Quick Answer: Braces fix overbites by applying constant pressure to slowly move your upper teeth and lower teeth into the correct position. At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, we use orthodontic treatment with metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign (clear aligner) treatment to achieve proper alignment in 12-30 months.
Are you worried about your child’s dental overbite in Calgary? You’re not alone. Many Calgary families come to Impact Orthodontics asking, “How do braces fix overbite problems?”
The good news? An overbite is one of the most common dental disorders, and orthodontic braces can fix an overbite effectively. Better yet, starting overbite treatment early makes it faster and easier.
What Is a Dental Overbite?
A dental overbite occurs when your upper front teeth overlap your lower teeth too much. This teeth overlap happens when the top teeth cover the bottom teeth more than normal. Click on the link provided here to learn more about the difference between Overbite and Overjet.
What Causes Dental Overbite?
Common causes include:
- Family genetics affecting jaw development
- Thumb sucking or chewing fingernails past age 5
- Losing teeth early without proper replacement
- Upper jaw and lower jaw growing at different rates
- Crowded teeth pushing other teeth out of place
- Poor oral habits during childhood
Why Overbite Problems Need Treatment
Calgary orthodontists at Impact Orthodontics see how overbite problems affect oral health every day. Here’s why overbite correction matters:
Health Problems from Untreated Overbites:
Dental Issues:
- Tooth decay: Hard to clean teeth properly when they overlap
- Gum disease: Bottom teeth can hit the roof of your mouth
- Teeth clenching: Improper bite causes grinding habits
- Buck teeth: Front teeth stick out and look different
Jaw Problems:
- Jaw pain: Jaw muscles work too hard to close your mouth
- TMJ disorder: Joint pain where jaw muscles attach to skull bone
- Jaw grinding: Teeth don’t fit together right
- Jaw imbalance: Upper and lower jaw don’t work together properly
Other Issues:
- Speech problems: Hard to say some sounds clearly
- Eating difficulties: Can’t bite and chew food properly
- Confidence issues: Kids might not want to smile
Best Age for Overbite Treatment: Ages 7-14 when the upper jaw and lower jaw are still growing.
How Do Braces Fix Overbite? The Treatment Process
At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, here’s exactly how orthodontic treatment fixes overbites:
Understanding How Braces Fix Overbites
The Science Behind It: Orthodontic braces apply gentle, constant pressure to move teeth into the correct position. This pressure causes the bone around teeth to change, letting teeth move to proper alignment. Overbite can also be fixed naturally with no need for braces.
How braces fix an overbite step by step:
- Brackets attached to upper and lower teeth
- Wires connect the brackets
- Constant pressure slowly moves front teeth
- Rubber bands help align upper and lower jaw
- Teeth gradually move to correct alignment
| Month | What Happens | How It Helps Fix Your Overbite |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Crooked teeth start to straighten | Creates room for proper teeth alignment |
| 4-8 | Rubber bands added between upper and lower arches | Moves jaw into correct position |
| 9-15 | Fine-tuning tooth movement | Achieves perfect bite alignment |
| 16-18 | Final adjustments | Ensures teeth properly fit together |
Types of Orthodontic Treatment for Overbites in Calgary
At Impact Orthodontics, Calgary families can choose from several treatment options:
1. Metal Braces
Best for: Severe overbite, deep bite, skeletal overbite
- Strongest for moving teeth to correct position
- Most effective for severe cases
- Works on both upper and lower teeth
- Can handle complex jaw problems
2. Ceramic Braces (Clear Option)
Best for: Teens who want less visible orthodontic treatment
- Tooth-colored brackets blend with teeth
- Same effectiveness as metal braces
- Great for fixing teeth overlap
- Popular choice for older kids
3. Invisalign Treatment (Clear Aligners)
Best for: Mild to moderate dental overbite
- Almost invisible orthodontic treatment
- Remove for eating and brushing teeth
- Custom-made for proper alignment
- Great for busy Calgary families
When Do You Need Jaw Surgery for Overbites?
Most overbite problems can be fixed with braces alone. However, some cases need additional treatment:
Severe Skeletal Overbite
When the jaw imbalance is too severe for braces alone, orthognathic surgery might be needed. This oral surgery repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
Signs you might need jaw surgery:
- Very severe overbite that affects eating
- Jaw pain and TMJ disorder
- Problems where jaw muscles attach to skull bone
- Skeletal problems in the joint and skull bone
Good news: Most Calgary patients at Impact Orthodontics can fix their overbite with orthodontic braces alone.
Other Treatment Options
Sometimes braces are combined with:
- Tooth extraction: Removing crowded teeth to make space
- Palate expanders: Widening the upper jaw
What Makes Impact Orthodontics Different in Calgary?
Why Calgary Families Choose Our Orthodontic Treatment:
Expert Team
- Dr. Jen works at the Alberta Children’s Hospital
- Over 5,000 happy Calgary smiles created
- 25+ years combined experience treating overbites
- Specialists in how braces fix overbites
Advanced Technology
- 3D digital scans for precise treatment planning
- Custom metal or ceramic braces for perfect fit
- Smart monitoring app for busy families
- Pain-free orthodontic treatment methods
Family-Friendly Care
- Free consultations for Calgary families
- Flexible payment plans available
- Comfortable environment for nervous kids
- Emergency care when your braces need attention
2 Convenient Calgary Locations
- Easy access for busy parents
- Flexible appointment scheduling
- Direct insurance billing
- Same-day repairs for broken braces
Keeping Your Results After Overbite Correction
Why retainers are important: After orthodontic treatment, teeth want to move back to their old spots. Retainers keep teeth in their new correct position.
Retainer schedule after your overbite is fixed:
- First 6 months: Wear full-time except when eating
- Next 6 months: Wear every night
Understanding Different Types of Overbites
Dental vs. Skeletal Overbites
Dental Overbite:
- Problem with tooth position only
- Upper front teeth angle too far forward
- Usually fixed with orthodontic braces alone
- Most common type we see in Calgary
Skeletal Overbite:
- Problem with jaw bone structure
- Upper jaw too far forward or lower jaw too far back
- Sometimes needs jaw surgery plus braces
- More complex but still very treatable
Severity Levels
Mild Overbite:
- Small teeth overlap
- Usually no jaw pain
- Quick orthodontic treatment
- Great results with any type of braces
Moderate Overbite:
- Noticeable front teeth protrusion
- Some difficulty eating
- Standard braces treatment time
- Excellent results expected
Severe Overbite:
- Major teeth overlap
- Jaw pain and eating problems
- Longer treatment process
- May need additional procedures
Frequently Asked Questions About Overbite Treatment in Calgary
How do braces fix overbite problems exactly?
Orthodontic braces apply constant pressure to move your upper teeth and lower teeth into proper alignment. The brackets and wires gradually guide teeth to the correct position where your bite works properly.
What age should my child first see a Calgary orthodontist?
We recommend age 7 for the first check. Early detection of overbite problems often makes orthodontic treatment faster and easier.
Will fixing an overbite hurt?
Orthodontic treatment might feel uncomfortable for a few days after adjustments, but it shouldn’t be painful. Our orthodontists use the gentlest methods available in Calgary.
Can my child still play sports with braces?
Yes! We provide custom mouthguards for Calgary athletes. Most sports are safe with proper protection for your orthodontic braces.
What happens if my child’s braces break?
Call us right away! We fix broken orthodontic braces quickly, usually on the same day in Calgary.
Can adults get overbite treatment with braces?
Absolutely! About 25% of our Calgary patients are adults. Orthodontic treatment works at any age for fixing overbites.
How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?
We teach you and your child exactly how to maintain oral health during treatment. Most Calgary kids master brushing teeth with braces in just a few days.
Do I need jaw surgery for my overbite?
Most overbite problems can be fixed with orthodontic braces alone. Our orthodontists will tell you if your case needs orthognathic surgery during your consultation.
What’s the difference between metal braces and ceramic braces?
Both types work the same way to fix overbites. Metal braces are stronger and faster, while ceramic braces are less visible but work just as well for overbite correction.
How long after treatment will my overbite stay fixed?
With proper retainer wear, your overbite correction should last a lifetime. The key is following your orthodontist’s instructions for keeping teeth in their correct position.
Take the Next Step: Fix Your Overbite in Calgary
Don’t wait for your overbite problems to get worse. Early orthodontic treatment at Impact Orthodontics means:
- Faster overbite correction
- Easier treatment process
- Better oral health outcomes
- Healthier smile for life
Understanding how braces fix overbites is the first step. The next step is getting expert orthodontic treatment from Calgary’s trusted team.
Ready to start your overbite treatment? Book your free consultation with Calgary’s experienced orthodontic team. Impact orthodontics has helped over 5,000 Calgary families achieve proper alignment and healthy bites.
Your child’s perfect bite and beautiful smile are waiting. Let’s fix that overbite together!
