Do you have misaligned teeth? Are you considering Overbite and Underbite Treatment in Los Angeles? Overbite and underbite correction are some of the most common problems we encounter. Our West Hollywood full mouth reconstruction dentist offers a non-surgical approach that will correct your bite and leave you with a beautiful smile. A great smile is a hot commodity in Los Angeles but bite correction is also important for your longterm dental health.
What is Bite Correction?
The way your top and bottom teeth fit together when your mouth is closed is called your bite. In an overbite, the upper jaw protrudes over the lip and teeth of the lower jaw. In contrast, an underbite means the teeth of the lower jaw protrude over the lip and teeth of the upper jaw. Overbite and underbite are extremely common.
Bite correction is a procedure that aligns the jaw so the teeth fit together properly.
Bite Correction for Adults
Many adults who didn’t undergo bite correction as children have learned to live with their overbite or underbite. Some might believe that it’s too late and if they didn’t fix it as children, there’s no hope.
There is no reason to suffer the symptoms of an overbite or underbite as an adult. It’s true that teeth are more easily movable in children but bite correction can be pursued at any age. Even if you’ve learned to live with your overbite or underbite, there are several reasons why bite correction is important.
The Importance of Bite Correction
When the jaw isn’t properly aligned, the pressure isn’t distributed evenly. Certain parts of the jaw and certain teeth might bear the brunt of this pressure. This can result in several serious problems. It can lead to the premature failure of a tooth. Likewise, it can cause pain. Poor jaw alignment often leads to the development of temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ. This is a serious condition with a wide range of symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, and earaches.
Another reason bite correction treatment is important is that a poorly aligned jaw can make proper dental hygiene more difficult. Even if you brush and floss regularly, it might be less effective due to the unique stress placed on your teeth by the misalignment. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. This can be frustrating, painful, and expensive.
Bite correction limits the stress placed on your jaw and teeth. As a result, you’ll no longer experience regular mouth pain. Likewise, you’ll prevent future expensive dental procedures.
Finally, the value of a confident smile should also be noted. Many studies have found strong connections between healthy self-esteem and a confident smile. Being embarrassed about your teeth and hiding your smile is about more than just image. Fixing your smile can impact your overall mental health and confidence. Longterm dental health is the key reason to consider bite correction, but a beautiful smile you feel good about is another very good reason.
Options for Overbite and Underbite Treatment in Los Angeles
Traditional Treatment Methods for Bite Correction
When seeking out bite correction treatment in West Hollywood, one option is the traditional treatment method. This method works but it takes a very long time and comes with a number of risks. What this method entails is usually 12-18 months of braces followed by Orthognathic surgery.
During this surgery, either the upper jaw will be disconnected from the skull or the lower jaw bone will be cut. Then, the jaw would be realigned and held in place with screws or metal plates. As with any surgery, there are some risks and possible complications including nausea, infection, and facial numbness. After the surgery, you’ll need around three months of healing time. There may be a need for more orthodontic work at this point.
When you’re ready to deal with your overbite or underbite, this traditional bite correction method is certainly worth considering. It tends to be successful. That said, it’s important to note that it requires an investment of 2-3 years, is somewhat risky, and it may be painful.
What about Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular alternative to braces with several advantages. It’s possible the Invisalign process can be used instead of braces as part of a traditional bite correction process. However, it’s really only an option for more mild cases. And even then, you’ll still need the invasive surgical step after the Invisalign treatment.
Non-Surgical Bite Correction Treatment Method in West Hollywood
It’s possible to correct your bite without invasive surgery and years of your life. Our technique takes only a few weeks and is almost completely painless. It might sound too good to be true but this safe and effective technique is available right here in Los Angeles.
Our non-surgical approach is a reconstructive procedure involving hand-crafted veneers and crowns. We start with diagnostic tests and taking a mold of your teeth. This allows us to analyze the bite so it can be reconstructed healthily. Furthermore, it lets us create a mock-up of your new smile.
Advantages of our Non-Surgical Overbite and Underbite Treatment Method
A major advantage of this treatment option is the timeline. Instead of years, you’re looking at weeks. Other perks are the lack of pain and a significantly lower risk profile.
Because this is a reconstructive process, there is also the ability to get the smile of your dreams. If the shape and color or your teeth aren’t ideal, we can recontour and reshape as well as whiten. Because of the mock-up process, you would even get a chance to see what your new smile would look like in advance.
Learn more about our West Hollywood full-mouth reconstruction and make an appointment to get started!
