Overbite is one of the most common orthodontic issues that is seen when the upper teeth overlap more than half of the lower teeth while biting down. In severe stages, an overbite makes it difficult to properly chew food. It also results in damage to the teeth and gums. The lower teeth strike the back of upper teeth and gums causing discomfort along with other dental issues. Overbite is often associated with heredity. Other than this, it also stems from bad childhood habits like nail biting, thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier usage and so on.

Role of Braces in Fixing Overbite
When it comes to fixing an overbite in children, it is usually easier because the child’s jaws are not fully developed at a young age. Overbites can range from a forward positioning of the teeth to a severe overbite which is also known as retrognathic.

Based on the severity of an overbite, our dentists suggest a different level of treatment for our patients. To identify whether your child qualifies for braces, we take x-rays and impressions. The treatment begins immediately with traditional metal braces.

However, before beginning the treatment, it is recommended to consult the dentist to identify whether he/she is the right candidate for braces.

Treating an overbite in adults can be a bit challenging because adults have a developed jaw. The initial treatment starts with the fitting of the brace. Once the teeth have been straightened, the treatment extends to moving the lower teeth forward and upper teeth backward. This helps in achieving overbite correction in a perfect way.

It is observed that treatment with braces might take as long as 1-2 years to achieve correction. It can also be extended if the overbite is severe.

Problems Caused By An Overbite
Overbite leads to various issues related to eating, breathing, tooth decay, and speech deformities.

If you live in or around Victoria and looking for a solution to fix your overbite, our dentist can be of great help. Our dentists can help both adults and children treat overbite, underbite and crossbite issues. Give us a call today at our office to schedule your overbite evaluation.

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