Dental implants are often thought of as just a replacement procedure for missing teeth. In fact, their potential extends beyond just restorations. But does this potential work for malocclusions? To be more specific, can dental implants fix overbite?
Overbite occurs when the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower ones. This affects both the functionality and appearance of teeth. Although traditional orthodontic treatment options are often used to fix it.
Let’s see how overbite and implants affect each other, and take a look at solutions for your overbite problem!
Can a person with overbite have dental implants?
As most of us know, dental implants are groundbreaking restorative dental treatments in modern dentistry today. This treatment can be life-changing for most patients. But are dental implants possible with an overbite? Although it depends on the alignment and position of teeth, dental implants with overbite are still achievable. But the success of implant placement also depends on the severity of the overbite.
If it’s a severe overbite, additional orthodontic procedures might be necessary to create an optimal environment for the implant to be successful. During the consultation process with your implant dentist, you can review possible options for the treatment of overbites.
How does having dental implants affect overbite?
Having implants doesn’t directly affect overbites. Overbite is a condition in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. And it’s about the position and alignment of your teeth, rather than the loss of your natural teeth. On the other hand, the purpose of implants is to restore functionality in areas where teeth are missing. So, can dental implants fix overbite?
Well, implants are generally not used for correcting a dental overbite. Orthodontic treatments are the preferred option instead. These treatments include braces, clear aligners (such as Invisalign), or other alternatives. With gentle and controlled forces, they can bring the teeth and jaw into their comfortable position. But in some cases, if a person with an overbite is also missing teeth, dental implants can be a part of an overall treatment plan. After correcting the overbite with orthodontic treatment options, implants can be placed in suitable positions to replace your missing teeth.
Are there special implants to fix overbites?
Once again we are faced with the same question, can dental implants fix overbite? Well, while various orthodontic treatments or braces are generally preferred, there are also special implants to correct overbites. And if you prefer implants to fix an overbite, “All-on-4” implants will do the trick. They’ll help improve your overall dental function by providing bite stability and support.
But if it’s a severe overbite, the implant dentist may find full mouth reconstruction as the most effective treatment for you. This procedure involves implants that replace your entire set of teeth. There can be other reasons for a person to need a complete mouth reconstruction, such as tooth decays, accidents, and crossbites.
How can an overbite be fixed with implants?
For dental implants to fix overbite, a combination of several techniques can be necessary. With these procedures, you’ll get a more operable base. It may not make much sense to have dental implants before these operations. However, discussing your special situation with your dentist will be helpful in the decision-making process.
If the overbite results from jaw misalignment, orthognathic surgery will come in to reposition your jawbones. So that various skeletal and tooth deformities in the jaw and face can be corrected. It’s also an opportunity to solve breathing difficulties or speech problems associated with deformities. The procedure itself includes repositioning the jawbone to the desired alignment. Titanium plates, screws, or wires are used to stabilize this repositioned jaw. But before this, you might need different procedures than implants, such as treatment with braces before surgery to establish an ideal bite base.
After these necessary treatments, the gaps left by your missing teeth can be filled with implants. That way you will have a proper bite.
Consider these options for your overbite treatment
If you suffer from an overbite, no need to fret. There are various overbite treatments available. People with overbites may need traditional braces for tooth alignment, tooth extraction, or jaw surgery. Each of these methods targets different aspects of this condition and is designed to meet your individual needs. While traditional braces offer a non-invasive approach, tooth extraction might be necessary in cases teeth push each other. For more severe overbite patients, chin surgery can be done to correct the misalignment of the upper and lower jawbone.
As the choice of treatment depends on several factors, you should consult with your dentist to determine the most suitable dental practice for you. Just like in the majority of dental cases, be quick to consult a professional. Because untreated overbite can lead to various problems such as additional stress on the jaw joints, speech impediments, periodontal problems, digestive problems, and finally self-esteem and psychological impact.
Braces for teeth alignment
Traditional braces are one of the most popular and effective options when it comes to correcting dental issues such as tooth alignment and overbite. So how do they work? First, a bracket is attached to each of your teeth, adjusting a healthy position. Then these brackets will be connected with the help of wires. The aim here is to put gentle pressure on your teeth and over time bring your natural teeth where they are supposed to be.
This procedure will fill the gaps, and correct misaligned and crowded teeth perfectly. Your current dentist will plan everything just for you. Depending on the severity of the overbite, your treatment time might vary. But don’t let the length of the treatment worry and discourage you, because you’ll have shiny pearly and aligned teeth at the end.
Teeth removal to create a room
In some cases, the reason behind an overbite may be the crowded teeth. This means that your teeth, usually molars, might be applying pressure against each other in one direction. This affects the proper order of your teeth over time, resulting in misalignment.
Tooth extraction offers another solution to uneven teeth. It creates space for the remaining teeth to align more properly. After tooth extraction, the correction process is continued by guiding the teeth with the help of braces or aligners.
Jaw surgery
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a more invasive and challenging treatment option for severe overbites. This may be preferable if you have an overbite that cannot be fixed with just braces or other orthodontic treatments.
The surgery will be performed by repositioning the upper and/or lower jaw bones to improve the alignment. Of course, careful planning including imaging and consultations is crucial before surgery. While your recovery may be difficult or long, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Your new mouth function and facial symmetry will provide you with a higher quality of life comfort than ever before.
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