Orthodontic care in Las Vegas
Overbite Treatment for Kids and Teens
Parents often use the word “overbite” to describe several different bite relationships. Dr. Camy Kwok explains what your child's bite is actually doing, and which treatment timing and appliance options may fit.
What Parents Often Mean by “Overbite”
Orthodontists distinguish between overbite (how much the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth), overjet (how far the upper front teeth stick out horizontally), and a Class II bite relationship (how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other). Dr. Camy sorts out which of these is behind what a family is describing during an evaluation.
Why Growth Timing Matters
Dr. Camy generally wants a patient approaching their peak pubertal growth spurt for functional mandibular advancement. Treatment timing is based on growth and skeletal development, not chronological age alone. If treatment is attempted too early, monitoring may be more appropriate; if it is attempted substantially beyond the growth spurt, predictable functional correction may be limited, and severe older-adolescent discrepancies may eventually require a surgical discussion.
What Are Functional Appliances?
Functional appliances are orthodontic appliances used in selected growing patients to help guide the lower jaw forward during treatment. We do not promise that any appliance will grow the jaw; suitability and expected results depend on the individual case.
Twin Block
A removable option best suited for a growing patient who wants a nonsurgical mandibular advancement approach and does not want aligners.
MARA
A fixed option that may be preferred when removable-appliance compliance is a concern. Fixed does not mean compliance-free, since good oral hygiene and diet still matter to prevent appliance breakage.
Angel Aligner A6
An aligner-based mandibular advancement option for selected growing patients.
Which Appliance Is Better?
There is no single best option.
Dr. Camy weighs several decision factors for each patient:
- Growth stage
- Severity
- Tooth position
- Bite
- Hygiene
- Compliance
- Removable vs. fixed preference
- Aligner suitability
- Treatment goals
Can Elastics Correct an Overbite?
Milder Class II discrepancies may sometimes be corrected with orthodontic elastics without a separate functional appliance. Braces, aligners, functional appliances, and elastics may also be combined when a case requires it.
When Waiting Is the Treatment Plan
If treatment is too early, or your child is between useful growth-modification timing and appropriate surgical timing, monitoring can be the appropriate plan. Dr. Camy will explain the reasoning and revisit timing at future evaluations, similar to how early orthodontic evaluations are approached generally.
When Surgery May Be Considered
For severe discrepancies beyond a useful growth-modification window, a surgical discussion may eventually be appropriate. This is a high-level consideration discussed individually with your family when relevant.
What About New Orthodontic Appliances?
Avocabo evaluates new technologies as evidence develops. New is not adopted simply because it is new.
Other Orthodontic Options
Depending on the case, treatment may also involve metal braces or clear aligners to finish aligning the teeth and bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Ready to Discuss Your Child's Bite?
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Camy Kwok to discuss timing and options.
Request an Appointment