If you find that your upper teeth are protruding over the lower ones by a comparatively large proportion when biting down, then you’re suffering from an overbite. Overbites or malocclusions arise due to numerous factors. While some are hereditary, others are the outcome of accidents and teeth infections. Beware that overbites can result in various detrimental complications if untreated. For instance, they can lead to irreparable teeth damage and serious temporomandibular joint disorders. Therefore, it’s important you see an orthodontist as soon as possible. The benefit of reporting malocclusions is that numerous options exist to treat complications. If you’re concerned about your overbite and don’t want people to know you’re having treatment, lingual braces might be your solution.
Treating Overbites
Overbites can arise from the underdevelopment of your lower jaw or an inconsistency in the front teeth’s size. In some instances, the orthodontist can use therapy to bring your jaws into appropriate alignment. This option suits younger patients who have a malleable skeletal structure.
A severe overbite caused by a skeletal issue in adults is more difficult. In this case, correction can’t occur with braces alone. Such cases frequently need surgery to relocate the jaw before considering braces. There is also the possibly of resizing or contouring, in order to bring the teeth into an ordinary position.
Lingual Braces for Overbites
Braces are the most efficient and common treatment choice available for rectifying overbites. They function by applying pressure to certain teeth, in order to move them into a desired position.
In the case of lingual braces – sometimes referred to as hidden braces – brackets are attached to the inside of the teeth. This means that they are hidden from view and a very discreet form of orthodontic treatment. The brackets and wires will guide the teeth to a new position such that the upper teeth don’t overlap the lower teeth when you speak or close your mouth.
The advantage of this method is that it produces gradual treatment, while remaining virtually invisible. The bone holding the teeth will have sufficient time to develop properly. After an assessment, your orthodontist will be able to inform you whether you will need a different form of treatment.
To discuss your treatment options with a specialist orthodontist, book an appointment with Medland Orthodontics today.
