Growing up with an overbite may bring unpleasant memories of being dubbed “bucktoothed” or “Bugs Bunny” at school. Needless to say, an overbite may become such a source of concern over time that a person with one may be hesitant to smile.
The truth of the matter is that about 8% of the U.S. population is dealing with a severe case of overbite.
That’s heartbreaking. But, thankfully, there’s a comprehensive solution to the problem with is getting overbite surgery. If you’ve been researching whether you need an overbite jaw surgery or not, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of what an overbite correction surgery entails.
What Is an Overbite?
Let’s start with the basics. The vertical overlap or horizontal gap between your top and bottom front teeth is known as an overbite.
The top teeth protrude in front of the mouth due to a horizontal overbite, often known as an “overjet.” This is often referred to as “buck teeth” when extremely noticeable, but we will avoid using that phrase here. An open bite, or a vertical space between the upper and lower teeth, may be associated with an overjet.
A typical overbite is a vertical overlap of 2-4mm or approximately 30% of the bottom teeth being covered. When the overlap is 4-6mm or more, it is called a deep overbite or deep bite. The upper teeth may fully cover the lower teeth and even dig into the lower gums in the event of a severe overbite.
An overbite may be horizontal or vertical, meaning the upper teeth protrude in front of the lower teeth and dangle too far down over them.
Why Get an Overbite Surgery?
There are a variety of reasons why correcting an overbite is a smart idea. If left untreated, overbite issues may lead to:
- Facial pain
- Poor face structure
- Teeth wearing down quickly
- Speech problems
- Poor dental hygiene
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Perhaps you’re debating whether or not it’s worth it to put your kid through therapy to correct an overbite. Keep in mind that, in most instances, the earlier the correction occurs, the better. Correcting an overbite may be more difficult because the jawbone and tooth roots are more solidly formed in adults.
The process of obtaining braces, surgery, and then long-term retainers for an overbite may seem intimidating. Still, the advantages of correcting misaligned teeth will far exceed any short-term pain. If you’ve been typing “overbite correction near me” multiple times in your search engine, you’ll want to check out this one.
Before and After Treatment Of Orthognathic Surgery Overbite
You may be self-conscious about how you appear before you repair your overbite teeth, particularly if you have a severe overbite.
A severe overbite may also cause discomfort and headaches by pulling your lower jaw back and placing strain on your nerves and blood supply. Because there is greater pressure on your teeth, they may wear out faster.
You may notice a difference in the contour of your face after you’ve corrected your overbite and attained a normal overbite. This is because your lower jaw is now farther forward. This won’t be drastic; you’ll have to compare before and after photos to see the improvement. Any discomfort you may have had should subside after your braces or surgeries are removed.
In certain instances, braces may be used to correct an overbite, and clear aligners or invisible braces may be an option if you just have a minor overbite.
After you’ve had your overbite braces removed, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting out of place.
The Process of an Overbite Correction Surgery
Your dentist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon will collaborate to decide whether corrective jaw surgery is appropriate for you. You must comprehend all aspects of your therapy, including the fact that you’ll almost certainly need braces before and after surgery.
An orthodontist will put orthodontic braces on your teeth before corrective jaw surgery to shift them into a new position. Because your teeth are being pushed into a position where they will fit together after surgery, you may first believe your bite is deteriorating rather than improving. Your dentist will update your records with fresh X-rays, photographs, and models of your teeth as your orthodontic treatment nears completion.
Your oral surgeon will use these updated dental records to reference when performing corrective jaw surgery for your overbite, which may take anywhere from one to several hours.
Your dental surgeon will rearrange your jawbones to rectify their misalignment by adding, removing, or sculpting bone during the operation. The oral surgeon will use surgical plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands to keep your jaws in their new position.
Incisions are typically done within the mouth to minimize apparent scars. If small incisions are needed outside of the mouth, your oral surgeon will make every effort to hide them.
Surgery Aftercare
You’ll need to follow a restricted diet, keep a rigorous dental hygiene regimen, and relax throughout your recuperation, which typically lasts around six weeks.
Depending on how they’re feeling, most patients may return to work or school one to three weeks following surgery. The jaws, on the other hand, require nine to twelve months to recover fully.
Ready for a Stunning Smile?
Dealing with a severe case of overbite doesn’t have to be a life sentence. After all, it’s not only uncomfortable, but it can negatively affect your overall health.
We hope that our guide has shed some light on what an overbite surgery can bring to the table and whether you require one. And, if you’re still not sure, you can always check out our additional tips and tricks. Those will be in our health and lifestyle sections.L
