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A straighter, radiant smile is what everyone wishes for. However, due to different underlying factors, dental misalignments have become common. Among the other malocclusions, class 2 bite is also a common issue affecting individuals. In this blog, we will provide you with a complete understanding of class 2 bite, its causes, what happens if it's left untreated, and possible treatment options to fix your class 2 bite.
What is a Class 2 Bite?
A class II bite, also known as an overbite, is one of the most common dental misalignments. It occurs when the upper teeth overlap the bottom arch, causing both aesthetic and functional concerns. However, the emergence of different teeth straightening methods has made it easier to effectively correct a class 2 bite.
This condition is further divided into two categories.
Class II Division 1:
The upper front teeth protrude outward, creating a pronounced overbite.
Class II Division 2:
The upper front teeth tilt inward, making the lower jaw appear even further back.
How to Diagnose Class 2 Bite?
A class 2 bite can be diagnosed through any of the following.
- Dental impressions
- Visual examination
- 3D scans
- Bite analysis tool
Causes of a Class 2 Bite
The following are some of the causes that lead to class II bite issues.
Genetic Factors
Some individuals are inherited with certain dental issues. If the parents of an individual have a history of malocclusion, there is a high risk of having an impacted jaw and tooth alignment.
Lifestyle Factors
Some babies use pacifiers for prolonged periods. On the other hand, some individuals have a habit of thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting which leads to developing malocclusions later in life.
Dental Issues
Dental issues like loss of a baby's teeth too early, having crowded teeth, spacing, or an underdeveloped jaw could all lead to causing class II bite issues.
Trauma or Injury
Class II malocclusion can result from dental trauma or injury. Further, certain syndromes caused by poor health and nutrition can impact the development of the face, causing malocclusion.
What Happens When A Class II Bite Is Left Untreated?
Impacted Appearance
Having a class 2 bite can lead to an impacted facial appearance. It can make your chin look recessed. Further impacting your confidence to smile freely.
Jaw Pain
Having overlapped upper teeth puts strain on the temporomandibular joint, leading to discomfort and often headaches.
Difficulty Chewing
Having a class 2 bite or an overbite may cause chewing difficulty, making it challenging for individuals to bite properly.
Tooth Damage
Protruded front teeth are more prone to damage; chipping, fractures, or uneven tooth wear.
Treatment Options for Class 2 Bite
A Class 2 bite may cause issues related to dental health along with an impacted appearance. Individuals might get insecure about their smile, however, this type of dental misalignment can be easily treated with different orthodontic treatments.
Braces
Traditional braces are the oldest and most common method to align teeth. They include metallic brackets that are fixed on the teeth with the help of wires. They are known for treating mild, moderate, to even severe dental issues. With minor adjustments over time, braces help to move teeth, fixing the alignment.
Clear Aligners
A Clear aligner treatment has become popular and a preferred method for treating misalignments. Due to their discreet and comfortable approach to teeth straightening, people of all ages are inclined toward getting clear aligners to fix their smile aesthetics. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are not fixed on the tooth surface. They are plastic trays that are worn on the teeth that help to exert pressure on the teeth over time.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces for Class II Bite
Unsure which method to opt for fixing your class 2 bite?
Here are the key differences between both traditional braces and aligners to help you choose from.
| Features | Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
| Aesthetics | Barely Visible | Visible Metal Brackets |
| Comfort | No irritation | Brackets cause irritation |
| Removability | Easy to remove | Fixed on the teeth |
| Oral Hygiene | Easily ensured by removing | Gets challenging with brackets |
| Effectivity | Best for mild to moderate cases | Can even treat complex cases |
| Treatment Duration | Within 4 - 6 months | More than a year |
ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners
When it comes to a clear aligner treatment, ALIGNERCO sure offers hassle-free teeth straightening. If you are struggling with a class II bite and are afraid of getting metal brackets due to the pain and appearance, our aligners could be the best suitable option for you. One of the main benefits to enjoy with us is the remote treatment option. It means no need to wait for long dental appointments when you can get your teeth straightened from the comfort of your home. We offer different aligner plans for you to choose from according to your case and suitability.
SmileAdvantage
Align your smile within four to six months with our SmileAdvantage plan. By adhering to the wear time of 22 hours, you can get your desired results.
NightAdvantage
Straighten while you sleep with our night only clear aligner plan. If you have a public-facing job and cannot keep up with aligners during the day. Transform your smile while wearing aligners for only 10 hours every night and achieve optimal results in just 6 to 8 months.
How ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners Work?
ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners are customized to each individual’s dental structure. They are created using advanced 3D technology. Here is a step-by-step procedure for how clear aligners work.
Step 1: Impression Taking
Begin the journey with dental impressions made with ALIGNERCO. Pick a plan and receive our impressions kit at your doorstep. The kit includes everything required for crafting perfect impressions.
Step 2: Aligner Fabrication
After creating your impressions, send them back to us using the prepaid shipping label. Once we receive your impressions, we create a 3D smile preview. Once approved, your custom aligners will be fabricated.
Step 3: Receiving Aligners
Once your aligners are fabricated, you will receive them at your doorstep. You must adhere to the wear time of aligners to ensure consistent pressure on the teeth. It will help move teeth smoothly, providing results within the given time frame. In case of any queries, contact our smile specialists available 24/7.
Recap
Class 2 bite is a dental malocclusion commonly referred to as an overbite. A condition in which the upper teeth overlap with the lower arch. Common causes like genetics, thumb-sucking, and certain other factors result in a class 2 bite. It can have oral health issues in addition to impacting the smile aesthetics. However, teeth straightening methods like metal braces and clear aligners can help fix class 2 bites in no time. ALIGNERCO brings an effective and hassle-free solution to align your smile. Our clear aligners are both affordable and customized to meet each individual’s dental needs.
FAQs
How to fix a class 2 bite?
Orthodontic treatments like metal braces or clear aligners can help treat class II bites.
What is the most common cause of class 2 malocclusion?
Genetics is a more commonly cited cause, wherein the upper jaw might be overdeveloped or the lower jaw might be underdeveloped.
How do I get my bite back to normal?
Consult with your orthodontist to get the best treatment option for yourself. Orthodontic treatments or wearing functional headgear help fix dental malocclusions.
Can clear aligners fix a class 2 bite?
Yes, clear aligners exert gentle pressure on the teeth to help fix the protruded teeth.
What is the treatment duration to fix a class 2 bite with aligners?
Clear aligners usually take 4 to 6 months to fix teeth alignment. However, it also depends on the severity of the case.
References:
Orthodontics, H. (2024, September 18). Fixing a Class II Bite: Diagnosis, Treatment, & Prevention. Class II Bite. https://www.hillamorthodontics.com/blog/fixing-a-class-ii-bite-diagnosis-treatment-prevention
American Orthodontic Society. Identifying and Treating Malocclusions Classes I, II, and III (https://orthodontics.com/identifying-and-treating-malocclusions-classes/). Last updated 3/1/2022. Accessed 10/28/2024.
Cenzato N, Nobili A, Maspero C. Prevalence of Dental Malocclusions in Different Geographical Areas: Scoping Review (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8534899/). Dent J (Basel). 2021 Oct 11;9(10):117. Accessed 10/28/2024.
De Ridder L, Aleksieva A, Willems G, Declerck D, Cadenas de Llano-Pérula M. Prevalence of Orthodontic Malocclusions in Healthy Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35742703/). Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jun 17;19(12):7446. Accessed 10/28/2024.
Gasparello GG, Júnior SLM, Hartmann GC, et al. The influence of malocclusion on social aspects in adults: study via eye tracking technology and questionnaire (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8784583/). Prog Orthod. 2022 Jan 24;23(1):4. Accessed 10/28/2024.
Ghodasra R, Brizuela M. Orthodontics, Malocclusion (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592395/). 2023 Apr 23. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan. Accessed 10/28/2024.
Merck Manual, Consumer Version. Malocclusion (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/symptoms-of-oral-and-dental-disorders/malocclusion). Last reviewed 1/2024. Accessed 10/28/2024.
