Metal Mouth Message Board

Just wondering what your ortho has prescribed to stop the relapse of your deep bite (ie where the top incisors cover too much of the lowers) and whether this has been successful for you. I am still in braces but am worried that as soon as I stop my elastics and get de-braced that the deep bite will return, even with a retainer.

Thanks!

I’ve had my braces off for some time now after dealing with a deep bite. I’m relatively good at wearing my retainers or my night guard and have had no issues with any relapse. I think you just have to be good about wearing your retainers after braces and you’ll be fine.

Get a night guard made by your dentist. My dentist, who has a deep bite, recommended a night guard for me because I was left with a deep bite after my braces treatment. (She has worn her night guard for years with success.) An orthodontist she consulted with on my behalf said that Essix retainers can sometimes worsen the deep bite, especially if the lower anterior teeth are not making contact with the upper anteriors.

I was also recommended by that same orthodontist to wear an upper Hawley and to make sure that when I bite down my lower anterior teeth are touching the acrylic. I personally opted for the night guard instead (my dental insurance covers 1 night guard per year).

Hope this helps.