Can braces fix overjet in adults?

The idea of getting braces as an adult can seem daunting at first! Many adults push off orthodontic treatment due to the time commitment, braces discomfort, or because they think it’s too expensive.

Others hold the mistaken belief that it’s “too late” to fix their orthodontic problems.

But the truth is that there’s no age restrictions when it comes to orthodontic treatment! You’re never too old to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

Orthodontics can help fix overjet in adults, bringing you closer to the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

 

What is a overjet?

First, let’s chat about what an overjet is!

Technically speaking, an overjet (sometimes called “buck teeth”) is the name given to upper teeth that protrude past the lower teeth. But overjet causes more than just cosmetic concerns, protruding upper teeth often go hand-in-hand with more complicated bite problems with the molars (back teeth). Impacting not only how you chew food, but can cause jaw misalignment and TMJ pain.

Also, protruding upper teeth aren’t as well protected as teeth in healthy alignment, which means they can be more prone to injury in the event of a fall, a sports-related accident, or other unfortunate mishaps.

 

What can cause overjet?

Overjets can be caused by having an underdeveloped lower jaw, as well as by habits like thumb-sucking that can affect the positioning of the teeth over time.

If you’re dealing with the consequences of having an overjet, orthodontic treatment can help you. Seeking intervention as early as possible will not only make a tremendous difference for you cosmetically, but it will help to prevent future wear on your teeth while avoiding even more challenging complications later on.

Once you see the before and after pictures of our past patients, you’ll wonder why you didn’t seek treatment sooner!

 

Treatment options for correcting overjet in adults

So you’re ready to fix your overjet as an adult, but you have a few aesthetic concerns. It’s common to have thoughts such as, “if I begin orthodontic treatment now, will I look like a teenager with a mouthful of metal? Will it harm my professional appearance in the workplace?”

But what many adults don’t realize is that orthodontics has advanced quite a bit since their mom wore traditional metal braces as a child.

In fact, our orthodontists now offer a few different types of braces, selected for their comfort and efficiency!

  1. Damon™ self-ligating braces. Think of these as Braces 2.0! Instead of a fixed wire that’s tightened at the expert hands of your orthodontist, self-ligating braces use a “sliding-door” technology. This allows your braces archwires to slide comfortably through your brackets to provide the needed consistent force to straighten your teeth! The best part? No rubber bands required!
  2. Spark™ clear aligners. These are similar in appearance to the ever-popular Invisalign, but boast a thinner, patented material to give you a clearly comfortable smile.
  3. Invisalign® clear aligners. A set of custom clear aligner trays that specifically target a group of teeth to efficiently and comfortably straighten your teeth and jawbones.

One of our experienced orthodontists (Dr. Nease, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Higginbotham, or Dr. Horvath) can help you decide which treatment avenue is best for your unique situation.

 

Get rid of your overjet with orthodontics!

Orthodontic treatment goes beyond straightening teeth. We believe it can help make a difference in your life!

From relieving pain due to bad bites and misaligned teeth to fixing crooked teeth that affect your confidence – orthodontics can help reveal your beautiful, healthy smile.

Even if you’re beginning your course of treatment later in life, as an adult, orthodontic treatment is an investment you’ll thank yourself for making for years to come!

Have more questions? We’re here to answer them! It’s important to us that you feel comfortable before, during, and after your treatment. Our friendly team will provide you with all the information you need to undergo a smooth and successful smile journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Gaffney, Union, Duncan, West Spartanburg or East Spartanburg, we’d love to meet you!

Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.

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