Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
Having a straight smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also prevents complications. Unfortunately, issues like overbites can occur, impacting your oral health. Here, our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics discuss how to fix an overbite as well as the common types and causes of this condition.
What is an overbite?
An overbite is an orthodontic condition characterized by upper front teeth overlapping lower front teeth. This can cause issues such as teeth wearing down or pain in the jaw. In some cases, overbite can be hereditary. Genetic traits, such as the shape of your jaw, can affect the alignment of teeth, causing an overbite. Let's dive into how to correct an overbite, including the different types and how they occur.
Types of Overbites
The different types of overbite are defined by the origin of the malocclusion (bad bite). Below are some of the most common types of overbite that patients experience:
Overbite
Excessive overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth, known as a vertical overbite or deep bite, can cause dental issues like tooth wear, gum recession, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, is often used to gradually realign the teeth and reduce the overbite. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to address skeletal issues causing the overbite.
Crossbite
A horizontal overbite, commonly known as a crossbite, happens when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can lead to jaw asymmetry, tooth wear, and difficulties in biting and chewing. The treatment for a crossbite varies based on its severity and underlying causes. In mild cases, orthodontic devices such as expanders or braces can be used to widen the upper arch and correct the crossbite. In more severe cases, a combination of orthodontic treatment and oral surgery may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
Overjet
An overjet, also known as a non-skeletal or dental protrusion (an excessive overlap), occurs when the upper front teeth protrude. This condition can be caused by genetics, thumb-sucking, or tongue-thrusting habits. Orthodontic treatment is the primary approach to correcting an overjet. This may involve using braces, aligners, or other dental appliances to align the teeth properly, bringing the upper front teeth back into harmonious alignment with the lower teeth. In some cases, tooth extraction may be required to provide the space needed for proper alignment.
Skeletal Overjet
A skeletal overjet occurs when the upper jaw protrudes forward in comparison to the lower jaw due to an underlying jaw discrepancy. This overbite is primarily caused by skeletal growth patterns and can result in facial asymmetry and functional issues. Treatment options for skeletal overjets include orthodontics, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, or a combination of both. Orthodontic treatment focuses on aligning the teeth, while orthognathic surgery repositions the jaws to achieve a balanced facial profile and improve the bite. An orthodontist and oral surgeon typically work together to determine the treatment plan.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don't overlap vertically when the back teeth touch. This can be caused by habits like thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or prolonged bottle feeding. It can result in difficulty with biting and chewing, speech, as well as having an aesthetic impact. Treatment for an open bite may involve orthodontic treatment, jaw surgery, or a combination of both. Orthodontic devices, such as braces or aligners, gradually close the open bite. In severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaws and achieve a proper bite.
So, how do you fix an overbite? Below, we break down the primary treatment options for overbites, offering additional information about each one.
How to Fix My Overbite
Many patients come to us asking how to get rid of an overbite. The main goal of fixing an overbite remains the same, no matter what you choose – to reduce the overlap between your top and bottom teeth. Some people want their overbite fixed to change the aesthetic appearance of their smile. A natural bite can change the shape of your jaw and face and make it easier to smile and talk comfortably. Fixing an overbite may also make it easier to chew and lessen jaw pain and headaches caused by a bad bite. Here we share how to fix an overbite with braces, Invisalign and more:
Orthodontic Braces
Braces are effective for treating most overbite problems. Braces are attached to the top and lower arches of the teeth. Over time, the archwire will begin to straighten and align the teeth. In some cases, elastics may be used to apply additional pressure and create specific movement. Once the braces are removed, you will either wear a retainer or have a permanent wire placed to keep the teeth in the desired position.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Many patients find Invisalign appealing because of its transparency and low-profile appearance. The custom-made, removable plastic trays are worn for at least 20 to 22 hours daily and replaced weekly or biweekly. They are designed to move teeth into proper alignment, gradually correcting an overbite. Sometimes, elastics may be used to apply extra pressure and achieve specific tooth movement. After finishing your Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer or have a permanent wire placed to maintain your teeth in the desired position.
Other Methods of Treating an Overbite
In some cases, surgical treatment options may need to be considered to correct an overbite. These can include surgery to address a misaligned jaw bone or tooth extraction to treat overcrowding, allowing the teeth to return to their natural position.
How much does it cost to fix an overbite?
The cost associated with orthodontic treatment to address an overbite varies between patients based on the severity of the problem, the treatment method used and the length of treatment.
Our orthodontists strive to make treatment affordable for patients and their families. Rest assured that we always discuss fees and our flexible payment options before treatment begins, and we will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget. This type of support can lead to better oral health outcomes, as people are more likely to seek and follow through with recommended care when cost is not a barrier.
We also offer a handy online calculator to help you estimate the weekly cost of your treatment at Village Orthodontics.