“Is jaw surgery necessary for overbite?”
I am a 28 year old female. I want to know if jaw surgery is necessary for overbite?
9 Answers
That depends, usually orthodontics can correct the overbite unless it is excessive.
Only if it is too extreme for correction with braces alone. You should have a consult from at least one orthodontist (who regularly does braces for patients having surgery) and an OMFS to gather enough information to make an educated decision for yourself. Be wary of orthodontists that do NOT routinely do braces for patients requiring surgery, as they may tell you that you DON'T need surgery and they can fix your bite because they don't want to lose you as a patient.
It depends. Need to be evaluated by an orthodontist.
Hello,
Having jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to correct an over bite is not always necessary and there are other options. However, it is good to understand what overbite and overjet are. Overbite is the amount of distance the front (anterior) teeth overlap in a vertical space. For example, how much does the upper (maxillary) front tooth cover up the bottom (mandibular) front tooth. Overjet, is the amount of overlap front teeth have in a horizontal space. For example, how much further forward does the upper tooth stick out in front of the lower front tooth.
Overjet is usually the reason for orthognathic or jaw surgery and it is done to correct for discrepancies in jaw growth. It usually means sliding the mandible (lower jaw) forward or backward or moving the upper jaw. Orthognathic surgery is done when teeth and jaws are very disproportionate and compensation with teeth alone will not produce ideal results.
Other options the surgery include orthodontics and teeth extractions. Orthodontists usually have teeth removed to make up for lack space. On a personal note: I myself decided to get braces when I was in dental school. I was told that my ideal plan was to have orthognathic surgery to slide my mandible forward and shave down my chin. I told them I was at a point in my life where I was okay with the fact that I will never have the evil villain jaw line. I was then told that the second plan was to take out two of my upper teeth to make room. I told them, "I am attached to my teeth and I want to keep them". It was then that I was given my 3rd plan of just straightening my teeth and leaving everything where it was. We agreed to do this. Now my teeth are straight, I don't have a villain jaw line and I have more overjet then the average person. I chew fine, I am happy with my looks, and my wife still loves me! The term "necessary" is always key in situations like this. It is only necessary if you are aware of the alternatives and will only settle for perfection.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Having jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to correct an over bite is not always necessary and there are other options. However, it is good to understand what overbite and overjet are. Overbite is the amount of distance the front (anterior) teeth overlap in a vertical space. For example, how much does the upper (maxillary) front tooth cover up the bottom (mandibular) front tooth. Overjet, is the amount of overlap front teeth have in a horizontal space. For example, how much further forward does the upper tooth stick out in front of the lower front tooth.
Overjet is usually the reason for orthognathic or jaw surgery and it is done to correct for discrepancies in jaw growth. It usually means sliding the mandible (lower jaw) forward or backward or moving the upper jaw. Orthognathic surgery is done when teeth and jaws are very disproportionate and compensation with teeth alone will not produce ideal results.
Other options the surgery include orthodontics and teeth extractions. Orthodontists usually have teeth removed to make up for lack space. On a personal note: I myself decided to get braces when I was in dental school. I was told that my ideal plan was to have orthognathic surgery to slide my mandible forward and shave down my chin. I told them I was at a point in my life where I was okay with the fact that I will never have the evil villain jaw line. I was then told that the second plan was to take out two of my upper teeth to make room. I told them, "I am attached to my teeth and I want to keep them". It was then that I was given my 3rd plan of just straightening my teeth and leaving everything where it was. We agreed to do this. Now my teeth are straight, I don't have a villain jaw line and I have more overjet then the average person. I chew fine, I am happy with my looks, and my wife still loves me! The term "necessary" is always key in situations like this. It is only necessary if you are aware of the alternatives and will only settle for perfection.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Usually not. Conventional orthodontics or Invisalign can oftentimes correct an overbite if in fact it needs to be 'corrected.'
Hello,
I am a general dentist, but my daughter is in a 6 year oral surgery program, so I know a bit more!! Orthodontics can be:
1. Crowding or misalignment of teeth, with skeletal jaw relations perfect
2. It can be a mismatch of the upper and lower jaw. If it is a mismatch of the upper and lower jaw, surgery may be needed for an optimum result.
If unsure, please seek several opinions.
Good luck.
I am a general dentist, but my daughter is in a 6 year oral surgery program, so I know a bit more!! Orthodontics can be:
1. Crowding or misalignment of teeth, with skeletal jaw relations perfect
2. It can be a mismatch of the upper and lower jaw. If it is a mismatch of the upper and lower jaw, surgery may be needed for an optimum result.
If unsure, please seek several opinions.
Good luck.
Overbite can be treated in multiple ways. Consult multiple orthodontists to make an educated decision.
Russell A. Sassack, D.D.S.
Russell A. Sassack, D.D.S.
Hello,
Sometimes it is. I would rely upon the opinion and expertise of your oral surgeon to get the best results for you.
Sometimes it is. I would rely upon the opinion and expertise of your oral surgeon to get the best results for you.
Jaw surgery is recommended when the alignment of the upper and lower jaws is not proper for correction of malocclusion. A severe "overbite" is often due to underdevelopment of the horizontal projection of the lower jaw. A recessive chin is a feature of this problem. Jaw surgery will allow for correction of the malocclusion and improvement in the facial form and facial profile. Less severe overbites can be corrected with braces without surgery. If in doubt, always consult with an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon prior to beginning any treatment.
Phillip Cary, DDS
Phillip Cary, DDS
