The existing stigma around traditional braces remains a concern for teens and adults. In certain cases, lingual braces (inner braces) can prove an effective alternative to traditional braces and correct common dental problems such as crossbites.

In this guide, we will answer the following questions:

• What are lingual braces?
• What are the types of lingual braces?
• Can lingual braces fix a crossbite?
• How long to fix a crossbite with braces, specifically lingual braces
• Are lingual braces more expensive than regular braces?

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces (often mistyped as sublingual braces) are invisible, inner braces. Unlike clear aligners such as Invisalign or plastic braces, lingual braces are like regular braces but fixed onto the backside of your teeth or the lingual side.

Because of their advantages, inner or lingual braces are a popular choice among adults and teens.

Some of their advantages include the following:

• Invisibility. Inner braces are practically invisible, even more so than clear aligners. 
• Aesthetic. Thanks to their invisibility, patients who prioritize aesthetics do not have to worry about the challenges of wearing regular braces or clear aligners.
• Custom-made. Through computer-aided and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, orthodontists customize inner braces to alleviate speech and chewing problems that patients would otherwise experience with premade brackets.
• Minimum lifestyle changes. While wearing any brace leads you to make adjustments like eating soft foods and learning how to clean your braces properly, lingual braces give those who play saxophones or flutes or any similar musical instrument much more ease than traditional braces.
• Bite problems correction. Just like other braces, Lingual braces can effectively correct most bite problems.

Can Lingual Braces Fix A Crossbite?

A popular question among those who have bite problems is, “can lingual braces fix a crossbite?” And as mentioned, inner braces can correct most bite problems, including a crossbite.

What Are the Types of Lingual Braces?

Similar to other orthodontics appliances, lingual braces systems vary.

Here are some of the most common types and systems of lingual braces:

• Alias – The lingual wire is straight and resists bending stronger.
• Suresmile – Orthodontists can robotically customize the bends or curves of the lingual wire.
• Incognito – Both the wires and brackets are customized based on the patient’s specific requirements.

Are Lingual Braces More Expensive Than Regular Braces?

While lingual braces can be more expensive than regular braces in some cases, there is no fixed pricing for inner braces as there are a lot of factors to consider.

The cost of inner braces can vary depending on the following:

• Orthodontists. Depending on expertise and experience, some orthodontists may charge higher or lower.
• Where you get your treatment. Some places are known for more affordable dental procedures. Patients travel from city to city or even fly to a different country because of this.
• Your insurance coverage. If you have good insurance coverage, that could mean cutting a significant amount off the cost.
• Varying options. Opting for custom-made lingual braces for specific needs may mean paying more.
• The length of your treatment. A minor case would consequently cost less than those needing more prolonged treatment.

One challenge of lingual braces is finding a specialist. Orthodontists who can apply traditional braces are not necessarily able to apply lingual or inner braces, as they require a different technique and training.

How Long To Fix Crossbite With Braces?

Since crossbite is a typical bite problem, many wonder how long it will take to be treated. And as mentioned, it would depend on the severity of your case.

It would be best if you took the time to speak to an orthodontist to discuss your case.

Some orthodontists, however, offer accelerated treatment options to get you started on your journey to a better, healthier smile. This is what we offer at Advanced Orthodontists.

Why Choose Advanced Orthodontics?

Advanced Orthodontics is a premier orthodontic treatment solutions provider. We understand that bite problems such as crossbite can cause discomfort, pain, low self-esteem, and even serious health problems.

On top of an accelerated treatment option that can expedite the treatment process up to 50 percent, here are some of what you can expect when you choose Advanced Orthodontics:

• Accelerated treatment
• Free initial consultation
• Extended office hours (7 am to 6 pm)
• Comfortable office amenities
• Friendly staff
• Ice Cream at each visit
• Rewards program
• Flexible payment options

If you have questions about traditional or lingual braces, Invisalign or want to explore your options, we would be glad to help you. Please text or call our specialists at 480 357 4900.

When your upper front teeth are relatively forward of your bottom teeth, and the peaks and valleys of both your upper and lower teeth meet comfortably, you have an ideal bite.

Unfortunately, having an ideal bite is not the case for most; instead, many people suffer from teeth alignment problems, clinically referred to as malocclusions.

While a misaligned bite is typical, some cases can have more than cosmetic or aesthetic outcomes. If left untreated, common teeth alignment problems could eventually lead to the following:

• Bruxism or teeth grinding
• Premature or uneven wearing of teeth
• Soft tissue damage when biting cheeks often
• Weakening of teeth, making them prone to decay or breaking
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, presenting jaw tenderness, earaches, headaches, and overall facial pain

In severe malocclusion cases, patients can experience difficulties performing vital oral functions like talking, chewing, and breathing.

In this blog, we will guide you through the different types of teeth alignment problems and procedures.

Different Types of Teeth Alignment Problems

Natural conditions or habits can cause malocclusions, including tooth loss, thumb sucking, injuries, prolonged bottle feeding, impacted teeth, or lack of oral care.

Three classes of malocclusions:

Class 1 Malocclusion

A class 1 malocclusion is primarily minor and may be caused by thumb sucking or prolonged bottle use during childhood. In this type, the upper and lower teeth overlap one another.

The class 1 malocclusion has three types:

• Type 1 – The upper and lower teeth lean towards the tongue.
• Type 2 – The lower teeth lean toward the tongue while the upper teeth stick outwards.
• Type 3 – The upper, crowded teeth lean towards the tongue.

Orthodontists may treat all types of malocclusion with minor treatment, likely taking lesser time than classes 2 and 3.

Class 2 Malocclusion

In class 2 malocclusion, the upper teeth significantly stick out over the lower ones. This type can affect the bite and requires early intervention.

Compared to class 1, this type may take more time before the teeth misalignment is corrected.

The class 2 malocclusion has two divisions:

1. The upper teeth tilt toward the lips.
2. The upper, central incisors tilt toward the tongue.

Class 3 Malocclusion

A class 3 malocclusion is a class of underbite; it is where the lower teeth protrude or stick out over the upper teeth. However, it is considered a crossbite when only several upper and lower teeth overlap.

The class 3 malocclusion has three types:

• Type 1 – The upper and lower teeth form an irregular arch shape.
• Type 2 – The lower front teeth lean toward the tongue.
• Type 3 – The upper teeth lean toward the tongue with an abnormal arch shape.

Malocclusions often present themselves as the following:

• Spacing – The excessive space between several teeth.
• Diastema – A spacing problem where there is space between two adjacent teeth, commonly the front teeth.
• Overcrowding – A common condition caused by a lack of space between several teeth, resulting in crowded, crooked teeth.
• Overjet – The upper front teeth lean over the lower front teeth horizontally.
• Open Bite – The lower front teeth excessively bite into the roof of the mouth.
• Crossbite – The abnormal biting of one or several groups of teeth, this misalignment can affect upper and lower teeth.
• Underbite – Also referred to as an anterior crossbite, the lower front teeth are arranged more forward than the upper front teeth.
• Impacted tooth – The tooth cannot naturally erupt out of the gum, needing extraction or exposure, commonly followed by brace-fitting.
• Missing tooth – Also referred to as hypodontia, this results from improper teeth development or trauma.

While some of these can be treated with minor procedures, early dental intervention is the best approach to malocclusions.

Different Types of Teeth Alignment Procedures

Once a dentist examines and confirms a patient’s teeth alignment problems, they will be referred to an orthodontist for treatment.

Braces

Braces are considered the standard treatment for common teeth alignment problems.

Headgear Braces

In cases of severe misalignment that regular braces cannot manage, orthodontists may recommend headgear braces.

Invisalign

An even more popular alternative to braces today is Invisalign. While it is virtually “invisible” and recommended for milder cases, it could prove effective in treating malocclusions.

Cosmetic Dentistry

A common approach to mild misalignment is cosmetic dentistry, where dentists make imperfections less noticeable with minor reshaping procedures. In most cases, patients opt for veneers.

Some malocclusions may come with jaw problems or misalignments. In such cases, the following treatments may be suggested by an orthodontist:

• Reverse Pull Face Mask. For some cases of underbite, orthodontists may use a reverse pull face mask. A metal brace attached to the face mask is fixed to the upper back teeth, looking similar to a headgear brace surrounding the head.
• Upper Jaw Expander. Another treatment for some cases of underbite, an upper jaw expander widens the upper jaw to correct the misalignment, as the name suggests. Patients undergoing this treatment use a special key to adjust the wireframe fixed across their upper palate every night.
• Jaw Surgery. In extreme cases of jaw misalignment, patients who have difficulties performing essential oral functions may undergo orthognathic jaw surgery.

If you are looking to receive malocclusions treatment, explore your options with Advanced Orthodontics, from metal braces to Invisalign.

Advanced Orthodontics offers free consultations and flexible payment plans—talk to our team here.

An overbite can cause you to become self-conscious about your smile. It’s also known to cause many health problems. Therefore, it’s essential to seek immediate orthodontic treatment to lessen the negative effect it has on your wellbeing. The good news is overbites can be corrected with the help of a dental professional. While the remedy depends on the severity of the problem and the patient’s age, orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign are almost always involved in the treatment.

In this article, we’ll answer the question: how do braces fix an overbite? This way, you can make informed decisions when seeking overbite treatment options. Further, we’ll answer the following questions:

• What is an overbite?
• What causes an overbite?
• Do braces fix overbite?
• Are braces removable?
• How much do braces cost to fix an overbite?

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Is an Overbite?

Ideally, there should be a slight overlap of the upper teeth with the bottom teeth of about 20 percent when the mouth is closed. Anything bigger than that is considered an overbite and will require orthodontic treatment.  

An overbite may be horizontal or vertical. Horizontal overbites, commonly called buck teeth, are cases where the top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth. Vertical overbites, on the other hand, are cases where the top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth.

Some overbites are more subtle than others, so the best way to know if you have one is to visit an orthodontist. 

What Causes an Overbite?

Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws are often inherited from your genetic background. Children with parents who have an overbite are more likely to develop one, and there’s not much you can do to prevent it. But, again, overbites can be corrected if you seek proactive treatment. Professionals recommend starting the remedy process as early as seven years old. 

Aside from genetics, some habits can also lead to an increased risk of an overbite. For example, prolonged thumb sucking and extended pacifier use in children can lead them to develop teeth deformities. For adults, excessive nail-biting, teeth grinding and chewing on hard objects (like pens) may also lead to jaw misalignment. 

Do Braces Fix An Overbite?

Many orthodontists will recommend braces to fix a misaligned jaw because they effectively treat most overbite issues. 

So how do braces fix an overbite? The treatment process starts with the assessment stage. First, X-rays will be taken to determine the condition your teeth are in, allowing the orthodontist to determine the overbite type and the relationship between the jaw and teeth. Then, the attachment of the braces comes next. This process involves fastening metal brackets to the top and bottom teeth and then connecting them with wires, which are periodically adjusted to straighten the teeth. Once the straightening is complete, fixing the overbite follows. 

Here are some treatment options that orthodontists often use in conjunction with braces.

• Rubber bands: Rubber bands are attached to the brackets on the upper and lower teeth to apply extra pressure. You can remove these bands when eating or brushing your teeth. Your orthodontist will show you how to attach them for the best results. 
• Palatal expander: A palatal expander is used if the upper jaw is too small or overcrowded. The expander slowly widens the palate over the following weeks or months. 
• Tooth extraction: When overcrowding is a significant problem, the orthodontist may recommend tooth extraction to create more space in the mouth. 
• Jaw surgery: Surgery may be needed to position the jaw correctly. However, jaw surgery is reserved for severe overbite cases. 

Are Braces Removable?

Essentially, braces can be removed by your orthodontist, but you shouldn’t remove them until the treatment is complete. Doing so will only jeopardize the correction process. Instead, the best thing to do is wait for your orthodontist’s recommendation to remove your braces to ensure you receive the best results. 

How Much Do Braces Cost To Fix an Overbite?

The price of braces depends on many factors, but you can expect comprehensive overbite correction to cost a rough average of $4,000 to $9000. It may seem like a significant investment, but the results are worth it. The confidence you gain along with your brand new smile is truly priceless.

Perfect Your Smile With Advanced Orthodontics

It’s important to partner with an experienced orthodontist to fix your overbite. At Advanced Orthodontics, since our foundation in 2005, we have always been passionate about creating healthy and beautiful smiles. We believe every patient who steps into our office is a member of our family, so you can count on us to ensure you get the best possible experience. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or want to know the answer to “how do braces fix an overbite?”, you can always count on our team to answer any questions. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation by calling 480.357.4900. You can also fill out our online form to talk to our representatives.

An overbite is one of the most recognizable dental disorders, but it is also one of the easiest to correct. Orthodontists often use braces to fix overbites, but they are just among the many correction methods. Recently, Invisalign has emerged as another excellent alternative for treating teeth deformity and jaw misalignment. 

If you’re asking, “Can Invisalign fix an overbite?” you’ve come to the right place. This blog addresses the most common queries regarding overbite correction using Invisalign. Specifically, we answer the following questions:

• What are the different types of overbite?
• What are the problems that overbites cause?
• Can an overbite be fixed with Invisalign?
• How long does it take to straighten teeth with clear aligners?

The information presented in this article will help you make informed decisions about overbite treatment. So, let’s get into it!

Different Types of an Overbite

There are two main types of overbites: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal overbites occur when the top teeth jut out in front of the bottom teeth, while vertical overbites are cases where the top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth. They are both caused by skeletal and dental issues. Skeletal overbites are caused by jaw misalignment. On the other hand, dental overbites involve issues with teeth placement.

It is essential to determine the type and cause of the overbite because the assessment results become the basis of the treatment procedure. 

Problems That Overbites Cause

Seeking orthodontic treatment for overbites is not just for aesthetic purposes. Overbites also cause several physical problems that can significantly affect an individual’s health. Potential issues include:

• Chewing difficulties
• Jaw pain
• Breathing challenges
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Speech problems
• Headaches and migraine

Most people with overbites are born with the condition since it’s hereditary. But they can also be caused by prolonged childhood habits such as thumb-sucking or pacifiers. No matter the cause, overbites can harm people’s lives. Therefore, seeking treatment at the earliest time is essential to achieve the best results. 

Can an Overbite Be Fixed With Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner that has become a preferred choice for orthodontic treatments in recent years. It effectively straightens the teeth without using brackets and wires. Since it’s clear, it can barely be seen, giving the wearer a lot more confidence than wearing braces. 

Many ask, can Invisalign fix overbite? The short answer is yes. 

The Invisalign system combines the science of orthodontics with highly advanced 3D technology. The aligners are designed to move the teeth slowly, just like braces. But instead of brackets and wires, the patient receives clear, customized and removable trays for teeth that are more discrete. Each tray is designed to fit the teeth at every stage of the treatment. As the treatment progresses, the trays are adjusted to place pressure on the teeth to push them toward the straighter final position. The additional use of rubber bands can help correct overbite caused by a deficient lower jaw. Combined, the overbite will diminish. 

How Long Does It Take To Straighten Teeth With Aligners?

The amount of time it takes to see results with Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of the overbite condition, but the expected timeframe is between 6 months to 2 years. The aligners must only be taken out during meals and when brushing your teeth. Aside from those occasions, they must be worn at all times. Taking out the aligners for more than two hours daily only prolongs the correction process. 

Age has a factor in the length of the treatment. Younger people are more amenable to the realignment of teeth since their jaw is still developing. This means they are more likely to wear Invisalign for a shorter period. In contrast, grown adults already have fully formed bones that don’t adapt to overbite treatment easily. Therefore, the overbite treatment for adults is longer.

After the Invisalign treatment is complete, orthodontists will recommend wearing retainers to ensure the teeth stay in their new alignment. The retainer gives the jaw enough time to produce the bone tissue it needs to anchor teeth in place. The orthodontist will be the one to determine how long the retainer is required, which depends on the severity of the overbite case. 

Get The Smile of Your Dreams with Advanced Orthodontics

An overbite is more than just an aesthetic concern. If left uncorrected, misaligned teeth can lead to tooth damage and jaw pain. If you are thinking about getting Invisalign to correct your own or your child’s overbite, Advanced Orthodontics is more than happy to accommodate you. 

Advanced Orthodontics creates a personalized treatment plan for all of our clients. First, we use a 3D Image Itero intra-oral scan to determine your treatment needs before making custom aligners. Then, we work closely with Invisalign to create a series of clear custom trays specific to your needs. 

If you’re still asking, “Can Invisalign fix overbite?” or have inquiries about our services, feel free to call or text us at 480.357.4900. You can also fill out our online form to get a FREE consultation.

The alignment of your upper teeth with your lower teeth impacts your appearance and your overall health. If your teeth are not misaligned, you may have difficulties with vital functions like chewing and speaking. Malocclusions or misaligned bites can also cause teeth to wear away or become crooked over time. 

Overbites and underbites are the two most common types of malocclusions, and many people experience them to some degree. If you want to determine whether or not you have this dental problem, we’ll delve into the answers.

In the following sections, we talk about the difference between overbite and underbite, how to know if you have it and what treatment options you can seek. 

What Is An Overbite? 

The typical bite has a small overbite, where the upper front teeth slightly overlap the teeth at the bottom. However, when the upper row overlaps the lower by more than 2-3 mm, the misalignment is considered an excessive overbite. This condition is common for those with a smaller lower jaw or a lower jaw that’s shorter than the upper jaw.  

How To Identify An Overbite?

There’s no secret trick on how to identify overbite, and you can do it by looking at your teeth in the mirror. With an overbite, you’ll see that your upper teeth partially or entirely cover your bottom teeth. And if you have an extreme case of malocclusion, you may even feel your bottom teeth touching and irritating the roof of your mouth.  

What Happens If You Don’t Fix an Overbite? 

If you believe that you or your child has an overbite, it’s best to see your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible.

In some cases, if left untreated, the misaligned bite can lead to: 

• Alignment issues, especially if the lower teeth grow towards the top row and crowd them. 
• Accelerated wear and tear for the lower front teeth. 
• Painful sores, especially if the lower front teeth hit the roof of the mouth. 
• Difficulty in chewing food and speaking. 

What Is An Underbite? 

With an underbite, the lower teeth jut past the upper front teeth. The condition occurs because of the underdevelopment of the upper jaw, excessive growth of the lower jaw, or both. 

This type of malocclusion is a common aesthetic problem among dental patients, but that’s not all. This type of malocclusion can also cause tooth wear and speech and articulation difficulties. 

How To Identify Underbite?

Just like in identifying overbites, all you have to do is stand in front of a mirror and close your teeth. If the lower front row extends out in front of the upper row, you have an underbite. Your lower jaw or chin may also appear more prominent or longer with this malocclusion. 

What Happens If You Don’t Fix an Underbite?

Without proper treatment, an underbite can make it hard to chew your food and clean your teeth properly. It can also increase your risks of getting tooth decay or gum disease and put stress on your teeth, jaws and muscles. Ultimately, having a protruding jaw due to an underbite can also make you feel conscious about your appearance, impacting your self-esteem.  

Underbite vs. Overbite: What’s the Difference? 

The difference between overbite and underbite can be easily seen. An overbite involves the upper teeth extending beyond and in front of the lower teeth, while an underbite is the exact opposite. With an underbite, the lower teeth extend outward, going farther than those at the upper front. 

Despite this key difference between overbite and underbite, both must be corrected through the supervision of a licensed and experienced orthodontist. 

Treatment Options For Overbites and Underbites 

While the misalignment of teeth can disrupt your daily activities and quality of life, the good news is that it’s not a permanent condition. There are various treatment options you can seek not only to improve your appearance but also to achieve optimal oral health. 

On that note, here are the most commonly used methods to treat overbites and underbites. 

1. Metal Braces 

Metal braces were the more traditional treatment for misaligned bites. Here, metal brackets are attached to the teeth using dental adhesives and bound together by an orthodontic wire. Your orthodontist moves you up in wire size every eight to ten weeks to put pressure on the teeth and slowly move them to their ideal places.

Braces are effective in treating severely misaligned teeth. However, they require patients to visit their orthodontist for adjustments and check ups regularly. 

2. Invisalign

Also called clear aligners, these are transparent trays custom-made to fit the unique shape and size of your teeth. They guide your teeth through incremental movements to achieve your desired alignment within the treatment’s timeframe. 

What makes Invisalign attractive to patients of all ages is that they are transparent and almost unnoticeable. In addition to this, they can be removed while you eat or brush your teeth. Finally, the majority of Invisalign treatment can be completed at home because consulting with your orthodontist can be done remotely. 

3. Retainers 

Retainers aren’t used to correct overbites and underbites, but they can also help maintain your newly aligned bite once you’re done with the treatment. Whether you use metal braces or Invisalign, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer to keep your pearly whites in their proper places. 

Gain A Confident Smile With Advanced Orthodontics

Misaligned teeth can negatively impact your life in many ways. It can cause pain, discomfort, low self-esteem, and even health problems. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with an overbite or underbite forever. Malocclusions are not permanent, and many treatment options are available. 

If you want to bid goodbye to misaligned teeth and say hello to a smile full of straight teeth, Advanced Orthodontics is here for you. We believe that straightening your teeth does not have to be complicated or expensive, so we offer treatment options along with flexible payment schemes. Schedule your free consultation today to get started!