An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. While a slight overbite is normal and often goes unnoticed, a severe overbite can lead to problems such as temporomandibular discomfort, difficulty chewing, lisp development, and increased wear on the teeth. Fortunately, 墨田区 前歯矯正 modern orthodontic treatments offer proven methods to correct overbites and improve both dental performance and smile symmetry.
One of the most common approaches is traditional metal braces. These use orthodontic components to apply gradual tension over time, gradually moving the teeth into their optimal bite relationship. Braces are highly effective for overbite correction, especially in children and teens whose jaws are still developing. They allow orthodontists to manage individual tooth torque and optimize interarch coordination.
For those seeking a more discreet alternative, clear aligners like Invisalign have become a preferred choice. These patient-specific clear retainers are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and switched weekly or every 14 days. They work by incrementally moving arch segments into the ideal occlusion. Aligners are easily taken out, making it easier to eat and maintain oral hygiene. However, they may not be appropriate for complex malocclusions, especially those involving significant skeletal discrepancies.
In more challenging presentations where the overbite is caused by bone positioning errors rather than just crowding or spacing, a orthodontic-surgical protocol may be recommended. This approach involves pre-surgical alignment followed by post-op refinement to realign the jaw bones for a functional dental relationship. While more complex, it can provide durable results and aesthetic facial harmony.
Early intervention is often critical. Children as young as the age of dental eruption can benefit from interceptive orthodontics, such as expansion devices or extraoral traction devices, which encourage proper arch formation and avoid worsening dental displacement. These early treatments can reduce the need for more complex procedures later on.
Regardless of the method chosen, routine orthodontic visits are mandatory to track movement and fine-tune appliance forces. Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the overbite and the patient’s dental maturity, but typically ranges from 12 to 36 months.
Correcting an overbite is not just about aesthetics. It improves digestive function, reduces strain on the jaw joints, lowers the likelihood of enamel fracture, and enhances gum and tooth integrity. With the wide array of modern correction methods, patients of children, teens, and adults can achieve a balanced, resilient occlusion.
