An overbite is when the upper front teeth bite far forward than the lower front teeth. Normal overbite is 1-4mm. Overbite larger than 4 millimetres is very common today and it is estimated that about 15% of ten-year-old children in Europe have it.
It is advisable to treat larger overbite as it can lead to problems such as:
-Increased risk of injuries to the front teeth
-Irritation of airways when breathing
-Psychosocially uncomfortable appearance
-Many children are bullied because of having large overbite
-Incompetent lip closure (Upper and lower lips do not cover the teeth when closing the mouth).
The right treatment timing for large overbite in children is before the growth spurt so that the growth pattern of the upper and lower jaws is redirected in a favourable position. Most overbites are treated with removable appliances which continues with fixed braces for alignment of the teeth. In some cases, overbite is treated by extracting teeth before treatment with fixed braces.
Overbite in adults
Severe overbite in adults is treated with a combination of braces and jaw surgery. More moderate to mild overbite is treated with and without extractions depending on other existing bite anomalies. There is no age limit for having orthodontic treatment. In USA, every fourth person over the age of 21 has braces and the fact is that some are up to the age of 80. The average treatment time is 24 months.
Pricing
It is not possible to give an exact figure because variables such as how big corrections you need, what braces you want and if you need to adjust both the upper and lower teeth. Therefore, you will receive a cost estimate from your orthodontist at the first visit for what the treatment will cost
