Yes, fixing an overbite can change the shape of your face. Overbites make your face look asymmetric. Furthermore, they can cause discomfort, and they may also affect speech and make wearing dentures difficult. Overbite correction can be done with braces or surgery to shift the position of your upper jaw and bring the teeth into a corrected position. Our orthodontist will choose the most suitable treatment option based on the severity of the overbite.
What is An Overbite Face?
Overbite is a condition where your lower jaw extends beyond the upper front teeth. Overbites typically develop because of an underdeveloped upper jaw or missing some adult teeth. This affects the position and size of your teeth and causes permanent damage to the gums and muscles. Overbites also make wearing dentures difficult. Overbite correction can be done with braces or surgery to shift the position of your upper jaw and bring the teeth into a corrected position.
What Is Considered a Normal Overbite?
An overbite is a dental term that describes the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. It’s a common dental condition and is measured in millimeters to assess its severity. A normal overbite typically ranges from 1 to 3 millimeters.
Characteristics of a Normal Overbite:
- Upper Teeth Position: The upper front teeth should cover a small portion of the lower front teeth. In a normal overbite, the upper incisors may overlap the lower incisors by about 1-3 mm.
- Functional Efficiency: A normal overbite allows for proper biting and chewing without discomfort or misalignment.
- Facial Aesthetics: A slight overbite is generally considered aesthetically pleasing and contributes to a balanced facial profile.
When Is an Overbite Considered a Concern? If the overbite exceeds 3 mm, it may be classified as a moderate to severe overbite, which could lead to issues like tooth wear, jaw pain, or difficulty in chewing. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor overbite conditions and ensure proper dental health.
What Causes Overbite?
Overbites typically develop when the upper jaw is smaller or some adult teeth have never come in. Overbite can also develop when a child’s bottom front teeth grow larger than their top ones, making the lower lip appear too small. Overbites caused by missing teeth require more complicated treatment and cannot be treated with braces alone.
Why Overbite Correction?
Overbite can cause problems like jaw pain, slurred speech, gum disease, and tooth wear. It can also cause some anxiety or self-consciousness in some people because they are more visible than other dental problems. Overbites can also lead to more serious dental problems, such as gum disease.
Overbite Treatment Options
Overbite treatment options depend on how severe the overbite is and what tooth or jaw structure needs to be altered.
For example, an overbite caused by crowded teeth may be treated by removing baby teeth to make room for adult teeth or using braces to move teeth into proper alignment.
Some of the treatment options include:
- Braces
Braces are a very popular orthodontic treatment because they can straighten teeth, remove spaces between teeth, and adjust the position of the lower jaw. Overbite is easily treated with braces if it is caused by missing or crooked adult teeth, but fixed braces are not used to change the size or shape of the face.
Two types of braces are available for correcting an overbite: Metal braces and Invisalign overbites.
Metal braces are the most common and traditional type of braces. They comprise a metal frame with ceramic brackets attached to teeth. The alignment of teeth is altered by tightening or loosening these metal wires with small screw-like devices. Over time, the process can correct severe overbites as well as underbites.
Clear plastic aligners or Invisalign are made from a flexible thermoplastic material. Over time, they gradually reposition your teeth into a straighter position. They provide an alternative to metal braces and allow you to straighten teeth without being embarrassed.
- Surgery
If fixing teeth with braces is not possible, surgery can be done to correct the overbite. The surgery time frame will vary depending on which type of overbite surgery you need and bone structure.
Straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. Ask about our current offers for Invisalign in Inglewood patients!
How Braces Encourage Healthy Teeth and Gums
The two main functions of braces promote tooth movement and protect the teeth from excessive wear.
The metal braces guide the tooth’s natural inclination, ensuring that it moves in the right direction.
Braces encourage healthy teeth and gums by providing a rigid surface for brushing and flossing.
Can Braces Change the Shape of the Face?
Braces do not change the shape of the face. They move teeth, but they don’t grow new muscles or bones. However, patients with braces might notice subtle facial changes during their treatment process. If you're curious about how braces can influence your appearance and want to explore the most attractive teeth shape, be sure to check out our detailed guide on the topic.
Do Braces Cause Pain?
The increased pressure braces placed on teeth can also cause facial muscles to tighten. While braces are not known for causing significant discomfort, it is a common side effect of braces. Patients may experience some soreness or discomfort while wearing their braces, but once the braces are off, most patients find that the tightness in the jaw goes away.
Invisalign orthodontists know that braces can cause facial muscles to tighten, and this tightening of the soft tissues may change the lower third of a patient’s face–the area from lips.
Contact Our Orthodontist in Taylor
Visit Toothopia Dental – Culver City for more information about overbite and the most suitable treatment option.
Need help getting started? Our California-based offices in Culver City and Inglewood are ready to assist. Reach out by filling out the consultation form or calling 310-643-6221.
FAQ
What are the common treatments for an overbite?
- Braces: Traditional or clear aligners can gradually shift teeth into proper alignment.
- Palatal Expander: This device widens the upper jaw to create more space for teeth.
- Surgery: In severe cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying skeletal issue.
How long does overbite correction take?
The duration of treating how to fix overbite varies depending on the severity of the overbite and the chosen treatment method. Traditional braces typically take 18-24 months, while clear aligners may take less time. However, it's important to follow your orthodontist's instructions for optimal results.
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