You may have heard the term “buck teeth,” which is often used to describe an overbite, a form of teeth misalignment. But what exactly does it mean? An overbite occurs when your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth, causing misalignment. Depending on the severity, this can affect not only how you chew and speak but also your overall appearance.
Overbites can arise from various factors, including childhood habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. The good news? They can be corrected! Let’s explore everything you need to know about overbites, their causes, and the effective treatments available to help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile.
*This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your treating dentist for medical advice specific to your condition. Zenyum does not provide medical advice and our systems are doctor-directed treatments.
What is an overbite
Are you wondering if you have an overbite? Many people may not realize they have one until their dentist brings it up during an exam. So, what exactly is an overbite? It occurs when your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth more than is considered normal. This misalignment can vary in severity, impacting both your appearance and oral health.
Understanding the factors of an overbite is important, as it can influence your ability to chew and speak properly. If you suspect you might have an overbite, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist to explore potential treatment options!
Correcting your overbite offers more than just aesthetic benefits; it can also significantly enhance your health. If left untreated, an overbite could lead to various health issues, including:
- Difficulty Chewing: Misalignment can make it hard to chew food properly, putting extra strain on your jaw.
- Jaw Tension: The additional effort required for chewing can create tension and discomfort in your jaw.
- Tooth Wear: You may wear down the back of your teeth over time, making them thinner and more susceptible to damage.
- Bacteria Growth: Misaligned teeth can trap food particles, increasing the risk of bacteria growth and potential pain.
- Mouth Breathing: You might struggle to keep your lips closed at rest, leading to mouth breathing, which can increase the risk of snoring and sleep apnea.
- Speech Issues: You may find yourself using your tongue more when speaking, affecting clarity and pronunciation of certain sounds, and possibly leading to a lisp.
How to fix an overbite
Wonder how overbites are treated? There’s several ways to correct an overbite, depending on how severe your case is.
Invisible braces for overbite
If you’re looking to correct your overbite, invisible braces are a fantastic option. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners don’t use brackets or wires. Instead, they consist of a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the right positions.
If you’re considering this option, Zenyum Invisible Braces offer a discreet and comfortable solution. They’re removable, which means you can go about your daily life without significant disruptions.
You can start with our Free Smile Check that only takes five minutes of your time, and visit one of our partner dentists for a thorough evaluation to see if this option is right for you.
Traditional braces
Another effective method to correct an overbite is through traditional metal braces. Here’s how they work:
- Brackets and Wires: Metal brackets are attached to your teeth and connected by wires that are regularly tightened to gradually reposition your teeth.
- Visibility and Comfort: While traditional braces can effectively fix an overbite, many people find them less appealing due to their visible appearance. Additionally, some may experience discomfort from the metal components during the treatment.
Surgery
In more severe cases of overbite, your dentist may suggest surgery, especially if you’re experiencing difficulties with chewing, speech problems, or jaw pain. This option is typically recommended when braces alone can’t correct irregularities in jaw development.
- Jaw Repositioning: The surgical procedure involves making precise cuts to your jawbone, allowing it to be repositioned for optimal function and alignment.
Assessing your overbite with Zenyum
Taking the first step towards a straighter smile is really simple. Here’s what you can expect when you start your Smile Journey with Zenyum:
Free smile check
Kick off your journey with our Free Smile Check! Simply take four photos of your teeth and answer a few quick questions. This helps us understand your concerns and see if our clear aligners are the right fit for your transformation.
Thorough evaluation
If you’re eligible for Zenyum Invisible Braces, we’ll arrange an appointment with your treating dentist. During your visit, your dentist will perform X-rays, 3D scans, and a thorough examination to ensure your oral health is ready for clear aligners.
Personalised treatment plan
Remember those scans that were taken at the clinic? They’re used to create your treatment plan, which includes the treatment your dentist has prescribed, duration, number of aligner sets you need to wear. Plus, you’ll get a 3D digital model of your smile, showing how your teeth will gradually get straighter with every aligner you wear.
Rest assured, your dentist checks and approves the plan before it reaches you. So you’ll know that the treatment plan is designed to give you the smile you deserve!
Your Smile Journey: what to expect during treatment
Wondering what your Smile Journey will be like? Read on to learn more.
Curious about what your experience with Zenyum will be like? Here’s a glimpse into your Smile Journey!
Getting Started
Once you approve your treatment plan, we’ll kick off the process by creating your aligners. You’ll have a fitting appointment where you can collect all the aligner sets you’ll need. This is also your chance to try them on for the first time!
During the fitting, your dentist will guide you on how to wear and care for your aligners. If there are any adjustments needed, they’ll be there to help. Depending on your treatment plan, you might also undergo an Interproximal Reduction (IPR) procedure.
Track Your Progress with Ease
Stay in control of your treatment with our upgraded ZenyumClear™ app. Here, you can easily view all your treatment details at a glance. Track your progress as you switch between aligner sets, upload photos of your teeth, and keep tabs on your upcoming appointments—all in one convenient location.
Regular Check-Ins
Throughout your aligner journey, you’ll have regular check-ins with your dentist, as outlined in your treatment plan. These visits are essential to ensure everything is on track. If any IPR procedures are needed, your dentist will perform those during these check-ups.
As you approach the end of your treatment, you’ll schedule one final appointment for a last check-up and to get your retainers.
After braces: celebrating your transformation
As you approach the final sets of your aligners, it’s time to take pride in the journey you’ve completed and the beautiful new smile you’ve achieved!
Improved bite
Congratulations! You’ll no longer have an overbite. Your teeth will be aligned for optimal function, giving you a straighter, more confident smile. With a healthy bite, you’ll experience less strain on your jaw, improved speech, and better oral hygiene.
Refinements (if required)
If slight adjustments are necessary for that perfect smile, we’ll provide refinement aligners at no additional cost*. You’ll only need to cover the cost of refinement scans to capture an updated image of your teeth. To qualify for free refinement aligners, ensure you’ve uploaded at least 75% of the required photos on the Zenyum App and that you’re still within your treatment period.
Retainers
Once you’ve completed your Zenyum Invisible Braces treatment, it’s time to wear your ZenyumClear™ Retainers. These clear, custom-made retainers are tailored to fit your smile perfectly and feature a scallop-trim cut for enhanced comfort. Unlike traditional metal retainers, ZenyumClear™ Retainers are discrete and integrate seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Overbite: Before and After
Zenyum Invisible Braces successfully transformed this patient’s overbite in just 10 months. After completing 30 sets of aligners and attending five clinic visits, the patient’s overbite was effectively corrected! Take a look at the incredible results we achieved!
Struggling with bite issues?
Discover how Zenyum Invisible Braces might just be the right solution for you.
FAQs
How do I know if I have an overbite?
While consulting your treating dentist is the most reliable way to determine if you have an overbite, you can conduct a quick self-assessment with these steps:
- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Relax your jaw and position your teeth together naturally.
Avoid biting down hard; this should reflect the natural position of your teeth. - Smile and check for these signs:
- Do your upper front teeth cover more than a quarter of your lower front teeth?
- Are your upper front teeth touching your bottom gum?
- Are your lower teeth biting close to or touching the roof of your mouth?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have an overbite that requires attention. It’s advisable to consult your dentist for a professional assessment.
How to fix overbite naturally?
While there are various methods to address an overbite, it’s important to consult with a dental professional for personalized advice. Natural approaches may include exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve posture, but these should be undertaken with caution and guidance.
Can braces change face shape?
Braces primarily focus on correcting teeth alignment, but they can also influence facial aesthetics. By repositioning teeth and aligning the bite, braces can lead to subtle changes in facial structure over time, enhancing your overall appearance. Check out our blog on how braces may change your face shape if you’re curious to learn more.
