Overbite Correction

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS, Smile Transformation Specialist

If overbite correction brings to mind the unlovely prospect of wearing headgear, do not concern yourself. Dr. Maddahi can offer several options for correcting even serious malocclusions (bite alignment problems) using cutting-edge dental appliances that are discrete and comfortable. For younger patients, he has several options for correction that won’t impact social activities or cause self-consciousness. He is very sensitive to the social pressures that younger patients deal with concerning appearance.

While it is easier to correct malocclusions in younger people while the jaw is still forming, adults can definitely benefit from expert overbite correction. Dr. Maddahi sees many adults who have decided to correct their malocclusion and who now are able to enjoy social activities with confidence.

Adults with an overbite or other alignment issues are often under the false impression that there is an age limit on overbite correction but the fact is the teeth can be realigned and the jaw can be positioned at any age.

Overbite Correction Benefits

Occlusion is used to describe the alignment of the teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. Overbite is a condition where the upper teeth project over the lower teeth. Overbite is more common than underbite where the lower teeth project beyond the upper teeth.

There are health benefits to correcting overbite. Dental hygiene is easier which counters tooth decay and gum disease. Chewing food properly is also assisted when the jaws are properly aligned. This assists digestion and reduces the instances of biting the cheeks and inner lips while chewing.

Overbite Correction Methods Depend on the Degree of Malocclusion

Overbite, underbite, misaligned, or crooked teeth…these imperfections are usually a result of heredity. In some cases, accidents or habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or extended use of a soother past the age of three can result in an overbite.

There are three classes of malocclusion:

Class One

The bite is almost normal with a slight overlap of the upper teeth.

Class Two

Refers to a severe overbite with the lower jaw, or mandible, positioned behind the upper jaw.

Class Three

A severe underbite where the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.

Depending on the degree of correction, and whether the problem is in the upper or lower jaw, overbite correction may consist of:

Braces to reposition the teeth
Elastics being strategically placed on braces to reposition the jaw
Correcting overcrowding by removing premolars
Capping or reshaping teeth
Spring-loaded bite correctors
Surgery to reshape or reposition the jaw

How Long Will It Take to Correct My Overbite?

The length of time for treatment will depend on the severity of the overbite and the age of the patient. If traditional braces are recommended, younger patients will wear braces for 18 months to 2 years. Adults can expect to wear braces for up to 3 years. If that time frame is a bit daunting, there is an option that can accomplish overbite correction in far less time.

Dr. Maddahi has developed a process more attuned to his adult clients, which can replace the need for braces which drastically reduces the time needed to correct an overbite. Using premium porcelain veneers and crowns to reshape the teeth, he restores balance and alignment, which not only is aesthetically pleasing but corrects the functional defects created by overbite and misalignment. Not everyone is a candidate for his innovative anti-aging dentistry solution; the degree of correction needed is the determining factor.

An Innovative Overbite Correction Solution

To determine if this procedure will achieve the goal, Dr. Maddahi calculates the degree of misalignment and/or jaw displacement. He then makes a mold of the teeth, which enables him to create a temporary wax model of veneers and crowns on the mold. Once the mock-up is complete, he is able to assess whether or not the amount of correction needed could be achieved through this method. An additional benefit of this method is that his patients can see what their smiles would look like after the procedure.

Patients who are candidates for this method can expect to enjoy their new smile within a few weeks – a timeline that is very acceptable for busy professionals and entertainment executives.

Find Out How Dr. Maddahi Can Help You With Your Overbite Correction Needs

If you have questions concerning overbite correction, either for yourself or a young person in your life, make an appointment to see Dr. Maddahi for an evaluation. Living with misalignment in the jaws can impact many aspects of life. Find out how Dr. Maddahi can help you with his innovative and cutting-edge overbite correction methods. He will provide you with his proven recommendations so that you can make an informed decision on treatment.