Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Getting a diagnosis
• Part 2 of 3: Treating an overbite with braces and covers
• Part 3 of 3: Undergoing surgery

An overbite is a medical condition where your upper teeth are not aligned with your lower teeth. As one of the most common dental problems, an overbite is often genetic, but it can also be caused by frequent thumb sucking, long-term use of a pacifier, and other childhood habits. While no safe and effective home remedies exist, a number of professional options are available to correct an overbite in both children and adults.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Getting a diagnosis

1. Check that your teeth are aligned by clenching your jaw and smiling. To determine if you have an overbite, close your mouth in the usual way so that your teeth are in their natural position. Smile with your teeth pressed together in front of a mirror and look for places where one row of teeth overlaps the other. Although very limited overlap is normal, you should still seek medical advice if your teeth appear to be particularly crooked.
   • An overbite is considered serious when the teeth overlap by at least 5 mm. Visit your dentist or orthodontist for accurate measurements.
2. Get your teeth checked. If you are unsure whether your overbite requires medical attention and you are not willing to spend money on an orthodontic exam, see your dentist. Request a dental check-up or examination, where the dentist will look at the condition of the individual teeth and the overall health of your teeth. If the option is available, request an X-ray to see if you have any of the following abnormalities:
   • Class 1 abnormality, where the bite is normal, but the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.
   • Class 2 deviation, where the bite is abnormal and there is significant overlap.
   • Class 3 deviation, where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth.
3. Find an accredited orthodontist. An orthodontist will be able to tell you what is necessary to correct your overbite, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. Look for individuals who have specialized as dental surgeons after their medical and dental training. Before undergoing treatment, check whether your orthodontist is registered in the BIG register.
   • If you're having trouble finding an orthodontist near you, ask your dentist for a referral.

Part 2 of 3: Treating an overbite with braces and covers

1. Have a bracket installed. Braces are the most common and most effective way to treat an overbite, especially in children. Designed by attaching strong wires to small metal supports, braces put a constant pressure on your teeth forcing them to reposition themselves over a period of several months. The price and duration depend on the severity of the overbite, but expect to pay several thousand euros for 18 months to 3 years of treatment.
   • Be aware that in many cases insurance will cover braces for children, but not for adults.
2. Ask for transparent covers. In less severe cases, an overbite can be corrected by the use of a transparent alignment device. This method scans your teeth and creates a 3D mold that fits over them. While easy to hide and less invasive, clear cases can be incredibly expensive, sometimes even more expensive than normal braces. For a personal estimate, ask your dentist about the options for covers from brands such as Invisalign.
3. Try a traditional wire retention bracket. In some cases (especially when dealing with growing children) an overbite can be corrected by using a traditional wire retention bracket. Such a bracket requires less maintenance than a bracket and is by far less expensive. A retention bracket usually costs several hundred euros. While a retention bracket is more eye-catching than transparent covers, it can be easily removed when needed.
   • In most cases, braces are also used to keep teeth in place after braces are removed.

Part 3 of 3: Undergoing surgery

1. Get your teeth restored. In some patients, an overbite can lead to wear of specific teeth from involuntary grinding and pressure. When this happens, the dentist may need to put on covers, crowns, or other forms of dental equipment. This can be done before or after the initial alignment process.
   • If you grind your teeth while sleeping, ask your dentist about nighttime grinding guards.
2. Have teeth pulled if they are too close together. In many cases, an overbite is caused by a condition where your teeth are too close together. In order to proceed with braces or other alignment treatments, your orthodontist may need to pull out some of these teeth, creating space for everything to move. In most cases, extraction will be done by a dentist, not your orthodontist.
3. Undergo oral surgery. In extreme cases, a full oral procedure will be required to correct an overbite. During this process, the cheeks are pulled back and a surgeon makes incisions on the inside of the jaw. This allows him to physically shift the jaw, changing the shape of your chin and aligning your teeth. This is usually only done after less invasive methods, such as braces, have failed. Assume that the procedure will cost several tens of thousands of euros and you will be in hospital for about 2 days.
   • Because the surgery is usually performed on the inside of the mouth, most patients do not have visible scars.