Can Braces Fix an Overbite?

An overbite is more than just a cosmetic concern—it happens when the top front teeth overlap too much over the bottom teeth. While a slight overbite is normal, a severe overbite can cause issues like jaw pain, speech problems, and uneven wear on your teeth. The good news? Braces can totally help with an overbite!

How Do Braces Correct Overbites?

Braces help with an overbite by slowly moving the teeth and aligning the jaw into the correct position. This process takes place in stages, with gentle, controlled pressure applied to gradually move the teeth over time. Here’s how braces help correct an overbite:

• Brackets and Wires Move the Teeth: Braces consist of brackets attached to each tooth and a wire that connects them. Over time, this wire is adjusted to gradually shift the teeth into the perfect position, reducing the extra overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower ones.
• Elastics Help Align the Jaw: The little rubber bands, or elastics, that are used with braces help link the upper and lower braces. They gently nudge the lower jaw forward and help shift the upper teeth into the right spot. Wearing elastics is super important for fixing an overbite and must be worn consistently for the best results.
• Palatal Expanders or Bite Correctors: If the upper jaw is really small or there’s a noticeable overbite, an orthodontic expander may be used either before getting braces or at the same time. Some patients may require a bite corrector appliance, like a Herbst appliance or Forsus springs, to help shift the lower jaw into place. These devices help improve jaw alignment gradually over time.
• Retainers Keep the Results in Place: After braces have done their job in moving the teeth and fixing the overbite, you’ll need a retainer to keep everything in place and stop the teeth from shifting back. Retainers are great for keeping your new bite in place for years to come.

How long it takes to fix an overbite really depends on the individual. Typically, it takes around 6 months to 2 years for most cases. This can vary based on how severe the overbite is, how closely the patient sticks to the instructions, and how their teeth react to the treatment. More severe overbites may require braces for up to two years or, in some cases, even longer.

What Causes an Overbite?

Overbites can happen for a bunch of reasons, some of which are out of your control, while others are caused by habits or lifestyle choices.

• Genetics and Jaw Development: For many people, an overbite is inherited. If your parents had an overbite, there’s a pretty good chance you could end up with one as well. The size and shape of your jaw and teeth also play a big role in how your bite comes together. An overbite can happen naturally if the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw or if the lower jaw is smaller.
• Childhood Habits: Certain habits that kids pick up can impact how their jaws develop and could ultimately result in an overbite. Habits like prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, bottle feeding, and tongue thrusting can lead to an overbite.
• Missing Teeth or Misalignment: If your child has misaligned teeth or loses their teeth too early, particularly baby teeth, it can cause the nearby teeth to shift around, which could lead to an overbite. 

Besides these causes, things like chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) and strong bite muscles from habits like clenching can also affect how the jaw is positioned.

While some causes of overbites, like genetics, can’t be prevented, others, like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, can be addressed early to reduce the severity of the problem. The best way to manage an overbite is through early orthodontic evaluations. Seeing an orthodontist by age seven allows us to monitor jaw development and recommend treatments if needed.

Types of Overbites

There are different types of overbites, and they can be categorized based on what causes them and their specific traits. Here are the main types of overbites:

• Dental Overbite: This type happens because of problems with how the teeth are positioned, not the jaw structure itself. It usually happens because of dental habits, crowding, or losing some back teeth. Since the misalignment here is primarily dental, orthodontic intervention can typically correct it.
• Skeletal Overbite: This type comes from the jaw structure, where the upper jaw is either bigger or sits further forward than the lower jaw. It usually runs in families and can stick around from when you’re a kid. Fixing this may require a more extensive orthodontic treatment or surgery.
• Vertical Overbite: Also known as a deep bite, this happens when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically. This condition can lead to various dental problems, including tooth wear and gum recession.
• Horizontal Overbite: This type, often called overjet, happens when the upper front teeth stick out a lot further than the lower front teeth in a horizontal way. It can influence how you bite and chew, and it may also change the way your face looks.

Fixing an overbite with braces can boost your smile and oral health. Even though the journey may seem long, the results are well worth the commitment. 

Benefits of Correcting an Overbite

Correcting an overbite with braces comes with several perks that go beyond just getting a nicer smile. Here’s a closer look at how braces can improve both your dental health and overall well-being:

• Better Oral Health: It’s way easier to clean straight teeth. An overbite can make it hard to reach certain surfaces of your teeth with a toothbrush or floss. This can raise your chances of getting cavities and gum disease. Once you fix that misalignment, keeping up with your oral hygiene gets a lot simpler, which can help you avoid dental problems down the road.
• Improved Speech and Pronunciation: A misaligned bite can affect speech clarity, causing difficulty with certain sounds. Correcting an overbite improves tongue placement and airflow, making it easier to pronounce words clearly and confidently.
• Easier Chewing and Digestion: When your teeth don’t align properly, it can be harder to bite and chew food efficiently. Poor chewing can lead to digestive issues since food isn’t broken down as effectively. By correcting an overbite, you can enjoy meals more comfortably and improve digestion.
• Lower Risk of Tooth Wear and Damage: An overbite causes the upper front teeth to rub against the lower teeth, leading to excessive wear, enamel erosion, and even tooth fractures over time. Fixing the bite protects your teeth from unnecessary stress, extending their lifespan.
• Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Overbites can sometimes cause a receding chin or an imbalanced facial profile. By aligning the teeth and jaw, orthodontic treatment can enhance facial symmetry, giving you a more natural and confident smile.
• Prevents Jaw Pain and Headaches: If your bite isn’t aligned just right, it can put a strain on your jaw muscles and joints. This could end up causing chronic jaw pain, TMJ disorders, neck pain, or even headaches. Braces can help ease that strain by aligning your jaw in a more comfortable and natural way.
• Improve Sleep Apnea: Proper alignment of the jaw can potentially lower the chances of airway blockage and make breathing easier while you sleep.

Correcting an overbite can improve both your health and your confidence. At Kelson Orthodontics, we offer personalized treatment plans, including braces and Invisalign, to help you achieve a healthy, well-aligned smile. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier bite!

Overbite Treatment for Kids, Teens, and Adults

Even though starting early is great, today’s orthodontic options allow you to correct an overbite no matter when you decide to tackle it.

Overbite Treatment for Kids (Ages 7-12)

It’s usually a good idea to check for an overbite when kids are around seven years old, as that’s when they have both baby teeth and some permanent ones coming in. At this stage, an orthodontist can monitor jaw growth and guide teeth into better alignment before problems become more severe.

Common early treatments include:

• Palatal expanders: Used to widen the upper jaw if it’s too narrow.
• Space maintainers: Help prevent overcrowding by keeping space open for permanent teeth.
• Phase 1 braces or appliances: These are used in some cases to correct jaw development early and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

Overbite Treatment for Teens (Ages 13-18)

Braces are most often seen on teenagers since their permanent teeth have come in and their jaws are still developing. This makes it easier to shift teeth into the correct position.

Common treatments for teens include:

• Traditional braces: Metal or ceramic braces with elastics to adjust jaw alignment.
• Invisalign Teen: A nearly invisible option for mild to moderate overbites.
• Elastics (rubber bands): Often used with braces to help move the lower jaw forward for better bite correction.

Overbite Treatment for Adults (Ages 18+)

It’s never too late to fix an overbite! Even though adult jaws are fully developed, orthodontic treatment can still do a great job of shifting teeth and improving bite alignment. However, since jawbones aren’t growing anymore, the treatment might take a bit longer compared to what it would for kids or teens. 

Common overbite treatments for adults include:

• Braces (metal or ceramic): Highly effective for all severities of overbites.
• Invisalign: A discreet option for mild to moderate overbite correction.
• Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery): Needed for severe overbites where the lower jaw is significantly underdeveloped.

Life with Braces: What to Expect During Overbite Treatment

Getting braces to fix an overbite is a pretty exciting move for a healthier, more confident smile, but it does come with some adjustments. No matter if you’re a kid, a teenager, or an adult, having an idea of what to expect will definitely make things easier and more comfortable.

• Mild Discomfort After Adjustments: Braces help move your teeth gradually, so it’s totally normal to experience a bit of tightness or soreness after you first get them on and after any adjustments are made. You might feel discomfort for a few days, but don’t worry! Soft foods, cold drinks, and some over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease it if you need a little extra relief.
• Eating with Braces: You’ll need to make some temporary changes to your diet to protect your braces and avoid discomfort. Soft foods like yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups are all really good options. Try to steer clear of hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as popcorn, gum, caramel, and nuts. They can really mess up your brackets and wires!
• Using Elastics (Rubber Bands): We may recommend using elastics to link the upper and lower braces, helping to align your jaw properly. Just remember to wear them like you’re supposed to, swap them out every day, and keep some spares handy in case one breaks.
• Keeping Your Braces Clean: Keeping your mouth clean is super important when you have braces to avoid cavities and plaque buildup. Don’t forget to brush after every meal! Using floss threaders or a water flosser is a great way to clean between those wires, and rinsing with mouthwash can help keep your gums healthy.
• Regular Orthodontic Appointments: You’ll need to swing by our office every 4 to 8 weeks for some adjustments and to check on your progress. These appointments are really important for keeping your treatment on track and making sure your overbite is getting better as planned.

Life with braces requires a little patience and a little extra care, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Once treatment wraps up, you’ll enjoy a well-aligned bite, healthier teeth, and a smile that boosts your confidence for years to come!