Overbite: How to Fix Without Braces

Table of contents

1. What is an Overbite?
2. What Causes an Overbite?
3. How To Treat an Overbite
4. Straighten Your Teeth at Home
5. It's the Most Affordable Process

When you were younger, did the term buck teeth haunt you to death? Were you always looking over your shoulder? Turns out a lot of men and women experienced this. You likely did not smile as much as you wanted to, right? Showing your teeth seemed illegal. And all because of an overbite likely out of your control. Maybe you did want to fix it but never had the money. But maybe you don't need a lot of money to fix it now. Keep reading if you want to know what I mean.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite is when the top teeth largely overlap the bottom teeth. It can also be called "protruded teeth." According to Cleveland Clinic, an "overbite is a type of malocclusion. This term describes any misaligned or crooked teeth."

What Causes an Overbite?

Unfortunately, overbites can be genetic and hereditary. Overbites "are more commonly caused by underdevelopment in the lower jaw during childhood" (Brigham Orthodontics). Overbites are also caused if the upper jaw is too overdeveloped. It is uncommon, but it can happen. Another cause is thumb-sucking past the age of three. Additionally, overbites can form because of the habit of nail-biting.

How To Treat an Overbite

Although overbites are unpleasant, they can be treated. Thankfully, we live in a day in age where there are so many options to treat overbites.

1. Headgear

If your upper jaw is too overdeveloped, headgear is a good way to fix it. It is not always enjoyable to wear, but it will do the job. Because headgear straps onto a patient's head, it provides the extra force. When the headgear applies that extra force, it moves the teeth faster and more accurately. (Quoc Lu)

2. Braces

If you look around at your sibling's high school or your child's soccer game, you will more than likely see that the majority of kids have braces, a common way to straighten teeth. It is becoming more popular for some adults to have them as well. And there is no shame in that. When you go to the dentist, your dentist will probably check to see if you have an overbite. If you do have an overbite, they will probably tell you that you need braces for a time to fix that overbite. Typically braces last for about eighteen months to two years. However, it varies from person to person. With braces, however, comes a lot of upkeep. You have to worry a lot about flossing in between your brackets and wires. In order to fix your overbite, you may have to wear rubber bands. According to DentalFind.com, "Rubber bands in orthodontic treatments is to put pressure on the teeth in a specific direction or 'vector' to help make them straighter...and using them can cut down on the amount of time needed for corrective straightening." So although you will have to remember to put in and take out your rubber bands, the combination of braces and rubber bands will help the process of fixing an overbite.

3. Surgery

In some extreme cases, surgery can help. Although it is not recommended often, some dentists will recommend it if your teeth overlap by more than 3.5 millimeters. (wikiHow) During the surgery, the surgeon will physically move your jaw so that your teeth will align correctly. This will also change your chin shape. (wikiHow) This surgery is rather expensive and includes a hospital stay, but it is effective if you really need it.

4. Clear Aligners

Because we live in a world full of new ideas, clear aligners have more recently provided an opportunity unlike any other. You can fix your overbite and straighten your teeth at home with clear aligners. Unlike braces, clear aligners do not require all the wire, brackets, cut gums, and rubber bands. These clear trays work like magic. Essentially, clear aligners do the same job as braces. They straighten your teeth and fix your overbite successfully. They are clear trays that gently click onto your teeth. Sort of like a retainer, they work to straighten your teeth, not just keep them in place. The trays apply pressure that makes the teeth move to perfection. There are a lot of benefits to going toward the clear braces option. First, the duration of wearing them is shorter than any of the other options. Some companies provide clear aligner plans that last only six to eight months. Second, should you choose to go with clear aligners, nobody will notice that you even have them in because they are clear! Third, you can eat whatever you would like. No need to worry about not eating that delicious movie theater popcorn or those super yummy gummies.

Straighten Your Teeth at Home

One of the best perks about clear aligners is that there is no need for those gut-wrenching monthly dentist visits. ALIGNERCO lets you do it all at home. After purchasing an impression kit, send it back to our team. Our team of experts will be more than happy to create for you a specialized set of clear trays. After our experts perfect them, get excited. Remember that magic I was telling you about earlier? Buckle up, this is where it happens. In under less than a year, your overbite will be gone. Not only that, but your teeth will be straighter! Those pearly whites will be looking beautiful.

It's the Most Affordable Process

Not only do you get straight teeth, but you also save money. ALIGNERCO is the most affordable way to get perfect teeth, costing only per month. What are you waiting for? Get that overbite taken care of and those teeth straightened.