An overbite is a misalignment of the jaw that prevents the teeth from meeting as they should. The upper teeth protrude over the bottom, which can cause pain and dental problems without treatment. Some young patients seek out treatment for cosmetic purposes, but there are many more benefits to correcting an overbite.
Can braces fix an overbite? For many patients, dental appliances like metal braces in Metairie can help. Maldonado Orthodontics offers a free consultation to determine if braces are a good option for you or your child.
Common Questions About Fixing an Overbite With Braces
An overbite can cause all sorts of problems, including speech difficulties. It can cause tooth enamel to wear unevenly, which leads to tooth decay and breakage.
If you are thinking about scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common questions from our patients.
How Long Does It Take?
No two patients have the same type of jaw and teeth alignment. That means the time it takes to complete orthodontic treatment varies for everyone. The average time it takes to fix an overbite is one to two years.
The length of the treatment time depends on the type of overbite and how fast a patient’s teeth move.
Part of braces treatment includes wearing a retainer. After the orthodontist removes the braces, a retainer prevents the teeth from shifting. Neglecting to wear a retainer could undo the orthodontic treatment entirely.
How Does It Work?
When you visit an orthodontist for a consultation, they will take X-rays to examine the jaw alignment. The placement of the teeth under the gums affects how your orthodontist chooses to proceed with overbite treatment. Braces use metal wires and elastic bands along with a bracket on each tooth to gradually correct the overbite.
Are Braces the Only Option?
Not everyone wants to spend months or years with metal braces on their teeth. When you wonder, “Can braces fix an overbite?” you may also wonder if braces are the only option available.
There are other options available depending on the severity of the overbite. Clear aligners like Invisalign use a series of custom trays that move the teeth similarly to braces. Instead of a bracket on each tooth, aligners use small “buttons” to help them move your teeth. Aligners are best for patients with enough responsibility to wear them at least 22 hours a day. Young children who find them uncomfortable may take them out, extending treatment time or reversing progress.
When severe overcrowding causes an overbite, your orthodontist may recommend extraction or jaw surgery before or during braces treatment to create enough space inside the mouth to correct the overbite.
Overbite Treatment for Adults
Even with orthodontic treatment as a teenager, some adults need retreatment if their teeth shift over the years. Correcting an overbite as an adult can reduce jaw pain and prevent gum disease. More and more adults seek orthodontic treatment with the rising popularity of clear braces and clear aligners that are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Orthodontic Treatment for a Healthy Smile You’ll Love
When you have an overbite, food particles trapped in your teeth can cause significant dental problems, like gum disease and tooth decay. An orthodontist will take X-rays to determine the severity of your overbite and how to proceed with treatment. As you come to the end of your treatment plan, your orthodontist may recommend rubber bands for braces in order to move your teeth into their final positions. Now you know the answer to the question, “Can braces fix an overbite?” Maldonado Orthodontics in Metairie, LA, offers a free braces consultation to answer any questions and address any concerns that prevent you from moving forward with treatment. Schedule an appointment by filling out our online form or by calling our Metairie office at (504) 455-5581.
