For severe overbites, especially those stemming from significant jaw misalignment, advanced interventions may be considered. Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as jaw surgery, involves repositioning the jaw bones to achieve proper alignment. This procedure is reserved for cases where orthodontics alone cannot resolve the structural issue and is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are small, temporary mini-implants. These devices are strategically placed in the jawbone to provide a fixed anchor point. TADs allow orthodontists to apply precise forces to move specific teeth, often reducing the need for more extensive appliances or surgery.
Other specialized appliances may be employed as adjunctive therapies in conjunction with primary treatments for challenging overbite cases, helping to achieve comprehensive correction.
Maintaining Your Corrected Bite
After the active phase of overbite correction, maintaining the newly achieved alignment is essential for long-term success. Retainers play a pivotal role in this maintenance, preventing teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions.
Retainers come in various forms, including fixed (bonded to the back of the teeth) and removable options like clear plastic aligners or Hawley retainers. Orthodontists typically recommend long-term, often indefinite, wear of retainers to ensure the stability of the corrected bite.
Consistent and thorough oral hygiene practices are paramount. Regular brushing and flossing help preserve the results of orthodontic treatment by preventing plaque buildup and maintaining gum health, especially around any fixed retainers.
Continuing regular dental check-ups with a general dentist and periodic follow-up visits with an orthodontist are crucial. These appointments allow for monitoring the stability of the bite, addressing any concerns, and ensuring overall oral health, including early detection of cavities or gum disease.