Overbite is medically referred to as malocclusion. It is a dental condition characterized by the upper teeth protruding over your lower teeth with an average proportion of 30 to 50 percent.
There are two types of overbites; vertical overbite and horizontal overbite. An overbite condition may be identified as a vertical overbite if your top teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth.
On the other hand, an overbite condition may be identified as a horizontal overbite if your top teeth only protrude over the lower teeth. Consult with Dennis Tan Dental Surgery if you suspect that you or your loved one could be having an overbite condition.
How do you correct an Overbite?
If you have an overbite, you can expect your dentist to refer you to a qualified orthodontist to address the condition. There are good cosmetic dentistry techniques that your orthodontist may recommend for an overbite.
To correct an overbite fully, though, it may take up to two years. In this guide, we walk you through three of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help fix an overbite. You will also learn what to expect after getting these cosmetic dentistry procedures.
- Dental Braces
In cosmetic dentistry, dental braces work by moving or straightening your teeth to improve how they look. They can also help improve how your teeth work.
Dental braces work by spreading your bite across all the teeth. In most cases, orthodontists use traditional braces to manage overbite conditions because of their efficiency at providing constant and consistent pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them to their position.
If you’re dealing with a minor or moderate overbite condition, you may benefit from an aligner like the Invisalign braces. However, if you have severely spaced gaps between your upper and lower teeth due to jaw misalignment, you may benefit from surgery with this cosmetic dentistry procedure.
If you’ve used braces for an overbite, you can expect the braces to take between 6 and 24 months to fix your overbite. After removing the braces to correct your overbite, you may heed to wear a retainer for some time to stop the teeth from shifting out of place again.
What to Expect After Getting Braces for the First Time for Overbite Condition
Knowing what to expect after getting braces for overbite will prepare you for the procedure. Now, your smile may change a bit after getting your braces.
If your orthodontist recommended the traditional metal braces, you could expect a silvery metal bracket to be attached to your teeth. A metal wire will then be attached to the bracket.
Depending on the braces your orthodontist has used, the brackets may clamp onto the metal wire. Alternatively, they may also use rubber bands to connect the wire and the bracket.
You may also need to wear a rubber band connecting the bottom and top rows of your teeth to realign your bite, making it more effective gradually. Considering that this is a cosmetic dentistry procedure fixing an overbite, you can always select a color if you have rubber bands, so your braces stand out.
If you get clear braces, it may not be easy to notice the change in your teeth. Most probably, the only noticeable part of these braces would be the thin metal wire fixing your teeth into a proper alignment.
If you want to be more discreet, your best bet would be lingual braces or the invisible trays. The lingual braces are designed to fit at the back of your teeth instead of at the front, so someone may not know outright that you’ve used the braces to fix your overbite. If you choose the invisible trays, which are clear plastic trays are designed to fit over your teeth, you will need a new set after a few weeks to gradually shift your teeth back into proper alignment.
- Dental Implants
In cosmetic dentistry, dental implants can improve your smile by replacing a lost tooth. They’re artificial teeth roots designed to be placed into the jaws to hold replacement bridges or teeth.
Even though dental implants in cosmetic dentistry are popular with people who have lost their teeth due to injuries, or periodontal diseases, among other possible causes, they can also help with overbite conditions. Now, if you’re wondering how dental implants may fix an overbite, it all depends on your condition.
Your orthodontist will have to review your condition to see if using dental implants can fix the overbite and improve your smile. If you’re approved for a dental implant to correct the overbite, the orthodontist will make a slight adjustment to correct the orientation of your jawbone minimally.
What to Expect After Getting Dental Implants for Correcting Overbite
Getting a dental implant is a relatively straightforward procedure. After the procedure, it is basically upon you to take care of your teeth with good oral hygiene to minimize complications.
You can get minor bleeding after the dental implant, which is also normal. You may need to firmly bite down on a gauze pad for around one hour to apply pressure on the treated area and repeat it if necessary to manage the bleeding.
You may also experience swelling or bruising, which may not become apparent immediately after the procedure but after around 24 hours. The swelling will peak after two or three days. It is also normal, and you can manage it with cold compresses.
- Veneers
Veneers can also be helpful for your overbite condition. Here’s the twist; dental veneers will only enhance your smile if you have an overbite.
They will not particularly address the condition responsible for the misalignment of your teeth. If you fancy veneers, your orthodontist will apply thin porcelain shells on the surface of your teeth to improve your smile.
What to Expect when Getting Veneers for Overbite
If you’re getting dental veneers to fix an overbite, the cosmetic dentist will slightly shave off your teeth enamel. Shaving the enamel helps create space for the veneers. They will then use a special adhesive to keep the veneers firm and in place.
Get In Touch
Do you suspect that you have an overbite and still unsure if your condition can be identified as an overbite? We can help.
We develop personalized cosmetic dentistry treatment plans to fix overbites, depending on each patient’s condition. If you’re in Singapore or wish to get treatment in Singapore, get in touch with us today to assess your condition and help you choose the best treatment option.