If you’re searching for “braces for overbites in Tulsa, OK,” you’re in the right place! Braces are one of the best ways to fix overbites and straighten your teeth. They gently move your teeth and jaw into better jaw alignment over time. At Cooper & Misner Orthodontics, we help patients correct their overbites using personalized treatment plans. Whether you choose metal braces or clear aligners, we ensure the process prioritizes patient comfort and delivers high-quality results.
What Is an Overbite, and Why Should You Fix It?
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is when your top front teeth overlap too far past your bottom teeth. While some overlap is normal (and protective), excessive overlap can contribute to teeth misalignment, jaw alignment problems, and damage to your teeth.
Why Do Overbites Happen?
Overbites can happen because of:
- Genetics: The size and shape of your jaw and teeth are often inherited, leading to malocclusion.
- Childhood Behaviors: Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or tongue pressing can result in overbites or the need for palate expansion.
- Growth Imbalances: Uneven jaw development, where one jaw grows faster than the other, can cause improper alignment.
Why Fixing an Overbite Is Important
Uncorrected overbites can lead to:
- Damaged Teeth: Teeth can crack, chip, or wear down because of friction caused by the overbite.
- Jaw Pain: An uneven bite puts strain on your jaw joints, which can lead to pain or trouble moving your jaw.
- Speech Problems: Severe overbites can make speaking harder, causing lisps or unclear speech.
- Chewing Problems: Teeth misalignment affects how effectively you chew, potentially impacting digestion.
- Low Confidence: Poor smile esthetics or appearance can significantly reduce self-assurance in both teens and adults.
So, as Dr. Andre Correia Jham, a family orthodontist in Bloomingdale and Naperville, IL, reports, addressing overbites early can enhance oral health and improve confidence in both teens and adults.
What Is the Treatment Process at Cooper & Misner Orthodontics?
Your First Visit
At Cooper & Misner Orthodontics, diagnostics are the first step in creating an effective treatment plan. During your first visit, we will:
- Utilize a state-of-the-art imaging system to capture 3D scans and x-rays of your teeth and jaw alignment.
- Build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Offer transparent discussions about price, payment plans, and insurance claims to make your care affordable.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The time needed to fix an overbite depends on the severity of the issue. Most patients follow this timeline:
- Months 1–3: Braces are applied, and initial tooth movement begins.
- Months 6–12: Bite correction is noticeable as your teeth and jaw alignment improve.
- Months 12–24: Final adjustments stabilize your teeth for long-lasting results.
Routine check-ups every 6–8 weeks will monitor your progress while maintaining maximum patient comfort.
How Do Braces Fix an Overbite?
Braces work systematically to correct malocclusion through small, effective adjustments using these methods:
- Brackets and Wires: These move your teeth into their correct positions over time.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): These assist in aligning your upper and lower jaws to complete proper bite alignment.
- Expanders or Bite Turbos: Address challenges like palate expansion or severe overlapping teeth.
This step-by-step approach ensures your teeth and jaw shift safely and effectively.
Types of Braces We Offer in Tulsa
At our practice in Tulsa, we offer several treatment options to suit individual preferences and lifestyles:
- Metal Braces: The strongest and most affordable braces, great for kids, teens, and adults.
- Ceramic Braces: Blending with your natural teeth, these are a discreet option for enhancing smile esthetics.
- Invisalign: These clear, removable aligners are a great choice for mild or moderate overbites.
Our experienced providers will recommend the best option for your unique needs.
Living With Braces in Tulsa
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can damage your braces or make them harder to clean. To protect your braces:
- Avoid sticky or chewy foods like caramel, taffy, or gum.
- Stay away from crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard candy.
- Cut hard foods, like raw carrots or apples, into small pieces before eating.
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
How to Care for Braces
Maintaining great oral hygiene is crucial while wearing braces. To keep your teeth and braces clean, use:
- Interdental Brushes: Use these to clean around brackets and wires.
- Floss Threaders: These help you floss under braces wires with ease.
- Water Flossers: A water flosser can clean hard-to-reach places quickly.
Good oral hygiene prevents plaque build-up and keeps your gums healthy during treatment.
Handling Broken Braces
Sometimes, brackets may break or wires may come loose. If this occurs, contact us right away. We offer emergency appointments at our location in Tulsa for same-day fixes, ensuring your treatment stays on track.
What Happens After Braces?
Retainers Keep Your Smile in Place
Once braces are removed, retainers play a vital role in preserving your results. Retainers help maintain tooth movement and alignment. Common options include:
- Hawley Retainers: Durable options that can be adjusted over time.
- Fixed Retainers: These are bonded behind your teeth for a long-term solution.
- Clear Retainers: Transparent, removable retainers that are comfortable and discreet.
Wearing your retainer protects the results you worked hard to achieve!
Why Fixing an Overbite Is Worth It
There’s more to fixing an overbite than just straight teeth. Benefits of treatment include:
- Stronger Teeth: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and stay healthier longer.
- Less Pain: Fixing malocclusion reduces jaw stress and TMJ symptoms.
- More Confidence: Enhanced smile esthetics and appearance improve overall community interactions.
Why Choose Cooper & Misner Orthodontics?
Families in Tulsa trust Cooper & Misner Orthodontics for their expertise and dedication to patient care. Here’s why:
- Orthodontic Residency Training: Our specialists are highly trained in dental medicine and advanced orthodontic techniques.
- Advancements in Technology: 3D imaging systems and modern tools ensure precise diagnostics and treatments.
- Patient-Centered Focus: We provide personalized care to enhance patient comfort and satisfaction.
Start Your Smile Journey in Tulsa Today
Are you ready to fix your overbite and get a straighter, healthier smile? At Cooper & Misner Orthodontics in Tulsa, we offer personalized care and advanced options for every patient.
Call us or visit our website today to schedule your free examination. Your new smile starts here!
About The Authors
Dr. Kenner Misner – Orthodontist in Tulsa, OK
Dr. Andre Correia Jham – Orthodontist in Bloomingdale and Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover braces for an overbite?
In many cases, insurance can indeed cover braces for an overbite. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Your coverage will depend on your specific insurance plan and the severity of your overbite. Some plans consider braces for overbites as medically necessary, which increases the likelihood of coverage.
What does a severe overbite look like?
A severe overbite can be quite noticeable when you look at someone’s smile. The upper front teeth stick out way beyond the lower teeth, sometimes even covering them completely when the mouth is closed. The upper lip might appear to protrude more than usual, and the chin might look a bit recessed. When the person smiles, you might see a significant gap between their upper and lower teeth. It’s not just about looks, though – a severe overbite can make it tricky to bite into foods or pronounce certain words clearly.
Does fixing an overbite change face shape?
Yes, fixing an overbite can indeed change your face shape! When you correct an overbite, it often leads to some pretty noticeable changes in your facial appearance. Your jaw might move forward a bit, which can give your chin a more prominent look and improve your profile. You might also notice that your lips align better, giving you a more balanced smile. Some people even find that their cheeks appear fuller and their face looks more symmetrical overall.
