Correcting an Overbite
Maintaining good oral health is essential as you grow older. You only have one set of natural teeth, and you want them to last as long as possible. Orthodontists understand that need and can help you improve the health of your teeth.
Dr. Chaw-Su Kyi specialises in treating a variety of dental conditions, including overbites. As the 2020 Specialist Orthodontist of the Year, Dr. Kyi has extensive experience in providing overbite treatment in London.
What is an Overbite?
When you close your teeth together and your top front teeth extend past your front bottom teeth, this is an overbite. An overbite is a sign that you have misaligned teeth and may require professional treatment such as Invisalign.
Causes of an Overbite
The following is a list of common causes of an overbite:
- Genetic traits (jaw shape)
- Sucking your thumb as a toddler
- Overusing a pacifier as a baby/toddler
- Nail-biting
- Teeth-grinding
- Overcrowded teeth
Types of Overbites
The two main types of overbites are skeletal or dental. It is also possible to have a combination of both types. With a skeletal overbite the patient’s jaw shape causes their teeth to misalign. In this case, surgical treatment is sometimes required to align the jaw with the teeth. A dental overbite implies that the teeth are the problem. In this case, the teeth need to be straightened and aligned properly.
How to Correct an Overbite?
If you are curious about overbite treatment in London, it is important to note that it will not correct itself. As time goes on, the overbite is likely to get worse rather than stay the same. Possible overbite treatments include:
- Clarity braces are a treatment option that Dr. Kyi offers her West London patients. These attach to the outside of your teeth, but the brackets are a clear, camouflaging color. This is typically not an option for patients who have a deep overbite.
- Damon braces use self-ligating brackets to move the teeth into shape. The brackets are smaller than traditional braces, and they do not have elastics. These braces are easier to clean, but you will need to get them tightened or adjusted every 10-12 weeks.
- Lingual braces are another method of treating an overbite. These braces attach to the back of your teeth, making it difficult for someone to spot them. Other than that, they are similar to traditional metal braces.
- Many patients look to Invisalign for overbite treatment in London. Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional braces, as it uses clear aligners to shift teeth into place. There is no need to use wires or brackets, as the patient can simply remove the aligners when eating and cleaning their teeth.
Why Choose Dr. Kyi?
Dr. Kyi works out of her Hammersmith Grove orthodontist office to provide exceptional services to her patients. Dr. Kyi can create an accurate ClinCheck treatment plan to show patients how each tooth will track and eventually form the final result. She is a dedicated professional as evidenced by her excellent patient testimonials.