Are you self-conscious about your overbite? Do you wish for perfectly aligned teeth and a radiant smile? Bracing an overbite is the optimal solution to help you improve aesthetics and chewing function. This article from My Auris will provide detailed information about overbite braces, helping you understand the process, costs, and how to choose a suitable dental clinic.
What is an overbite?
An overbite, also known as protruding teeth, is a condition where the front teeth or molars extend forward beyond their normal position in the dental arch. This affects facial aesthetics, causes imbalance, and reduces self-confidence during communication. Beyond external appearance, an overbite can lead to numerous issues with chewing function, pronunciation, and even overall oral health. Uneven teeth and an improper bite can result in difficulties chewing and grinding food, causing jaw fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems.
Causes of an overbite
An overbite is not solely due to genetics but also results from various factors that intricately affect jawbone structure and tooth position. Some common causes include:
Genetic factors: Genetics play a significant role. If parents or family members have an overbite, there is a higher chance for their children to inherit this condition. Genes influence jawbone development, tooth size, and bite, leading to misaligned teeth that protrude forward.
Bad habits: Many bad habits during childhood can cause an overbite. Habits such as prolonged bottle feeding, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip biting, and mouth breathing all exert pressure on the teeth and jawbone, altering tooth position. These habits should be eliminated early to prevent an overbite.
Jawbone problems: Abnormal development of the upper or lower jawbone is also a cause of an overbite. If the upper jaw develops excessively compared to the lower jaw, the upper front teeth will protrude. Conversely, an underdeveloped lower jaw can also cause imbalance, making the upper front teeth appear to protrude.
Early tooth loss: Early tooth loss, especially of baby teeth, can affect the development and alignment of subsequent teeth. Adjacent teeth may shift, causing teeth to protrude.
Prolonged breastfeeding: Prolonged breastfeeding, especially after a child’s teeth have erupted, can also cause teeth to protrude due to the sucking force of the upper lip.
External impact: Facial trauma or accidents can dislocate teeth and lead to an overbite.
How long does it take for overbite braces to be effective?
Mild cases of overbite will require less time than severe cases with severely misaligned teeth. Mild protrusion may only need 6 months to 1 year, while complex cases can last from 18 months to 2 years or more.
Traditional braces often take longer than Invisalign braces. Invisalign can shorten treatment time thanks to modern technology, but not everyone is suitable for this method.
Younger individuals typically have better jawbone development, so the bracing process tends to be faster. For older individuals, whose jawbones are harder, treatment time may be longer.
Teeth with cavities or periodontitis need to be treated before bracing. This will affect the treatment progress.
Adhering to follow-up appointments and proper oral hygiene will help the bracing process be more effective and quicker. Missing appointments or poor oral hygiene will prolong the bracing time.
How much do overbite braces cost?
How much do overbite braces cost? The answer depends on the specific cause of the overbite. To accurately determine the cause of the malocclusion, you need to consult and take X-rays at a reputable dental clinic. The dentist will examine whether the protrusion is due to teeth or jawbone to provide a suitable treatment plan.
If the cause is due to abnormal jawbone development, you may need to undergo jaw contouring or jaw surgery for protrusion. Due to high technical requirements and the need for a highly skilled surgeon, costs typically range from 70,000,000 – 180,000,000 VND.
In cases where an overbite is due to misaligned tooth eruption, you can opt for bracing to correct the bite. Although treatment time can extend from 2 – 3 years, this is a safe, effective, and long-lasting method. The cost will depend on the type of orthodontic appliance you choose, specifically:
Orthodontic price list at My Auris Dental Clinic:
Traditional fixed braces: 15,000,000 VND/arch
Fixed ceramic or plastic braces: 20,000,000 VND/arch
Lingual braces or Invisalign: 40,000,000 – 45,000,000 VND/arch
Can an overbite be braced in common malocclusion cases?
Malocclusion is a condition where teeth do not fit together properly, affecting chewing function, facial aesthetics, and overall oral health. Some common malocclusion cases can be effectively treated with overbite braces:
Protruding front teeth: Upper front teeth that protrude forward cause facial imbalance. Braces can move the teeth into their correct position, creating facial harmony.
Open bite: A gap between the upper and lower teeth makes chewing difficult and affects aesthetics. Braces help close the bite, improving both function and the appearance of the teeth.
Overjet: The upper front teeth or the entire upper jaw protrudes too much compared to the lower jaw. Braces will help retract the overjet, creating a more balanced face.
Underbite: The lower jaw protrudes forward compared to the upper jaw. Braces will help adjust the position of the lower jaw, creating a proper bite and improving aesthetics.
Crowded/Misaligned teeth: Teeth that grow unevenly or are crowded. Braces realign the teeth, creating a straight and healthy smile.
Detailed stages of overbite bracing you need to know
Understanding each stage helps you prepare better, achieve high effectiveness, and avoid unnecessary risks:
Stage 1: Examination and Consultation
The first step is to visit an orthodontist. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination of your oral health, including: general oral health check, X-rays, and taking impressions. Based on these results, the doctor will determine the degree of protrusion, the type of bite, and create a detailed treatment plan, including estimated duration, costs, and suitable bracing method (metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign…).
Stage 2: Bracing Preparation (if needed)
Depending on your specific oral condition, the dentist may recommend preparatory steps such as: tooth extraction, treatment of oral diseases (cavities, periodontitis…). Tooth extraction, if necessary, helps create space for teeth to move more easily, ensuring optimal bracing results. During this stage, strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions is crucial. Treating oral diseases before bracing will help the bracing process proceed smoothly and more effectively, while also ensuring overall oral health.
Stage 3: Bracket Placement and Adjustment
After completing the preparatory steps, the dentist will proceed with placing brackets on your teeth. There are various types of brackets: metal braces, ceramic braces, clear Invisalign aligners… Depending on your choice and the doctor’s recommendation, the suitable type of bracket will be placed on your teeth. After bracket placement, the dentist will adjust the archwire to apply force to the teeth, helping them gradually move to the desired position. This process usually lasts from several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case. During this stage, you need to attend regular follow-up appointments as scheduled by your doctor to adjust the pulling force and monitor treatment progress.
Stage 4: Bracket Removal and Retention
Once your teeth have reached the desired position, the dentist will remove the braces. However, this is not the end of the process. To prevent teeth from shifting back, you will need to wear a retainer for a certain period as instructed by your doctor. The retainer helps keep the teeth in their new position, allowing the jawbone to adapt and stabilize. This is a very important stage to ensure long-term bracing results. Regular follow-up appointments to check your oral health and proper oral hygiene will help you maintain a straight, beautiful smile.
Popular Types of Braces for Overbites Today
Metal Braces
Metal braces are a traditional type of braces, widely used due to their low cost and high effectiveness. They are made from stainless steel, durable and strong, capable of withstanding force well, helping to move teeth quickly. Although their appearance may not be as aesthetic as other types of braces, the treatment effectiveness of metal braces has been proven over many years. Treatment time with metal braces is often shorter than with other types of braces, saving time and cost. This is an ideal choice for those who prioritize effectiveness and reasonable cost.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made from high-quality ceramic material, with a color similar to natural teeth, which greatly enhances aesthetics. This is an ideal choice for those who want to improve their teeth without others noticing they are wearing braces. Ceramic braces provide confidence and comfort in communication. However, the cost of ceramic braces is higher than that of metal braces.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses removable aligners instead of traditional braces. The aligners are made from transparent plastic, making them barely visible when worn, helping users feel more confident in communication. Invisalign is very convenient and easy to remove, allowing users to easily clean their teeth and eat comfortably. However, Invisalign is more suitable for mild to moderate cases of overbite, and the cost is generally higher than traditional metal and ceramic braces.
My Auris Dental Clinic – Effective and Safe Solutions for Shortening Overbite Bracing Time
Choosing the right reputable dental clinic plays a crucial role in treatment effectiveness, especially for cases of overbites, protruding teeth, and underbites. At My Auris Dental Clinic, the bracing process is meticulously structured, applying modern technology to help clients correct severe overbites and quickly achieve beautifully aligned teeth with a proper bite.
Right from the initial examination and X-ray, clients will have their dental condition directly checked by highly specialized orthodontists. They will determine the cause of the malocclusion, and then advise on suitable orthodontic types: from traditional fixed braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, plastic braces, to Invisalign clear aligners – advanced technology that offers optimal aesthetics and convenience.
If the cause of the malocclusion stems from the jawbone, the doctor will assess and may recommend a combination of bracing and jaw surgery for protrusion, or jaw contouring if necessary. The entire treatment process is performed by a team of highly specialized surgeons, ensuring safety standards as regulated by the Ministry of Health.
My Auris Dental Clinic invests in modern equipment such as: Panorex X-ray machine, Vceph 3D software, 3D Scan technology for dental impressions, helping doctors accurately identify the cause and develop detailed treatment plans. Notably, clients can also preview their bracing results and estimated treatment time through digital simulation software.
Each orthodontic case uses genuine, safe appliances, with separate sets of instruments, ensuring absolute sterility. Every step in the process is closely monitored, providing maximum peace of mind for clients.
We hope that the information above has helped you better understand the duration and methods of overbite bracing treatment. To know the exact cost of overbite braces and a personalized treatment plan, please visit My Auris Dental Clinic directly for a thorough examination and consultation with a specialist.
