What is an Overbite?
An overbite is when the top jaw and teeth overlap the lower jaw and teeth. The most common cause of an overbite is when the child has a small lower jaw or is born with a cleft palate. A child will most likely have an overbite if they have inherited smaller jawbones, creating less space for their teeth to grow into. There are many different types of treatment for this issue, which will depend on the severity and age of the sufferer, and your local orthodontic clinic will be able to provide treatment.
What Causes an Overbite?
Overbites occur in individuals born with a cleft palate or with small jaws. A small jaw bone may not be able to support or hold the teeth in place, which causes the teeth to move out of place. Smaller jaws are more commonly seen in children with Down syndrome, Bohn disease, Pierre Robin syndrome, craniofacial syndromes, and skeletal dysplasia syndromes. Overbites are also seen more commonly in children with smaller jaws.
Can you correct an overbite with braces?
Yes. Your Queens Orthodontist can treat for overbites through braces and teeth alignment. A child could also receive a surgical correction to bring the lower jaw forward and create more space in the mouth. Treatment for an overbite will vary depending on the severity of the condition.
With Mild Overbites:
– Smaller appliances could be used to align the teeth such as rubber bands, headgear, and smaller, removable plastic trays.
With Severe Overbites:
– The child may need to wear permanent appliances like stainless steel or gold brackets. These supports are placed on both sides of the teeth and can cause pain for some patients.
How Long Does it Take to Fix an Overbite with Braces?
Each patient will progress at their own pace depending on the severity of their overbite. The typical timeframe to correct an overbite is between 6 months to 24 months.
What problems are caused by overbites?
Parents most often recognize their child with an overbite has a problem that an Orthodontist in Flushing, NY will need to treat. Children with an overbite will often come in earlier for treatment than other problems because they have health or psychological problems related to their teeth.
Other children may struggle with bad eating habits because of the overbite.
Can you fix overbite without braces?
Surgery is one treatment method for an overbite for the most severe cases when braces or other orthodontic methods have failed to correct the problem.
My Smiles Orthodontics of Queens 75-05 Parsons Boulevard Flushing, NY 11366 (718) 380-1230 https://mysmilesbraces.com/