An overbite entails jaw misalignment. It occurs that the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth more than expected. Whenever the mouth is closed, there should be a minimal overlap of the upper teeth with the bottom ones, that is, 20% or less. If it happens to be more than 20%, then that is considered an overbite and may require orthodontic treatment. An overbite is mostly seen in children as they grow. However, an overbite can also occur in teenagers or adults as they keep aging. An early orthodontic treatment, particularly for kids, can aid in fixing the overbite appropriately. To know more click Dinar
Causes of an Overbite
- Genetic causes: Some overbites develop as a result of genetics. This is especially true for children whose parents have an overbite. They are also likely to create. Consider getting your child into an orthodontist as early as seven to start the treatment process proactively.
- Habitual causes: Some habits can cause the development of an overbite. There are external factors that can lead to overbite in children. That is the extension of the use of a pacifier and the prolonged thumb-sucking in infants. In the case of adults, it can develop due to the chewing of hard objects and excessive nail biting.
How Orthodontists Fix Overbites
If you have an overbite, you don’t need to panic. There are ways that it can be fixed. The first step to overbite treatment is seeing an orthodontist. They can offer professional insight concerning the nature and severity of the overbite. Depending on the overbite’s age and unique situation, the orthodontist might consider a few treatment options, including braces and surgery.
Can Braces Fix an Overbite?
This is a frequently asked question by people who might consider an overbite treatment. The most familiar treatment for an overbite is braces. Though braces for overbite alone cannot fix an overbite. Usually, orthodontists use braces alongside one or more of the following;
- Palatal expander
- Rubber bands
- Tooth extraction
- Jaw surgery
Braces with Rubber bands
When the orthodontist places the braces for overbites on the teeth, they may as well require you to wear rubber bands. The rubber bands are usually small and made of safe material. Therefore, they attach to the brackets on both sides to apply extra pressure on the specific teeth. You can be shown by the orthodontist how to connect them to get the best results with overbite braces. Rubber bands can be removed whenever brushing or eating, and they can be replaced when done.
Jaw surgery
When there is a severe overbite, surgery may be required to position the jaws correctly, and braces for overbite can be used to align them.
Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is considered, especially when there is overcrowding of the teeth. The braces for overbite and the necessary appliances will be placed to align the teeth and correct the bite.
Palatal Expander
Sometimes, the child’s jaw might be very overcrowded or small. The palatial expander is therefore temporarily placed in the mouth to open up the jaw. Over a few months and weeks, the expander will widen the palate. It works best for children while they are still developing.
Conclusion
There is not much you can do to speed up the overbite treatment. But the length of the overbite treatment depends on how bad it might be. To be on the safe side, follow the orthodontist’s recommendations. Practice good oral hygiene, wear rubber bands regularly and attend orthodontic appointments as scheduled.
