I have a really bad over bite. Do I have to have my jaw broken and wired shut, or can I get braces? (Photo)

Question

Can I get braces or not

Nadine Egger, DDS · Answer

Hello!I'm sure the idea of having jaw surgery is a little scary. I wouldn't worry about a surgery until you see someone for a comprehensive exam. I recommend that you talk with your dentist and ask them for a referral to a great orthodontist. Go in for an initial consultation and just see what they have to say your options are. They may ask you to see an oral surgeon for an exam as well, but this is all just part of getting ALL of your options available. I would say that you will be given several treatment options. The more information, the better for you to make a decision in your oral care and to have options you are comfortable with.
 Good Luck to you on your journey!

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS · Answer

Overbites can trap lower jaws when they are developing and cause them to be recessed as an adult.  Treatment can be tricky for the orthodontist and oral surgeon if they don't take that into consideration.  Posteriorly displaced lower jaws with overbites can cause many adverse health conditions such as TMJ Dysfunction, or Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or even spinal alignment problems. A thorough evaluation by an orthodontist should include TMJ x-rays and ideally a cone beam 3D x-ray series showing an airway analysis and a cervical spine assessment.  The treatment decision would likely involve repositioning your lower jaw in a more forward position which may make a surgery unnecessary.  Braces alone will not solve your problem.  Good luck to you!

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

frontal pictures are not very good to tell how bad your problem isYou never have to HAVE surgery...you can align your teeth to make them look better and accept some degree of overjet....but to get an ideal result then, yes, sometimes surgery is necessary

I have a really bad over bite. Do I have to have my jaw broken and wired shut, or can I get braces? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

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I have a really bad over bite. Do I have to have my jaw broken and wired shut, or can I get braces? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.