A uniform bite is necessary for overall oral health and function and it contributes to an aesthetically pleasing smile. At Tebo Orthodontics, we specialize in transforming smiles and correcting bite issues that, if left untreated, could lead to several other dental and health concerns. Through this article, we’ll explore how braces can effectively correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
The Basics of Bite Issues
Understanding the nature of bite problems is the first step towards correction. Here is a look at the primary bite categories:
- Overbite: The upper teeth significantly overlapping the lower teeth characterize this type of bite. Overbites are problematic as they can lead to gum damage, wear on the lower teeth, and jaw pain.
- Underbite: The lower teeth protruding beyond the upper teeth characterize this bite. This can lead to accelerated facial aging and can potentially cause difficulty with chewing and speaking.
- Crossbite: This bite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which can result in uneven tooth wear, gum disease, and jaw growth issues.
Braces to the Rescue
Braces are a powerful tool in orthodontics for addressing misaligned bites:
- Customized Treatment Plans: At Tebo Orthodontics, we tailor braces treatment to the individual’s needs, ensuring precise correction of bite issues.
- How Braces Work: By applying continuous pressure over time, braces slowly move teeth into the desired position. For bite corrections, this may also involve the use of additional appliances to guide the jaw’s growth and alignment.
Overbite Correction with Braces
Correcting an overbite involves more than just straightening teeth:
- Treatment Focus: For overbites, braces may be combined with rubber bands or springs to reduce the overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. This treatment approach helps to enhance facial profile and functionality.
- Benefits: Beyond improving aesthetics, correction of an overbite with braces can reduce the risk of tooth damage and improve jaw function.
Underbite Treatment Options
Underbites present unique challenges but are manageable with orthodontic intervention:
- Approach: Treatment may start with braces to align the teeth, but may be followed by specialized appliances to adjust the jaw position, encouraging it to grow correctly or to restrain excessive growth.
- Long-term Outcomes: Correcting an underbite can reduce strain on jaw muscles and joints as well as significantly improve chewing efficiency and speech.
Crossbite Correction Strategies
Crossbites can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, and correction requires a detailed treatment plan:
- Correction Techniques: Braces, often in combination with expanders, are used to widen the jaw or affected dental arches to correct crossbite issues.
- Health and Aesthetic Gains: Treatment aims to achieve even tooth wear, symmetrical jaw development, and an improved overall dental profile.
At Tebo Orthodontics, we believe in the transformative power of orthodontic treatment. Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites with braces goes beyond cosmetic improvement, offering significant health benefits and contributing to the overall well-being of our patients. If you or your family are facing bite issues, our team is here to provide comprehensive, personalized care tailored to achieve optimal results and a balanced, beautiful smile.
Your Next Step: Ready to address bite issues and explore how braces can offer a solution? Contact Tebo Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll bite into the problem and chart a course towards a healthier, more confident smile.
