Can You Correct an Overbite Without Braces?
An overbite is a medical condition that occurs when the teeth in the top row do not line up with the teeth in the bottom row. Overbite is a very common dental problem, often genetic in nature, but it can also be caused by constant thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and other habits in children. Although there is no safe or effective home remedy, there are a few medical options for correcting overbite in children and adults. An overbite is diagnosed through a dental exam, during which your dentist will examine the condition of each of your teeth and your oral health. If you have an overbite, your dentist will discuss options with you. While a common way to correct an overbite is with braces, there may be other options available for you if you do not want the inconvenience of wearing braces for a prolonged amount of time.
Invisible aligners
Consider wearing clear aligners. In milder cases, the overbite can be corrected by wearing a transparent alignment device. Before using it, you must undergo a dental scanner and a transparent 3D mold will be created to cover the teeth. This is best done by a dentist, who will make a cast of your jawbone to make a digital 3D model that will serve as the basis for the design of the aligners. This step is essential for the production of tailor-made gutters which will allow the position of the teeth from the first molding to evolve to the desired position. Several alignment trays are therefore made for each patient. They will then have to be changed regularly and worn for 22 hours a day. Although easy to conceal and less invasive, the clear aligner can cost more than regular braces. For an estimate, see your dentist and inquire about aligners from companies such as ClearCorrect and Invisalign.
Wire retainers
Generally, dental retainers are used to hold teeth in place after the removal of braces. However, in some cases, especially in children, excessive overbites can be corrected using wire retainers. These devices require less maintenance than braces and are much less expensive. Although more visible than transparent aligners, wire retainers can be easily removed, unlike braces.
Dental repair
In some people, overbites can lead to erosion of all teeth because they tend to grind and stain them unintentionally. If this is the case for you, the dentist may fit crowns or tooth caps. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, ask your dentist if they can recommend a mouthguard to wear at night.
Removal of teeth
In many cases, the overbite is caused by dental crowding, a situation in which the teeth are too close together. To install braces or other aligners, your orthodontist may need to extract some of these teeth. In most cases, the extraction will be performed by a dentist and not by an orthodontist
Surgery
In some extreme cases, full oral surgery may be done to correct an overbite. During the operation, the cheeks are pulled back and the surgeon will make incisions inside the jawbone. Thus, he can move the jaw, change the shape of the chin and align the teeth. Maxillary surgery is usually only performed if less invasive treatments have proven ineffective. Since jaw surgery is usually done inside the mouth, most patients do not have any visible scars.