Will a Retainer Fix a Mild Overbite Without Braces?

Will a retainer help a slight overbite due to sucking my fingers at a young age? It's not as bad as most thumbsucker's teeth, but I wanted to know if a retainer would correct it without braces?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by purple 33 in baltimore, maryland

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Overbite Correction with Retainer

Although the word retainer, technically means to retain or hold previous treatment, some removable treatment appliances actually do correct overbites. They are called Dentofacial Orthopedic Appliances and are inconspicous, removable and effective in correcting many jaw problems. However, braces (or Invisalign) are usually needed to finish the result.

Retainers "retain" the current position of teeth

Retainers usually only "retain" the current position of teeth. They have a very limited ability to move teeth. At the very most, you may be able to achieve 1-2 mm of tooth movement (by tipping) only if there is space for the tooth to move. Therefore, it may not be the best option to correct your overbite. Consult with your orthodontist.

Retainer to correct mild overbite, definite maybe

If the teeth are protruded a little (2-3 mm), there are some small spaces between them, and they don't have very much vertical overlap it may be possible. If they protrude 4-5 mm, spaces need to be a little larger, and they must not have much vertical overlap. With enough space the retainer could probably help this some. Much more than these amounts of protrusion and it probably won't work. If there is a lot of vertical overlap... more

Can a retainer fix an overjet

It all depends!...If your upper front teeth are flared out with spaces, it is certainly possible to retract the teeth until the spaces are closed....after this, any overjet would require much more extensive treatment. Without more information it's impossible to know what else you need.

Overbite correction usually requires braces or Invisalign.

Retainers may do a very small amount of tooth movement, but are usually used to "retain" the position of teeth after they are corrected. So all but the slightest of overbites will require more than a retainer for correction. Check out websites of some of your local orthodontists and look at the "before and after" illustrations. This might help you decide what type of treatment to seek. Schedule an examination with an orthodontist to get an expert opinion about how... more