If you are looking for braces for overbite in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres, FL, braces may be the perfect solution! Braces have been helping patients achieve straight, healthy smiles for decades. These devices gently shift teeth and align jaws over time. At Levine Orthodontics, we specialize in treating overbites. Our team offers tailored treatments, including traditional braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners, to suit your individual needs and lifestyle.
Understanding Overbites and Their Impact
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. A slight overlap is normal and even helpful to protect the back teeth. But if the overlap is too big, it may cause dental problems like uneven wear on teeth or jaw pain. In severe cases, it may even affect the look of your face.
Common Causes of Overbites
Overbites can happen due to:
- Genetics: Your jaw and teeth’s size and shape are often inherited.
- Thumb-Sucking or Pacifier Use: Prolonged habits during childhood can cause overbites.
- Jaw Misalignment: Uneven growth in the upper or lower jaw can lead to bite issues.
Effects of Untreated Overbites
Without treatment, overbites may lead to problems like:
- Tooth Damage: Teeth may crack, chip, or wear down prematurely.
- Jaw Pain: Stress placed on the jaw can cause pain or stiffness in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
- Speech Problems: A serious overbite can make sounds harder to pronounce and lead to a lisp.
- Chewing Issues: A misaligned bite makes it harder to chew food properly.
- Low Self-Esteem: People with crooked teeth or noticeable overbites may feel self-conscious about smiling.
The Treatment Journey at Levine Orthodontics
Step 1: Your Consultation
Your journey to a better smile starts with an evaluation. At Levine Orthodontics, our orthodontists use advanced digital imaging, like 3D scans and x-rays. These tools give us a precise idea of your teeth and jaw alignment.
After this assessment, we provide a customized treatment plan just for you. Plans are designed to target individual needs and achieve effective results. Payment plans are also available to make treatment affordable for everyone.
Step 2: Treatment Timeline
Your overbite treatment will take time, but the results are worth it! A typical timeline looks like this:
- Months 1-3: Braces are placed, and gentle tooth alignment begins.
- Months 6-12: Bite correction is more noticeable as braces continue to shift teeth.
- Months 12-24: Final adjustments are made to perfect the smile.
Patients usually come in every 6-8 weeks for adjustments. This ensures the braces are properly tightened, monitored, and progressing on schedule. Dr. Mark Komforti, an experienced orthodontist in St. Augustine, FL, explains that regular adjustments ensure the teeth and jaw align properly without rushing the process, which leads to lasting results.
How Braces Correct an Overbite
Braces are powerful tools to correct an overbite. Here is how they work:
- Brackets and Wires: Each bracket is fixed to a tooth and connected with wires to guide teeth into place over time.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): Small bands hook onto braces to gently shift the jaw position.
- Bite Turbos: Temporary devices prevent upper teeth from overlapping too much while the bite is being corrected.
This gradual and customized process ensures long-term results. Braces not only correct the overbite but also improve the overall health of your smile.
Types of Braces Available
At Levine Orthodontics, you’ll find braces options to match unique patient preferences:
- Metal Braces: Sturdy and cost-effective, these traditional braces are great for both kids and adults.
- Ceramic Braces: With tooth-colored brackets, ceramic braces provide a less noticeable option.
- Invisalign: Clear aligners are removable and almost invisible. They are ideal for mild to moderate overbite cases.
Managing Life with Braces in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL
Diet Tips
Certain foods can damage braces. Here’s what you need to know:
- Avoid: Hard foods (like nuts or popcorn), sticky candies, and crunchy snacks. Cut items like apples into smaller pieces before eating.
- Enjoy: Braces-friendly foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soft bread, and pasta.
Braces Hygiene
Your oral care routine is important. Use tools like floss threaders, water flossers, and interdental brushes to clean between wires. These are available at pharmacies around Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres, FL.
Local Care for Emergencies
If a wire breaks or becomes loose, orthodontic clinics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres, FL provide same-day repairs.
Post-Braces Care for Long-Lasting Results
After braces, retainers ensure teeth stay in their new positions. Common retainer options include:
- Traditional Retainers: Removable, adjustable, and durable.
- Fixed Retainers: Bonded behind teeth for permanent alignment support.
- Clear Retainers: Transparent devices, ideal for discreet use.
At Levine Orthodontics, every patient gets a retainer option that fits their lifestyle.
Long-Term Benefits of Overbite Correction
Treating an overbite offers numerous benefits:
- Stronger Teeth: Proper alignment reduces wear and tear.
- Less Jaw Pain: Correcting pressure on the TMJ lowers ongoing discomfort.
- Enhanced Confidence: A straight smile makes people feel more confident.
About Levine Orthodontics
At Levine Orthodontics, we focus on personalized care and top-notch service. With years of experience and advanced technology, we help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Patients in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FLlove our customized plans and friendly staff.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Are you ready to transform your smile and experience the benefits of overbite correction? Call Levine Orthodontics or visit our website to book your consultation. With locations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL, help is close to home! Whether you’re a teen or adult, we’re here for you.
About The Authors
Dr. Mark Komforti – Orthodontist in St. Augustine, FL
Dr. Alex Levine – Orthodontist in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover braces for an overbite?
Orthodontic treatment for overbite correction is often considered medically necessary. Because of this, many insurance plans include coverage for braces. They typically pay a percentage of the treatment cost up to a lifetime maximum. Always verify your plan details before starting treatment.
What does a severe overbite look like?
A noticeable overbite causes the top teeth to cover most or all of the lower front teeth. It can give the appearance of a recessed chin or protruding upper lip. In severe cases, it can also interfere with speaking or chewing properly. Overbites like these usually require orthodontic correction.
Does fixing an overbite change face shape?
Overbite correction can significantly affect facial aesthetics. Realigning the teeth and jaw improves the balance of facial features. This often makes the jawline appear more defined and the profile more harmonious. The change is especially visible in patients with pronounced bite issues.
