Did you know that around 22% of people worldwide have an overbite? An overbite can make it more difficult to chew food and pronounce certain words. A severe overbite may also cause jaw and neck pain as well as headaches.
Some people suffer from self-esteem issues because of this dental issue as well. If you want to correct an overbite, you might be wondering if you should get traditional braces or Invisalign. Is one better than the other for treating this unique problem?
What should you expect from either treatment? Keep reading and learn more about correcting overbite problems below.
Can Traditional Braces Treat an Overbite?
An overbite is also known as having buck teeth. It is when the teeth in your upper jaw protrude far over the teeth in your lower jaw. Some overbites are not very noticeable and don’t cause many problems.
Others may be so severe that they may interfere with your ability to live a normal life. An overbite can happen for a variety of reasons. It often forms during childhood when a child sucks their thumb or a binkie too much.
But it can also be the result of genetics. An overbite will not go away on its own and it has to be treated by a professional, such as a Cleveland orthodontist. Cleveland orthodontics are high-quality and will work hard to correct your teeth.
The most traditional approach to correcting overbite is to use regular braces. Traditional braces are made of metal and have long been used to correct overbites and other problems with tooth misalignment. This works by putting tension on your teeth.
Any orthodontist in Cleveland will explain how the process works. The braces first need to be attached to your teeth with special dental glue. The wires are then attached to the brackets and tightened until there is adequate tension.
How It Works
Braces are very effective at treating mild to severe overbites. But they do have a few downsides. They are very noticeable, and some people might not like that.
You will also need to wear them for a long time. Many people have to wear traditional braces between a year and three years. This can be frustrating to those who would prefer to get their braces off as quickly as possible.
Traditional braces can also be uncomfortable. They are much bulkier compared to more modern options. They may cut and scratch the inside of your mouth for the first few weeks after getting them.
But why should you bother with these braces at all if they have a long list of downsides? They remain one of the most effective methods for treating severe overbites. Your dentist will tell you how advanced your overbite is.
If it is mild or moderate, you may not need to get traditional braces. A more modern option may be better and more comfortable for you. Your dentist will advise you on what might be the best option for your unique dental needs.
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Invisalign aligners work much in the same way as braces, though they look quite different. These aligners are designed to be as invisible as possible once you put them on. Most people won’t be able to tell if you’re wearing one of these aligners or not.
Many adults prefer this look because they don’t want the look of traditional braces interfering with their lives. These aligners are also very streamlined, in contrast to the bulky design of traditional braces. This minimizes the amount of irritation you will experience inside your mouth as a result of these aligners.
You can also take them out whenever you want. But it is still necessary to wear them for 23 hours per day if you want to get the results you’re looking for. Dentists often use Invisalign aligners to fix overbites.
But Invisalign has a few downsides. They are not as powerful as traditional braces. While they use the same technique of putting tension on the teeth, it doesn’t work the same way as regular braces.
What to Expect
This is why most doctors won’t use these aligners for severe overbites. They don’t have the strength to move teeth that are greatly out of alignment. But if you have a mild or moderate underbite, Invisalign may be the perfect option.
While Invisalign isn’t as strong as regular braces, it is still strong enough to correct a variety of dental issues. A unique benefit of these aligners is that you won’t have to wear them very long to get the results you’re looking for.
Most people only need to wear Invisalign for a year or so. Some people may finish their treatment as early as six months. But this is more likely for those who have mild overbites.
This is because the teeth won’t have to move as much to reach their correct positions. The prices for Invisalign and braces are more or less the same, but braces are slightly cheaper.
Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, your teeth will look great after the treatment is finished.
All About Correcting an Overbite
An overbite is a common issue that can be very problematic for people. It may interfere with the way you speak and eat. It may also cause jaw and neck pain in more severe cases.
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are good choices for correcting this problem. Traditional braces are best for those with severe overbites. Are you ready to improve your dental health?
Check out our services and see how they can help.