If your lower jaw is smaller than your upper jaw or simply misaligned, you may have an overbite. While overbites can vary significantly from person to person, they can be disruptive enough to interfere with proper chewing and talking. Fortunately, dentists can offer treatments and even oral surgery to help. Here are a few ways dental professionals correct overbites. 

How Overbites Can Be Resolved

1. Tooth Extraction 

Sometimes, overbites are caused by dental overcrowding, forcing the arch out further than it would normally sit. In these cases, dentists may recommend a tooth extraction to allow your teeth to naturally spread into the proper positions.

This simple, in-office oral surgery is the most inexpensive option for correcting overbites and tends to be more effective in younger patients. 

2. Braces

Orthodontic care is designed to gradually push the teeth into proper alignment, resolving overbites, crowding, gaps, and even teeth that are tipped or turned. For mild overbites, patients may benefit from Invisalign®, while more severe problems may require traditional metal braces.

Orthodontic treatment can take months or years, but with proper retainer use, the results will be permanent. 

3. Oral Surgery 

Sometimes, oral surgery is required to correct overbites. Oral surgery should only be performed on adults after their jaw has stopped growing and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

To align the jaw, surgeons will either add or remove bone to allow the bite to close properly. While the surgery can require some downtime, the procedure could prevent future dental wear or injury down the road, while improving your profile, speech, and ability to chew thoroughly. 

If you have an overbite that impacts your life in any way, turn to Oral Surgery Center, S.C. Since forming his practice, Steven K. Anderson, DDS has been committed to improving patient’s lives through preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need a tooth extraction or a dental implant in Baraboo, WI, he can help. To find out more about the services his office offers, visit his website or give his office a call at (608) 356-2112.