Overbite correction in adults: better late than never

The statistics are disappointing: about 80% of people in Russia have some degree of crooked teeth. We have no right to condemn parents who do not hurry to show their child to an orthodontist in time, when it is much easier to correct overbite defects.

It is important to realize that as an adult, there is nothing stopping you from correcting those smile imperfections that you have been embarrassed about since childhood and that still prevent you from smiling openly and naturally. The main thing now is to act! And we will try to help you in this.

Why it is important to correct your overbite at any age

The aesthetic problem of uneven teeth is not always the main and only motive for going to an orthodontist. Crooked teeth can cause a variety of functional problems that require immediate treatment, such as periodontal disease, impaired diction, bruxism, constant headaches, or clicking in the temporomandibular joint when chewing.

Due to improper clamping of the upper and lower jaw, teeth are subjected to increased erasure, food is not chewed thoroughly. This negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, an improper overbite does not allow you to perform good oral hygiene at home: plaque accumulates in the problem areas, which sooner or later will cause tartar or cavities.

If in the future you need implantation or installation of orthopedic construction, the doctor will first of all recommend you to undergo orthodontic treatment. If you have a bad overbite, crowns and implants will not last long, which means that the money spent on treatment will be wasted. And it will not have a positive effect on your health. Therefore, do not postpone a visit to an orthodontist, especially since modern dentistry has all the necessary means to make your teeth smooth and beautiful, regardless of your age.

Types of malocclusion in adults

A correct overbite is characterized by a clear and tight interlocking of the upper and lower jaws, with the upper incisors overlapping the lower incisors by 1/3. The position of the teeth is even, the front incisors are located strictly in the center. There should not be any gaps, interdental spaces, chips, rotations, crowding. Any deviation from the norm is a overbite anomaly that must be treated.

Poor ecology, genetics, early removal of milk teeth, lack of vitamins and even bad habits can cause the development of an incorrect overbite.

Dentists distinguish the following types of malocclusion:

• Distal bite
  It is formed as a result of underdevelopment of the lower jaw or overdevelopment of the upper jaw. The upper incisors protrude significantly forward when the teeth are interlocked. A distal overbite is visible to the naked eye: the proportions of the face are distorted and the chin looks small. In addition, such a overbite worsens the functions of chewing, swallowing and is the cause of whispering and other speech impediments.
• Mesial bite
  The main characteristic is the overdevelopment of the lower jaw, as a result of which the teeth of the lower row protrude significantly forward in relation to the upper teeth. The front teeth in this overbite abnormality are almost never in contact, and the chewing teeth do not clamp together properly. An unattractive, bulky chin is what makes a person with a mesial overbite stand out from the crowd. Despite the fact that this anomaly belongs to the category of complex, even in adulthood with quality treatment can achieve good results. The main thing is to be patient and set yourself a clear goal.
• Crossbite
  It is characterized by weak development of one side of either jaw, as a result of which the lower jaw is shifted to the right or left. Expressed facial asymmetry, pain when opening the mouth, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, chronic periodontal disease - this is only a small part of the consequences of crossoverbite, which negatively affect the health and quality of life.
• Open bite
  Diagnosed when there is a lack of jaw closure in the area of the frontal and sometimes lateral teeth. Constantly half-open mouth and lack of contact between the upper and lower teeth lead to disorders of chewing, breathing, swallowing, various speech disorders, dryness and friction in the throat. In some cases, treatment of an open overbite requires the involvement of several specialists at once, among whom, in addition to orthodontists, there may be surgeons, ENT doctors and speech therapists.
  Deep overbite
  In this overbite anomaly, the incisors of the upper row overlap the lower ones by more than 1/3. There are several stages of deep overbite. The last of them, in which the lower teeth are constantly in contact with the mucous membrane of the palate and gums, leading to the development of chronic gingivitis, stomatitis or periodontitis, is the most traumatic and difficult to treat. A person with a deep overbite is difficult to overbite and chew food, and he speaks very indistinctly, as through the teeth.

In particularly severe bite abnormalities, when conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention may be required.

Surely you have already had an examination in front of a mirror and were able to determine for yourself the type of overbite that nature has given you. If not - urgently make an appointment for a consultation with an orthodontist. But rest assured that modern dentistry in any, even the most difficult and unusual situation can help you join the ranks of those lucky people who can boast of their perfectly straight teeth.

How braces correct the overbite

The most effective method of correcting adult overbite abnormalities is braces. All braces consist of locks, ligatures, and an arch. Using dental cement, the bracket is bonded to each tooth. The ligatures help to secure the arch to the locks, which is initially shaped to the correct overbite. The simultaneous operation of all elements of the system creates an even pressure on the teeth, moving each one to the right place. With a professional approach and compliance with all medical recommendations, the result of orthodontic treatment will be a long-awaited beautiful smile.

Overbite correction timeframe

How long do I have to wear braces? This question worries many adults before the start of treatment. And you should be mentally prepared for the fact that after the age of 25, when the dentoalveolar system is fully formed, it will take longer to achieve the desired result.

The duration of orthodontic treatment depends more on the complexity of the overbite pathology than on the choice of a particular design. For example, it is possible to correct a slight crowding of teeth in six months, while more serious dental irregularities may require 1-2 years of wearing braces. But a perfect smile is worth it!

Cost of overbite correction

The price of overbite correction for many patients is the main factor in choosing a bracket system. The most affordable and, strangely enough, the most reliable and easy to care for are classic metal braces. The cost of ceramic braces varies between 1000$ and depends on the manufacturer. The most expensive of them are ceramic self-ligating bracket systems Damon Clear. Correction of the overbite lingual braces will require from you significant financial costs: here only one installation costs about 5 000$ But only you and your doctor will know that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, as these braces are invisible to others.

As you can see, the prices for braces are very diverse. There are budget options and more expensive, luxury - choose exactly what fits your financial possibilities. And do not forget to include in the total cost of treatment preparatory stage, diagnostics and regular check-ups.

Want to save money on braces? Our advice: keep an eye out for special promotions - this is a great opportunity to correct your overbite at a favorable price.

Which braces to choose

In terms of their functional characteristics, all bracket systems are equally good at correcting the overbite. They differ from each other only in terms of comfort. The more expensive and modern braces, the more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable they are.

You just need to decide:

• How important appearance is to you (metal braces, although noticeable on the teeth, look much more aesthetically pleasing than their predecessors)
• How much money you are willing to spend on treatment

An orthodontist will help you choose braces at your consultation: he or she will show you each type of system and tell you about its features and advantages.