Can braces fix an overbite?
On One Hand: Braces Can Help OverbiteDr. Nahal Ashouri, D.D.S., of Mountain View Orthodontic in Mountain View, California, says that an overbite is one of the easiest conditions to correct. If treated early, usually between the ages of 10 and 14, the jaw is easier to manipulate and braces can correct a minor overbite. A study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics says that most orthodontists believe a mild overbite can be corrected without surgery.On the Other: Surgery May Be NecessaryBecause the goal is to align the bite and not just change the angle of the teeth, Dr. Ashouri says, in cases of severe overbite, surgery may be necessary to minimize the degree of overbite. In such cases, braces are usually used for a shorter period of time. Dental-care experts at Colgate say that headgear may also help slow the growth of the upper jaw which can lead to an overbite.Bottom LineBraces, either alone or in conjunction with oral surgery or other devices,
