Does your child’s top teeth stick out too far? You’re not alone. Many parents in SE and SW Calgary ask us how to fix overbite in their child’s teeth.
An overbite happens when top front teeth cover the bottom teeth too much. The good news is that modern dental treatment can fix this problem.
At Impact Orthodontics, we help families understand their choices for fixing overbites. This guide tells you everything you need to know about fixing overbites and the treatments we offer.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is a common dental problem. It happens when the top front teeth cover the bottom teeth more than normal. Everyone has some overlap, but too much overlap needs help.
Think of it this way: when your child bites down, you should see most of their bottom teeth. If the top teeth hide the bottom ones completely, your child likely has an overbite. It’s important to know that an overbite is different from an overjet. People often mix up these two problems.
Two Types of Overbites
Dental Overbite: The teeth are the problem, but the jaw bones are okay. This type is easier to fix.
Skeletal Overbite: The jaw bones don’t line up right. This needs more complex treatment.
Many parents also wonder about the differences between underbites and overbites. Both affect how the top and bottom teeth meet.
Signs Your Child Needs Overbite Treatment
Watch for these warning signs that show your child might need help fixing their overbite:
- Top teeth stick out too much (often called “buck teeth”)
- Bottom teeth are hard to see when smiling
- Trouble biting or chewing food
- Speech problems with certain sounds
- Jaw pain or clicking sounds
- Teeth that wear down unevenly
- Biting tongue or lips often
How to Fix Overbite in Teeth: Your Treatment Choices
The best way to fix an overbite depends on your child’s age. It also depends on how bad the problem is. Here are the main treatment methods:
1. Metal Braces
Metal braces are still a common choice for fixing overbite in children’s teeth. They work especially well for mild to moderate cases. Braces in Calgary are very good at fixing overbites completely if the child is treated during growth.
How they work: Small metal pieces attach to each tooth. Wires connect these pieces and slowly move teeth into the right spots. The dentist adjusts the wires every 4-6 weeks.
Best for:
- Mild to moderate overbites
- Children and teens (ages 8-16)
- Complex bite problems
Treatment time: 18 months to 3 years
Good things about braces:
- Work best for mild to moderate overbites
- Work all day and night to move teeth
- Can handle tough tooth movements
- Can be the fastest choice for big fixes
One important thing during braces treatment is keeping excellent oral hygiene. This prevents problems and gets the best results.
2. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners offer a nearly invisible way to fix mild to severe overbite in growing children’s teeth. Many parents ask can Invisalign actually fix an overbite. The answer is yes, for almost all cases.
How they work: Custom-made plastic trays (aligners) fit over teeth. They slowly shift teeth into place. You change your trays every 1-2 weeks.
Best for:
- Mild to severe overbites
- Teens and adults who want hidden treatment
- Patients with good tooth cleaning habits
Treatment time: 12-24 months
Good things about aligners:
- Nearly invisible
- Can take them out for eating and brushing
- More comfortable than regular braces
- Easier to keep teeth clean
Limits: They only work if they are worn 20-22 hours a day. Invisalign in Calgary is available for patients who qualify for this treatment.
3. Jaw Surgery
For very bad skeletal overbites, surgery might be the only way to fix the problem completely.
When it’s needed: When the jaw bones themselves don’t line up right. This is usually for adults whose bones have stopped growing.
The process: A surgeon moves the top or bottom jaw to improve alignment. This usually works with braces or clear aligners before and after surgery.
Recovery time: 6 weeks for initial healing. Up to 12 months for complete recovery.
Success rate: About 94% of patients say their quality of life improved after surgery.
4. Early Help Methods
For younger children (ages 6-10), we can sometimes stop overbites from getting worse.
Habit help: Stopping thumb sucking or tongue pushing Palate expanders: Make the top jaw wider during growth spurts Headgear: Guide jaw growth in the right direction Space keepers: Keep room for adult teeth to come in right
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
Here’s how fixing overbite teeth typically works at Impact Orthodontics:
Step 1: First Visit
We look at your child’s teeth and jaws. We take X-rays and figure out how bad the overbite is. This visit helps us understand if the problem is with teeth or jaw bones.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on what we find, we make a personal plan. This might include regular braces, clear aligners, or other methods. It depends on your child’s needs. When choosing between options, many families find it helpful to understand braces vs Invisalign to see which is better for their specific situation.
Step 3: Active Treatment
During treatment, your child visits us regularly for adjustments. Most appointments happen every 6-20 weeks. Treatment typically takes 12-36 months.
Step 4: Keeping Results
After active treatment ends, your child wears a retainer. This keeps teeth in their new spots. This step stops the overbite from coming back.
Prevention: Stopping Overbites Before They Start
While family genes play a big role, you can help prevent some overbites:
For younger children:
- Stop thumb sucking by age 3
- Don’t use pacifiers too long
- Choose sippy cups without spill-proof valves (they can affect tooth growth)
- Schedule regular dental checkups
Early detection matters: The Canadian Dental Association says kids should get bite evaluations by age 7. At this age, we can spot problems early. Sometimes we can prevent them from getting worse.
Common Questions
Can overbite teeth be fixed naturally?
No, overbites cannot be fixed naturally without professional treatment. While certain habits like thumb sucking can make overbites worse, once the problem develops, you need dental treatment to fix it properly. You can learn more about this topic in our detailed guide on whether you can fix an overbite naturally.
How long does it take to fix an overbite?
Treatment time varies based on how bad it is. Mild overbites might take 12-18 months to fix. Bad cases can take 2-3 years. Early help in children often leads to shorter treatment times.
Does overbite treatment hurt?
Most patients feel mild discomfort when braces are first put on or adjusted. But this usually goes away within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers help manage any soreness.
What happens if we don’t fix the overbite?
Untreated overbites can lead to:
- Higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Jaw pain and TMJ problems
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
- Teeth wearing down more
- Self-confidence issues
Is treatment only for bad cases?
Not at all. Even mild overbites benefit from early treatment. Fixing small problems early often prevents them from becoming big issues later.
Can adults fix overbite teeth?
Yes! While treatment might take longer in adults, overbites can be successfully fixed at any age. Adults may need surgery for very bad skeletal overbites. This is because their bones have stopped growing.
Why Choose Early Treatment?
Starting overbite treatment during childhood offers several benefits:
Better results: Children’s bones are still growing. This makes it easier to guide tooth and jaw development.
Shorter treatment time: Early help often means less complex treatment later.
Better confidence: Fixing overbites early helps children feel more confident about their smiles during important social years.
Better oral health: Properly lined up teeth are easier to clean. This reduces the risk of decay and gum disease.
Prevent future problems: Early treatment can eliminate the need for jaw surgery later.
Take Action: Schedule Your Visit Today!
If you’re wondering how to fix your child’s overbite teeth, the first step is a professional evaluation. At Impact Orthodontics, we specialize in overbite correction for families throughout SE and SW Calgary.
During your visit, we’ll:
- Look at your child’s bite and jaw alignment
- Explain your treatment options
- Give you a clear timeline
- Answer all your questions about the process
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Early treatment often means easier, faster, and more effective correction.
Ready to give your child a confident, healthy smile? Book a new patient exam today to get started. Our experienced team makes overbite treatment comfortable and convenient for busy Calgary families.
We’re here to help your child achieve the beautiful, functional smile they deserve!
