Are you or someone you love thinking about braces for an overbite or underbite? At Sturgill Orthodontics, we know many folks in Johnson City and Norton who have these problems. Overbites and underbites represent common dental issues. But they involve more than just the way your teeth look. If untreated, they can lead to oral health problems.
But there’s good news! Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Harper offer a proven solution to overbites and underbites with braces. Metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and InBrace lingual braces can all help. Continue reading to learn more about overbites, underbites, and how braces can rectify them.
Understanding Overbites and Underbites
Before understanding the solution, we must grasp what overbites and underbites are. These common orthodontic problems affect the alignment of your upper and lower teeth. Misaligned bites impact your smile and your oral health. At Sturgill Orthodontics, Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Harper are experts in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
Overbites
If the doctors mention an “overbite,” that happens when your upper teeth protrude over your bottom teeth. Appearance isn’t the only thing an overbite affects. It can influence your eating and speaking.
Underbites
Underbites happen when your lower teeth extend in front of your upper teeth. Like overbites, this kind of misalignment can lead to difficulties in biting, chewing, and speech.
Causes of Each
What causes “malocclusions” (bad bites) like underbites and overbites? Both overbites and underbites can stem from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Common causes include hereditary jaw structure, prolonged thumb-sucking, or pacifier overuse during childhood.
Potential Problems
What happens if you ignore your overbite or underbite? Left untreated, overbites and underbites can lead to significant oral health dilemmas. Like an increased possibility of tooth decay, gum disease, inflammation, and/or jaw pain. Moreover, they can affect your self-esteem and quality of life. Recognizing these potential problems is the first step towards seeking treatment from Sturgill Orthodontics and realizing a superstar smile.
How Braces Help
Braces are a fundamental solution for correcting bite issues, including overbites and underbites. By applying consistent, gentle pressure, braces guide teeth into their proper positions, addressing your smile’s aesthetic and functional aspects.
Correcting Overbites with Braces
In the case of overbites, braces are instrumental in reducing the excessive overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. The strategic placement of brackets and the tension in the wires are meticulously calculated to pull the upper teeth back. This diminishes the protrusion and aligns the teeth for a more balanced bite. Over time, this repositioning ensures that the upper and lower teeth meet harmoniously, mitigating the risk of wear and tear and improving the ability to chew and speak effectively.
Addressing Underbites with Braces
For underbites, the approach involves a dual action: moving the lower teeth back and, if necessary, bringing the upper teeth forward. This correction requires precise force distribution to ensure the teeth move in the desired direction without compromising their health. Braces, sometimes with other orthodontic appliances, can effectively realign the jaw and teeth, eliminating the underbite. The result is a more aesthetically pleasing alignment and a functional improvement, enhancing biting, chewing, and speaking functions.
Types of Braces for Treating Overbites and Underbites
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we deliver a variety of braces to suit different needs and lifestyles. Let’s examine our available options and how they can be used to correct specific bite issues.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the gold standard solution for correcting overbites and underbites. Metal brackets and wires give them the strength and durability you need for significant tooth movement. Metal braces allow Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Harper to make precise adjustments. Adjustments help us confirm your teeth and jaw align correctly. Though they’re noticeable, don’t let that be a hang-up for you. Metal braces get the job done. And that’s really what we’re after.
Clear Braces
Clear (or “ceramic”) braces offer a less obvious alternative to metal braces, sometimes making them a preferred choice for adults and older teens concerned about how they look. They mesh with the natural color of your teeth. As a result, you get discretion and a treatment that works to correct your bite. Clear braces are as effective as their metal counterparts.
Lingual Braces (InBrace)
Lingual braces like InBrace are attached to the back of your teeth. They are invisible from the front. This option is perfect if you’re concerned about your appearance and need a subtle way to correct your bite issues. We customize your lingual braces to fit the particular contours of your teeth.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, represent the forefront of orthodontic technology. They afford you a virtually invisible solution to bite correction. These custom-made, removable trays are designed to help relocate your teeth over time. Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate overbites and underbites. They offer the convenience of eating, brushing, and flossing without braces. But remember: you have to follow the doctors’ instructions and wear them as we prescribe. Nobody wants to make their treatment longer than it needs to be.
Fix Bites Fast At Sturgill Orthodontics
Correcting overbites and underbites is more than just achieving a beautiful smile; it’s about enhancing your oral health and overall well-being. At Sturgill Orthodontics, Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Harper are committed to providing personalized, effective orthodontic care to Johnson City and Norton patients. Don’t let overbites or underbites hold you back any longer. Head here to schedule your free consultation with Sturgill Orthodontics today.