If you have an overbite and are interested in fixing it, the first question you’re probably asking yourself is do braces fix overbite? Of course they do! Overbite correction with braces is a simple, affordable process that can be performed in our office and should only take about six months to complete. But how exactly do braces fix an overbite? The answer depends on what kind of an overbite you have, but generally speaking, we will fit your braces to straighten your top and bottom teeth, effectively eliminating your overbite.
What Causes an Overbite
The most common cause of an overbite is your tongue. As we sleep, our tongues shift and relax, which can lead to a collapsed palate. The same thing happens when you’re eating, but with less force—so in all likelihood, if you bite down too hard or without proper support, your upper teeth will push into your lower ones. The more you chew and talk with a collapsed palate, the stronger that overbite becomes. Fixing it won’t be easy (especially if it’s been years), but it is possible with braces or tongue cribs that provide necessary supports for your mouth and keep your tongue from shifting during sleep or eating. Sometimes having a custom-made night guard can also help prevent further collapse of your palate as you sleep!
What Are The Different Types of Treatment for an Overbite
Before you consider braces, know that it’s not your only option. Your dentist may recommend a tongue crib or tongue guard to correct an overbite. These devices keep your tongue in place so it doesn’t tilt your teeth when you chew, ultimately straightening them out and improving your bite. They tend to be removable and easy to use, but they also require a great deal of diligence on your part to make sure you wear them at all times, especially while sleeping.
What is a Tongue Crib or Tongue Guard
A tongue crib or tongue guard is a piece of orthodontic equipment that can be used to treat an overbite. The tongue crib is usually worn at night while sleeping, and it forces your tongue forward as you sleep, which gives your jawbone more room to move into a healthier position. If you choose to use a tongue crib, you'll need it throughout orthodontic treatment so that you can achieve optimal results; however, many people find some relief after wearing it for several months. Be sure to speak with your dentist about how long you should wear a tongue crib before moving on to other treatment options if they are available.
How Does a Tongue Crib Work?
A tongue guard or tongue crib is a device used by people who snore or have sleep apnea to position their jaw forward. A person with an normal overbite may wear a guard when they sleep at night, if they find that their tongue falls back into their throat while they sleep and blocks their airway. A common misconception is that braces are only used to straighten teeth; in fact, most orthodontists use them to improve jaw alignment as well.
What Are Fixed Lingual Appliances
Fixed lingual appliances, often referred to as braces, are devices that can be placed inside your mouth to help align your teeth. While they may look uncomfortable, they are generally painless and easy to adjust. It's important to get them adjusted regularly by a professional, which is why you need a dentist who offers comprehensive orthodontic care. However, many patients have concerns about lingual braces; one of their biggest questions is whether or not lingual braces can fix an overbite before and after. To find out more about fixed lingual appliances and how they can fix an overbite, read on!
How Does A Lingual Appliance Work?
Lingual braces are sometimes called clear or invisible braces. This is because there aren’t any brackets to display in front of your teeth, since they are placed behind them. They can also be used to correct an overbite and reduce crowding, similar to what traditional metal brackets do. These appliances work similarly to traditional braces by repositioning and reshaping your teeth into their proper place. If you’re interested in how lingual appliances work, check out a short video on YouTube explaining how they work. How Do I Know If I Need Lingual Appliances?: The need for lingual appliances often depends on your situation, though there are some common situations when lingual appliances are necessary.
Who is a Candidate for Braces or Lingual Appliances
If you’re still unsure whether or not you’re a candidate for braces, don’t worry. Many patients are in your shoes. To find out if you’re a good candidate for lingual braces, schedule an appointment with our team. Our doctors will ask you a series of questions and make sure that your bite isn’t too severe to be treated with lingual appliances. If it is, we can likely help! If not, we can help refer you to another dentist or orthodontist who may have better options available for your specific situation. Either way, don’t stress out—it might just take some time and some research on your part to find the best treatment option for your overbite!
