Do you know the difference between overbite braces and overjet? If not, it’s time to find out. These two conditions are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences that should be taken into account before deciding on treatment. In order to maintain proper dental health and avoid further complications, you need to know what’s going on with your teeth. Overbite and overjet may sound like the same thing, but in fact they can have very different causes and effects on your smile if not properly treated.
Intro
Despite being related, there is a big difference between overjet and overbite. While an overbite refers to a situation where your top teeth rest in front of your bottom teeth, an overjet describes a situation where your upper jaw juts out more than normal. And while these two conditions are somewhat related, they affect different aspects of your mouth and require separate treatments.
If you have one condition or you’re worried about having both, it’s important to know what each condition is and how to treat them before they become serious problems that are expensive to fix. This guide explains how to tell if you have an overbite vs. an overjet, what types of treatment options exist for each problem, and which option may be best for you.
Overbite vs. Overjet
What’s The Difference? You’ve probably heard that overbites and overjets are problematic in orthodontics, but you may be wondering just what they are and how they differ. In short, overbites occur when there is excessive space between a person’s upper teeth and lower jaw, while overjets occur when there is a lack of space between these two parts of a person’s face. Understanding these differences can help you figure out if your dentist recommends treatment for one condition or another. Learn more below!
When Do I Need To See A Dentist?
While overbites and overjets don’t always require treatment, if your bite is misaligned you might experience dental issues down the road. Take a trip to your dentist to get a professional opinion on whether you’d benefit from treatment and what course of action would be best for you.
As with all treatments, braces are a common approach but there are several other options—including bite guards, orthodontic headgear and even physical therapy—to help straighten your teeth. Whether you have an overbite or an overjet, talk to your dentist about options that will get your smile back on track!
How Can My Dentist Help Me Correct A Misaligned Bite?
If you have an overbite, there are a number of things your dentist can do to help. If you’re not comfortable wearing braces on your teeth, your dentist may suggest orthodontic appliances that fit behind your teeth. These appliances are clear and don’t require any additional fillings to be installed in your teeth. While these aren’t as noticeable as braces, they do require you to wear them continuously and leave them in while you sleep. If wearing these overnight is a problem for you, then nighttime dental splints may be an option instead. These appliances also allow for continuous wear but can only be worn at night.
If a Dentist Tells Me I Have An Underbite, Am I In Danger Of Choking On Food?
There’s a good chance that you have some kind of bite issue if your dentist tells you that you have an underbite. That said, there’s no need to panic if you do have an underbite. In most cases, correcting an underbite with braces isn’t life-threatening. It does, however, warrant regular visits to your orthodontist for adjustment and checkups so that your teeth can be returned to their correct position in your mouth before any serious damage occurs. If it’s been determined that you do have an underbite and are wondering what it means for your health, contact SmileInnovation to schedule a consultation!
How Does Aligning My Teeth Fix My Health Problems (besides bad breath)?
Did you know that just having an overbite (also known as upper anterior open bite) can lead to serious problems such as TMD and headaches. When people have an overbites, it throws off their posture because they’re forced to tip their head forward. To correct these issues, a dentist may recommend that a patient wear overbite braces on top (on their teeth) and bottom (on their gums).
Will Getting Braces Hurt?
Dentists always say that braces aren’t supposed to hurt, but that doesn’t mean they don’t. Whether you wear braces on your top teeth (an overjet), bottom teeth (an overbite) or both, there are going to be times when you are in pain. It might be painful at first, when your new braces are first being adjusted; it might be just a mild discomfort after some period of time. Either way, sometimes it may feel like nothing is working. Don’t fret! Many people have dealt with similar cases and have even written about them online for others to read about and relate with. There is almost always an answer if you just keep looking!
How Long Will It Take For My Teeth To Straighten Out With Braces?
In most cases, it takes between 18 and 24 months to correct an overbite with braces. This is only a general rule of thumb, however; every case is different and your orthodontist will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate during your initial consultation. A more minor . While it’s hard to know exactly how long it will take for your teeth to straighten out, keep in mind that you will likely have follow-up appointments with your orthodontist for about one year following treatment. In many cases, early intervention is recommended as waiting too long could make treatment significantly more complicated.
Are There Any Side Effects From Having Braces Or Other Orthodontic Devices Applied And Worn For A Long Period Of Time?
If you have braces, chances are, you’re going to be in for a bit of a wait—and not just because it takes time to straighten teeth and fix bad bites. The two most common orthodontic devices—braces and retainers—tend to have different recovery times. What’s more, some people suffer from undesirable side effects as they adjust to their new look, including: Hiccups: While it might sound funny, hiccups while wearing braces can be quite painful and even cause irritation. It can take months to recover from them.
How Much Do Braces Cost, And Are There Payment Plans Available For Them?
This may be hard to believe, but braces are not as expensive as you think. Prices vary from place to place, and orthodontists might charge more for adult braces than they do for children’s. In most cases, though, it shouldn’t cost you over $3,000. And if your teeth are really bad off and orthodontics is looking like a long-term commitment, then there are payment plans available—ask your doctor about them.
If you have dental insurance, make sure that it covers orthodontic work before going ahead with any treatment plan. If you don’t have insurance, look into getting an individual policy; many insurers offer discounted rates for adults who don’t have coverage through their employer. You can also ask your dentist about taking out a loan to pay for your treatment; some will even set up payments directly with your bank so that each month when you get paid, some of that money goes toward paying down what you owe on your braces. The bottom line: Braces aren’t cheap, but neither are they impossible to afford. Just shop around and talk to several different providers before deciding where to go.
