Braces for Overbite: How Do They Work?

Having an overbite can be a common orthodontic problem that affects many people. It occurs when the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth when biting down. An overbite can cause various issues such as difficulty biting, speech problems, and can even lead to jaw pain. Fortunately, braces can effectively fix an overbite, improving both the function and appearance of your teeth. In this article, we'll discuss how braces work to fix an overbite.

Before we delve into the details of how braces fix an overbite, it's essential to understand what an overbite is. An overbite, also known as malocclusion, occurs when the upper front teeth overlap with the lower front teeth. It can be genetic, or it can develop due to childhood habits like thumb-sucking, using pacifiers, or prolonged bottle feeding. If left untreated, an overbite can lead to various dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain.

Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment that can correct various dental problems, including overbites. The treatment involves using brackets, wires, and elastic bands to gradually move the teeth into their correct position. Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth, which causes them to shift over time. The amount of time required for the treatment varies depending on the severity of the overbite, but it typically takes between 12 to 24 months.

Braces consist of several components that work together to straighten teeth and fix an overbite. These components include:

Brackets - These are small, square-shaped pieces that are attached to the teeth using dental adhesive. The brackets have a slot where the archwire is inserted.

Archwire - The archwire connects the brackets and provides the necessary pressure to move the teeth. The wire is typically made of metal or a tooth-colored material.

Elastic bands - These are tiny rubber bands that connect the brackets to the archwire. The bands come in various colors and are changed during each adjustment appointment.

Braces are an effective treatment for fixing an overbite. The process involves gradually shifting the teeth into their correct position, which helps to align the bite. Here's how braces work to fix an overbite:

During the initial appointment, the orthodontist will clean and dry your teeth before attaching the brackets using dental adhesive. Once the brackets are in place, the archwire is inserted into the brackets' slots.

The archwire is tightened at each adjustment appointment, which gradually applies pressure to the teeth, causing them to shift into their correct position. Over time, the archwire will be replaced with thicker wires to continue applying pressure.

As the teeth shift, the bite will gradually correct itself. The brackets and archwire work together to move the teeth into their correct position, aligning the bite and fixing the overbite.

After the braces are removed, the orthodontist will provide a retainer to help maintain the results. A retainer is a custom-made appliance that holds the teeth in their new position. It's essential to wear the retainer as instructed by the orthodontist to prevent the teeth from shifting back into their original position.

Braces are an effective treatment for fixing an overbite. The process involves using brackets, wires, and elastic bands to gradually shift the teeth into their correct position. Over time, the bite will align, and the overbite will be fixed. It's essential to follow the orthodontist's instructions during and after the treatment to maintain the results.