At Impact Orthodontics, we are committed to helping children in SE and SW Calgary achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.
One of the most common concerns we hear from moms is about overbite teeth and how to address it. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, which can affect your child’s smile, oral health, and confidence.
Here we’ll help you understand everything you need to know about overbite teeth, including what causes it, how to treat it, and why early intervention matters.
What Are Overbite Upper Front Teeth?
An overbite is a type of dental malocclusion where the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth. In severe cases, the upper teeth protrude significantly, leading to both aesthetic and functional issues. This overlap can vary in severity, from a mild overbite to a severe overbite, and can impact both the appearance and function of the teeth and jaw.
When overbite teeth are left untreated, it can lead to other dental issues such as tooth decay, jaw pain, and even gum disease.
Why Should You Fix an Overbite?
Addressing overbite teeth is important for several reasons:
Oral Health: When the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth, it can create areas that are harder to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Jaw Pain and Alignment: An overbite can contribute to jaw pain and misalignment of the jaw, especially as your child grows.
Aesthetics: A severe overbite can cause the upper teeth to protrude (commonly referred to as buck teeth), affecting your child’s appearance and confidence.
Speech and Function: Over time, an overbite can affect how your child speaks and chews, causing discomfort and difficulty with everyday activities.
Deep Bite: A deep bite can lead to various complications, including aesthetic changes in the facial profile, breathing and sleeping problems, and TMJ issues.
Overbite Treatment: What Are the Options?
There are several ways to correct a dental overbite, depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Orthodontic treatments are the most common and effective way to fix an overbite. Here’s a breakdown of the various overbite treatment options:
1. Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are one of the most common ways to correct overbite teeth in children. By applying pressure over time, braces gradually move the teeth into proper alignment.
How it works: Braces are made of metal brackets attached to each individual tooth, connected by wires that are adjusted periodically to move the teeth into the desired position.
Who it’s for: This option works well for mild overbite, moderate overbite, and even severe overbites.
Benefits: Braces can address not only an overbite but also crowded teeth or other alignment issues like misaligned teeth.
2. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners are another effective method for treating overbite teeth in children. These removable plastic trays are custom-made to fit over the upper and lower teeth and gradually shift the teeth into place.
How it works: The aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day and replaced every two weeks with a new set.
Who it’s for: Clear aligners are a great option for mild overbites or children who prefer a more discreet treatment.
Benefits: Aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when eating or brushing, making oral hygiene easier.
3. Orthognathic Surgery
In cases where an overbite is caused by jaw misalignment rather than just the position of the teeth, jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) may be necessary.
How it works: During the surgery, the upper or lower jaw is repositioned to ensure proper jaw alignment and improve the overall bite.
Who it’s for: This option is usually reserved for more severe skeletal overbites that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone.
Benefits: Surgery can provide a long-term solution for correcting severe overbites and improving both the function and appearance of the jaw and teeth.
4. Habit Correction: Thumb Sucking and Tongue Thrusting
For younger children with an overbite, stopping habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting may help prevent the overbite from getting worse.
How it works: Your orthodontist may recommend behaviour modification or the use of an appliance to help correct these habits.
Who it’s for: This is an option for younger children whose permanent teeth are still coming in.
Benefits: Early intervention can prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.
What Causes an Overbite?
There are several factors that can contribute to overbite teeth in children, including:
Genetics: If you or your partner had an overbite as a child, there’s a good chance your child may also develop one.
Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can push the upper teeth forward, causing an overbite.
Jaw Size: In some cases, a smaller lower jaw or larger upper jaw can lead to a skeletal overbite.
Tooth Development: If your child’s adult teeth are coming in crowded or misaligned, this can contribute to an overbite.
How to Prevent Overbite Teeth
While some cases of an overbite are unavoidable due to genetics, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
Stop thumb sucking early: Encourage your child to stop thumb sucking before their permanent teeth come in.
Monitor their bite: Regular dental checkups can help catch an overbite early, allowing for less invasive treatment.
Consider orthodontic consultation: Bringing your child in for an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 can help catch any developing issues, such as overbite teeth or misaligned teeth.
What Is the Process for Fixing an Overbite?
The process for correcting an overbite can vary depending on the treatment method chosen.
Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis
Your child’s journey to a healthier bite starts with a consultation at Impact Orthodontics. During this visit, we will evaluate your child’s teeth, jaws, and overall bite to determine the severity of their overbite. We will also take X-rays to assess the alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
Step 2: Treatment Plan
Once the diagnosis is complete, we will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s needs.
This may involve traditional metal braces, clear aligners, or even jaw surgery if necessary. The goal is to provide the most effective overbite correction while ensuring your child’s comfort and convenience.
Step 3: Active Treatment
During the treatment phase, your child will visit Impact Orthodontics regularly for adjustments to their braces or aligners.
Depending on the severity of the overbite, treatment can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months. For those with severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be required as part of the process.
Step 4: Retention and Maintenance
Once the active treatment phase is complete, your child will be fitted with a retainer to ensure that their teeth stay in the correct position.
Wearing a retainer is crucial to prevent relapse and maintain the results of the overbite correction.
Benefits of Treating Overbite Teeth Early
Treating an overbite early in childhood offers several benefits:
Better Oral Health: Addressing an overbite can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, reducing the risk of oral health issues later in life.
Improved Jaw Alignment: Early treatment can help guide the jaw alignment and prevent the need for more invasive procedures like jaw surgery.
Boosted Confidence: Correcting overbite teeth can give your child a more confident smile and improve their self-esteem as they grow.
Common Questions About Overbite Teeth
How Long Does It Take to Correct an Overbite?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the overbite and the method of correction.
For most children, traditional metal braces or clear aligners can fix an overbite in 1-3 years.
Does Overbite Treatment Hurt?
While adjusting to braces or aligners may cause some discomfort, overbite treatment is generally not painful.
At Impact Orthodontics, we take care to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Can an Overbite Be Corrected Naturally?
Unfortunately, overbite teeth cannot be corrected naturally without the assistance of orthodontic treatment. While certain habits, like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, can exacerbate an overbite, once the misalignment has developed, professional intervention is necessary.
Treatments such as braces, clear aligners, and in more severe cases, jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery, are the only effective ways to correct an overbite and restore proper bite alignment.
Is Overbite Treatment Only for Severe Cases?
Not at all. In fact, many children have mild overbites that can still benefit from early intervention. By addressing the issue early, we can prevent the overbite from worsening and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications like jaw pain, tooth decay, or gum disease.
Even if your child’s overbite seems mild, it’s still a good idea to have it evaluated by an orthodontist to determine the best course of action.
How Early Should You Start Overbite Treatment?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age 7, which is when many of the adult teeth begin to emerge.
Early detection of overbite teeth can make treatment easier and more effective. If your child is already showing signs of an overbite—such as upper teeth protrude or teeth stick—now is the time to schedule a consultation at Impact Orthodontics.
Why Early Intervention Matters
By starting treatment early, we can guide the growth of your child’s upper jaw and lower jaw, preventing more complex issues from developing as they age.
Early treatment can sometimes even eliminate the need for more invasive procedures like jaw surgery in the future. Additionally, treating overbite teeth while your child is still growing allows us to make adjustments more easily and achieve optimal results.
Overbite Treatment for Younger Patients: What Moms Should Know
As a mom, you want the best for your child’s oral health and development.
Here’s what you should know about overbite treatment for younger children:
Customized Treatment Plans: At Impact Orthodontics, we take into account your child’s unique dental needs. Whether they have a minor overbite or a more severe overbite, we’ll create a treatment plan that’s designed just for them.
Comfort and Convenience: We use the latest technologies to make treatment as comfortable as possible for your child, whether they’re wearing braces or clear aligners.
Education and Support: We provide parents with all the information they need about their child’s treatment, including what to expect during each phase and how to care for your child’s teeth throughout the process.
Conclusion: Fixing Overbite Teeth at Impact Orthodontics
At Impact Orthodontics, we specialize in overbite correction and are proud to serve families in SE and SW Calgary and surrounding communities. Whether your child needs traditional metal braces, clear aligners, or more specialized care, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that fits their needs.
Don’t wait until the problem worsens—schedule an orthodontic consultation today. Let’s work together to give your child the healthy, confident smile they deserve!
For more information or to book an appointment, visit our website Impact Orthodontics or call us today! Our team of experienced orthodontists is dedicated to providing high-quality care in a friendly and supportive environment.
