What’s an Overbite?
The human jaw forms in various stages of childhood and adulthood. Many factors influence the development of this important anatomical structure, such as genetics and diet. Two major bones essentially make up the jaw, the maxilla and mandible. When these two bones are misaligned, various chewing and speech problems might develop. An overbite refers to the extension of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. Therefore, such a deformation makes it difficult for a person to properly digest certain foods. It might be difficult for an individual with such a problem to fully bite pieces of meat and other irregularly shaped food. The severity of an overbite is usually indicated by the position of the upper incisors in relation to the lower teeth. A side profile of a person’s mouth usually reveals the extent of the problem. In some cases, the incisors protrude at awkward angles that create extra strain on the entire jaw and parts of the tongue. Overbite correction can help to fix this.
Treatment Options for Overbites
An orthodontist is a professional who is licensed to diagnose and correct various cases of overbites. A visual examination of a patient’s teeth is the first step in a proper diagnosis. The provider might measure the vertical and horizontal deviations of the bite according to normal standards of orthodontics and dentistry. Traditional X-rays or digital scans of the upper and lower teeth might be done to detect subtle details inside a patient’s mouth. Depending on the severity of the overbite, braces or invisible aligners will be recommended by an orthodontist.
Overbite correction is usually done during the middle to late teenage years. Such a treatment isn’t recommended for children because the jaw continues to form and develop into early adulthood. Mild cases of an overbite might be treated by conventional metallic braces that gradually move the upper teeth backwards by a few millimeters. The ultimate goal of such a treatment is to allow optimum freedom of movement for a proper bite. It might take up to two years for an individual to attain desirable results in terms of overbite correction. A mild case could be treated with invisible aligners that are precisely fitted over a patient’s teeth. Throughout the course of the treatment, more than 10 custom moldings might be worn by an individual. It’s important to note that the lower teeth are rarely manipulated during orthodontic treatment of an overbite. It’s much easier for an orthodontist to shift the upper teeth into projected positions.
A person who has an unusual form of an overbite might require surgical treatment. An oral surgeon is trained to manipulate the anatomical imperfections of the mandible and maxilla. Such a professional usually works closely with an orthodontist who will ultimately add the finishing touch to overbite correction. The mechanics of braces work well when the jaw bones are properly configured after surgical intervention. It might take a few weeks or months for a patient to recover from a skeletal surgery, which usually makes the teeth and gums sensitive.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
If you would like to learn more about what overbite correction can do for you, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Central Texas Orthodontics. At our convenient location in Austin, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
Excellent service and treatment!
by Lisa
Category: orthodontistWe have been seeing Dr. St. Loius at Central Texas Orthodontics for a couple kids now over several years. Everytime we walk in for an appointment, we are greeted warmly and promptly taken back. The office is easy to get to and always runs on time, we have never had to wait to be seen, which is remarkable for a medical/dental office! The payment options were also fair and easy to understand. And the follow up, even after those braces come off, has been stellar! Retainers get lost or chewed up sometimes (ugg!), but a quick text into the office and we were able to drop off the original molds and have new ones made very quickly. Everyone who works at this office truly cares, and you can tell they all enjoy where they work, which is really wonderful to see. I cannot speak highly enough of this office, the staff, the care, and ESPECIALLY the after care and protecting our investment.
Austin’s Best Orthodontics!
by Robin Petmecky
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff are exceptional! Their professional, friendly and caring manner stand out every time I have an appointment. They are always very positive during my visits and make me feel like I’m part of their family. I never have to wait to be seen and I’m usually out in a minimal amount of time. I had my last orthodontic visit recently and they invited me to stop in anytime, just to say hello. I highly recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone needing their services. They are truly the BEST!
FANTASTIC GROUP!
by Melissa Moore Yacono
Category: orthodontistI love this office and the lovely, happy, warm staff!! Every one of the staff is kind and friendly! The vibe of the office is uplifting, relaxing, and Austin-y. Love it. The plants make it pleasant. Everything is so clean! What a refreshing visit and thank you so much for the stellar customer service.
Simply the Best!
by Christine Laux
Category: orthodontistDr. B. and his team are fantastic: Everyone just truly cares! They are knowledgeable and super helpful, always happy to consult. I recommend CTO not only for children and teens, but for adults as well! My two teenage daughters got their braces and I got my Invisalign. Dr. B. took his time to go over all our treatment plans and make adjustments. The communication is seamless and very responsive. All team members are wonderful - my special shoutout goes to Beatrice and Christen though: Those two lovely ladies go above and beyond with everything they do! Thanks to y’alls fabulous care our teeth are all straight now!
Awesome Experience
by Norma Constancio
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff were wonderful! From their friendly staff, nice office environment and Dr. St. Louis always willing to answer my questions. I would 100% recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone.
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