An overbite is a common orthodontic problem that occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.
While a small amount of overlap is normal and serves a purpose, an overbite can detract from the appearance of the smile and also negatively affect chewing and overall oral health when it is deep or excessive.
Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatment types in Patna and work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth over time. As teeth move in the desired direction, the upper and lower teeth will come into proper alignment.
Understanding how braces work can make the treatment process much easier to follow, so let’s take a closer look at how they correct an overbite and improve the way your teeth come together.
What Causes an Overbite?
An overbite can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics and jaw development. Some people are naturally born with a larger upper jaw which can affect how the teeth bite together.
Other reasons for an overbite include:
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Prolonged thumb sucking during childhood
- Extended use of a pacifier
- Tongue-thrusting habits
- Differences in jaw development
- Irregular tooth positioning
- Excessive vertical overlap of the front teeth
If you live in Patna consider getting a thorough dental examination at the best dental clinic in Patna to establish the cause and degree of overbite.
How Do Braces Fix an Overbite?
Traditional orthodontic treatment for an overbite uses braces to slowly shift the teeth into proper position. The brackets that are attached to the teeth are connected by an orthodontic wire.
This wire is tightened on a regular basis in order to apply more pressure to the teeth in order to shift them. The various types of tooth movement required for a patient are described here.
1. Moving the Front Teeth
The upper front teeth may be protruding (too far forward) or inclined inward. The braces can move these teeth back to a normal position and also correct their inclination.
The lower front teeth can also be moved. This is crucial in creating an ideal relationship between the upper teeth and the lower teeth.
2. Straightening and Aligning Teeth
An overbite can often occur in conjunction with crowded teeth, teeth that are twisted or crooked, and other problems that prevent teeth from being properly aligned in the dental arch.
As your teeth move and become straighter, your upper and lower teeth will come together in a more even manner.
3. Improving the Bite
Correcting an overbite isn’t only about straightening the front of the teeth. The way the upper and lower teeth fit together is also important.
Depending on the severity of the overbite, orthodontic elastics or additional appliances are used along with braces. These can help guide the teeth and improve the relationship between the upper and lower arches.
4. Controlling a Deep Overbite
There are cases in which people have a deep overbite and the upper front teeth bite into the lower teeth. In order to treat these patients it is necessary to control their vertical movement while moving the teeth.
By carefully controlling the amount of tooth movement of individual teeth, the dentist or orthodontist can decrease the amount of overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth and create a proper, functional bite.
These adjustments help fix an overbite and isn’t just about making your teeth look straighter. It’s also about helping your teeth come together comfortably and making everyday things like biting and chewing easier.
How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite With Braces?
There is no single treatment time to correct an overbite that applies to all cases as every patient is different.
Factors that affect treatment time are the degree of overbite, the position of the teeth in the jaw, the patient’s jaw and facial development, age and presence of other dental or facial orthodontic problems.
The time needed to correct mild cases is shorter than for complex cases. The amount of time that a person wears braces can vary from several months to a few years.
You will need to come back for regular check ups and your dentist can make changes to your treatment as necessary.
How Can Dr. Sachin’s Dental Help?
If you are considering dental braces treatment in Patna, Dr. Sachin’s Dental can help you understand the most effective treatment options suited to your needs.
At Dr. Sachin’s Dental, we are able to assess your bite and recommend if treatment with the orthodontist is needed. After assessment the dental team provides you with a diagnosis of the relationship between the upper jaw and the lower jaw and the degree of the overbite.
The doctor will then determine if you need treatment with braces or provide you with other alternatives for correcting your bite. Depending on your individual circumstances, treatment may be with braces or an alternative solution to align your teeth, improve the bite and transform the look of your smile.
Get the Right Treatment for Your Overbite
An overbite affects more than the appearance of the teeth. An overbite of an excessive measure can make eating difficult, can cause excessive wear on the teeth and can have other effects on the entire bite.
Since an overbite can occur for different reasons and in different degrees, an accurate assessment by a dental professional is required prior to commencing treatment.
With the right treatment and proper care, an overbite can be corrected to achieve a healthier, more beautiful and balanced smile.
For overbite treatment using braces, Dr. Sachin’s Dental would be happy to evaluate your teeth to determine if braces are the appropriate solution for your teeth.