All you need to know about overbites and fixing them with braces


An overbite occurs when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth mostly because of an underdeveloped upper or lower jaw. The medical term for overbites is malocclusion. Many a time, an overbite may emerge as crooked teeth, but in reality, the individual’s teeth are not in line with their jaw. Overbites can be hereditary in many cases but can also be a repercussion of habits such as excessive use of pacifiers or thumb sucking during childhood. Overbites can affect an individual’s eating habits, ability to swallow, and speech patterns.

There are two types of overbites:

Vertical Overbite: In this case, the upper teeth predominantly overlap the lower teeth. 

Horizontal Overbite: In this case, the upper teeth bulge or protrude over the lower teeth. 

 Dental procedures and treatments can either reduce or fully repair the overbite. The application of braces to correct overbites is a viable solution. Visit a orthodontist in Northeast Calgary today for a consultation.

 How do braces work to fix overbites?

The mechanism of braces works to move and realign the teeth into position gradually, over some time, thus correcting the overbite.

In most cases, overbites are visible by the age of six in children. Orthodontist recommend treating an overbite between the ages of eight and 14 because it’s easier to shape and correct the overbite as a child’s bones are still developing and growing. For children, it typically takes one to three years of wearing braces to fix overbites. Every patient is unique in their way, and so treatment time also varies. To learn more about how long it takes to repair overbites, visit a orthodontist near you.

Why is it best to correct overbites with braces? 

 More often than not, an overbite might seem like a problem that affects the appearance of an individual’s smile and teeth. But this is not the only concern. Overbites can lead to several oral health concerns, some of which are listed below:

  • Tooth decay
  • Tooth loss
  • Jaw pain
  • Gum disease
  • Pain in the joints
  • Concerns with chewing
  • Difficulties speaking

Delaying treatment for an overbite may lead to permanent damage and requires surgery to fix any repairs. The use of braces can help curb some of these concerns with the bonus of a healthy-straight smile. 

 What is the best solution to correct overbites?

Different kinds of braces are available to treat overbites. To determine the best solution for you, fix an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible!

Some of the options for braces may include: 

  • Invisalign – Invisalign is an alternate form of treatment that uses clear, removable teeth aligners to straighten teeth as compared to traditional metal braces.
  • Metal Braces – The most traditional form of braces, it uses metal brackets and archwires that are fixed to the outer surface of the teeth to reposition or straighten misaligned teeth.
  • Lingual Braces – Similar to metal braces, lingual braces also use metal brackets and archwires. The difference between both the braces is that lingual braces are attached behind the teeth and are almost invisible. 
  • Clear Braces – Made of ceramic or porcelain, it is the same as the traditional metal braces except that it is clear or transparent. They are less visible on the teeth as compared to metal braces and hence more appealing.

In many cases, individuals prefer the traditional metal braces for the treatment of overbites, misalignments, or overcrowded teeth. Most of these individuals are children and teenagers. Adults may also choose to use metal braces but, a majority of adults prefer the alternative of Invisalign Clear Aligners as they are barely visible on the teeth. 

 To determine the best solution for an overbite, book an appointment with a orthodontist in Northeast Calgary today. The orthodontist will examine the position of your jaw and teeth using 3D x-rays to determine the severity of overbite and determine the type of braces you will require. 

  For braces in NE Calgary, visit your nearest orthodontist today!

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