When your upper teeth protrude over your lower teeth, you have an overbite. While most people have a slight overbite, one that is too large (exceeding 25%) can cause significant health issues and need an overbite correction.
Overbites that are left untreated can cause irreparable damage to your teeth. They can also lead to problems like jaw pain, tooth decay, headaches, speech impediments, and sleep apnea. The good news is that there are several ways to correct an overbite.
How To Fix An Overbite
Braces
Braces are the most common treatment for overbites and other types of malocclusion. Using gentle pressure, these orthodontic devices move your teeth to their proper positions to correct your overbite. It may take between six months and two years to fix an overbite with braces.
Retainers
Orthodontists usually recommend retainers to help keep teeth in place after braces.
Teeth removal
To correct an overbite, your teeth have to shift. When there is not enough space for your teeth to move, your orthodontist may have to create the space through tooth extractions.
Most orthodontists will recommend other types of overbite correction or orthodontic treatment and only turn to extractions as a last resort. But if the patient’s teeth are overcrowded or the overbite is severe, teeth removal may be the most effective way to correct the overbite. After the extraction/s, your orthodontist will be able to reposition your teeth with braces.
Surgery
For adult patients with severe overbites, an orthodontist may recommend surgery. This involves repositioning the lower jaw or realigning the upper with the lower jaw. Complete healing from overbite surgery can take up to 12 months.
