Braces Before and Overbite – What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about getting braces, you may be worried about whether your overbite will get worse before it gets better. Will braces create a whole new set of problems to deal with? The short answer is no – and here’s why.

 

How can I know if my overbite will get worse?

If you’re still unsure if your overbite will get worse, ask your orthodontist. An overbite, by definition, is when your upper jaw extends beyond your lower jaw. Because of genetics or age-related changes, some people develop an overbite during their teenage years and later in life. Your orthodontist can look at your mouth in detail to determine if you have an overbite—before or after treatment. If you currently have braces but don’t see any improvement of an existing overbite, it could be because of a specific issue that needs to be addressed with a professional. For example, your teeth may not be moving properly due to an underlying condition like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). This is just one example of how braces before and overbite may differ from person to person. For more information about braces before and overbites, contact us today!

 

The Different Kinds of Ovehtites

An overbite is when your upper jaw projects past your lower jaw. Sometimes it’s minor, but other times it can be severe enough that you feel like you’re living with a permanent snarl. If it’s not bothering you too much, an overbite isn’t cause for concern—unless, of course, you want a perfectly straight smile. In that case, orthodontic treatment may be in order—but how does braces fit into the equation? A lot of people ask: Can braces help an overbite? And there are two answers: One is yes; one is no. Braces help correct teeth positions so that both jaws project evenly.

 

How can braces help an overbite?

An overbite is an extra-large gap in between a person’s top two teeth. It can cause severe jaw misalignment that leads to headaches, jaw pain, ear infections, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, or a host of other issues. If you have an overbite, don’t despair: braces are almost always able to help fix your problem. The way braces work is by gently repositioning your teeth until they are properly aligned with one another. In many cases—though not all—overbites can be braces before and after overbite.

 

Will My Overbite Get Worse With Braces?

The short answer is yes, an overbite can get worse with braces. The longer answer involves how both of these problems are commonly treated. An overbite occurs when a person’s upper teeth extend past their lower teeth. This may be due to poor alignment of their jawbone, or improper bite formation that occurred at a young age. Either way, an overbite can cause headaches or neck pains if it is not corrected.

 

Will An Orthodontist Treat My Overbite at the Same Time as My Teeth?

If you have braces, or are thinking about getting them, it’s natural to wonder what they can do for your overbite. Overbites, also known as an under bite are treated with both orthodontic appliances and by floating teeth. Floating means that a bit of tooth is shaved down in order to help move a tooth from its original position. To learn more about how braces can fix an overbite, contact our office today.

 

For more information…

Once you know what’s causing your overbite, you can make a better decision about braces. In some cases, an overbite can even worsen with braces; for instance, if your overbite is caused by grinding teeth during sleep or wearing off tooth enamel during chewing. It’s important to consider everything that could happen before choosing treatment. If you have questions or want more information about how braces work, contact our office today. Our doctors would be happy to help!