Overbites are among the common issues seen nowadays in orthodontic offices. They are characterized by the protrusion of the top teeth over the arch of the bottom teeth. The everyday habits that cause overbites include bottle feeding, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. A patient’s facial development and genetics also play a role in the development of an overbite. Most people assume that the overbite only affects their smile and are not as intent on getting it corrected.
Even so, several issues are associated with an overbite that is not corrected using ortho appliances and other measures. An overbite will, for instance, affect a person’s chewing and, consequently, their nutritional status and place considerable strain on the jaws. This strain, in turn, affects the other teeth and leads to different oral health issues, sleep apnea, and jaw pain in the future. Severe overbites will also affect a child’s speech development. You have several alternatives for the correction of an overbite. The following are, however, the most effective orthodontic appliances for your patients.
Pendulum
This is a fixed appliance that is cemented to the upper teeth. It will be used in patients with a balanced facial profile and class II overbites. It comprises bands placed on the molars, then attached to the appliance’s main body using a coiled wire. A pendulum’s mainframe is generally made of plastic and sometimes has an expansion screw. This screw will be activated as needed to move the teeth backward. A pendulum will remain in place for three to six months and is often used for the initial phases of overbite correction.
Herbst Appliance
This promotes the forward development of the lower jaw so that it is in line with an overbite. The Herbst appliance is your best choice for patients with a recessive lower jaw and class II overbites. Its lower and upper parts are connected using a forward positioning arm. The appliance is usually used for nine months to hold the lower jaw in a forward position. This position encourages growth at the condyle.
Twin Block Appliance
This works similarly to the Herbst appliance. Unlike the latter, however, the twin block appliance is removable. Cleaning the tool and their teeth becomes easy for patients during treatment. When patients wear a twin block appliance, they have to move their lower jaw forward for them to be comfortable. Within nine to 12 months, the device encourages the lower jaw’s forward growth and corrects an overbite.
Elastics
These come in several colors that will be exciting for kids. Tiny rubber bands are attached to the teeth using hooks and come in different lengths to move the teeth. For the correction of an overbite, the rubber bands are connected to the lower molars and upper incisors. This configuration slows upper jaw growth and reduces the distance between the upper and lower teeth.
With the above appliances, you are assured of success in the correction of overbites. This will maximize your odds of getting patient referrals that will prove essential for your profits. Even so, partner with a reputable orthodontics lab to get quality appliances for your dental practice.
