What Is an Overbite and How Can You Fix It?
A strong, healthy smile depends on balanced jaw alignment and properly aligned teeth. But sometimes, the upper teeth noticeably overlap the lower teeth—this is known as an overbite. Many adults, teens, and children face this common dental condition, which can range from a minor overbite to a severe skeletal overbite.
In fact, almost everyone has at least a bit of overbite, and this is considered normal.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is defined as the upper front teeth sitting far in front of the lower teeth upon biting down. Some degree of overlap, known medically as the front teeth overlap, is normal, but when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively, it may affect your oral health and well-being. Overbite specifically refers to the vertical overlap of the top front teeth over the bottom front teeth. The degree of vertical overlap between the top front teeth and bottom front teeth is used to diagnose whether an overbite is within the normal range or considered excessive.
Types of Dental Overbite
Slight Overbite. The upper teeth extend only slightly past the lower teeth. This usually doesn’t cause issues, but may be monitored by your dentist.
Deep Bite. Also called a severe overbite, this is when the front upper teeth cover most of the bottom teeth, sometimes even touching the gums behind the lower teeth. The most severe form of excessive overbite is called an impinging overbite, which is a severe form where the bottom teeth contact the roof of the mouth.
Skeletal Overbite. Caused by disparities in jaw shape or jaw growth, meaning the upper jaw is much larger or the lower jaw is underdeveloped (sometimes called an undefined lower jaw).
Why Does a Dental Overbite Occur?
A mix of developmental, behavioral, and genetic factors often influences a dental overbite.
Genetics. Inherited traits influence jaw shape, jaw growth, and the relative size of the upper jaw and lower jaw.
Prolonged Habits. Extended thumb sucking, excessive nail biting, or the use of pacifiers, especially in childhood, can push front teeth forward.
Tongue Thrusting. The tongue pressing against the teeth as adult teeth or baby teeth grow in can contribute to an overbite.
Missing Teeth. A missing bottom tooth disrupts the equilibrium of the mouth and encourages teeth to shift.
Misaligned or Crooked Teeth. Crowded or crooked teeth make it more likely for a dental overbite to develop. They can also cause problems for other teeth, such as excessive wear, damage, or misalignment, leading to further dental complications.
Oral Health Concerns. If baby teeth are lost too early or adult teeth erupt abnormally, the alignment of the bite can be compromised.
These factors can lead to a bad bite, or malocclusion, which includes overbites.
Common Complications of Untreated Overbite
An untreated overbite can lead to various health issues beyond cosmetic concerns:
Jaw pain or headaches due to an imbalance in the jaw joint
Teeth grinding (bruxism) that wears down enamel
Gum disease as crowded teeth are harder to clean effectively
Tooth decay due to tricky-to-reach surfaces and food traps
Increased risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Heightened possibility of front teeth chipping or injury if the overbite is severe
Sleep apnea, a serious health issue related to breathing during sleep, can be aggravated by an overbite
Receding chin appearance in cases where the lower jaw is underdeveloped
How to Fix an Overbite?
Overbite correction depends on the underlying cause and its severity. Here’s an overview of the most effective solutions:
Orthodontic Treatment
Traditional Braces (Metal Braces)
Brackets and wires exert continuous pressure to gradually move misaligned teeth into proper alignment, making traditional braces suitable for treating severe overbite in children, teens, and adults. This orthodontic treatment can also effectively address crooked teeth issues, providing comprehensive correction for various dental concerns.
Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, offer a discreet and removable solution for mild to moderate dental overbite or misaligned teeth. They must be worn as prescribed to achieve the best results. Selecting a reputable Invisalign provider helps patients achieve the best results with clear aligner treatment.
Jaw Expanders/Functional Appliances
These appliances are used mostly in children before their jaws finish developing, typically past the age of skeletal maturity. They help correct discrepancies in jaw shape and prevent severe overbites from forming.
Retainers
Maintainers help preserve teeth alignment after overbite treatment and can sometimes correct minor overbites in growing children. They help maintain the stability of the corrected bite over the long term as growth continues.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
For severe cases of skeletal overbite caused by jaw bone discrepancies, such as a notably undefined lower jaw, corrective jaw surgery is typically recommended when orthodontic treatment alone is insufficient. This surgical repositioning of the jaws can permanently improve jaw alignment in situations where orthodontics cannot fully address the issue.
Overbite in Children Versus Adults
Understanding how overbite affects different age groups is important for choosing the right treatment approach. Let’s explore the key differences in overbite development and correction between children and adults.
Aspect | Children | Adults |
|---|---|---|
Orthodontic Evaluation | Early evaluation recommended, especially if baby teeth are lost early or adult teeth come in crooked. | Treatment possible but options may differ as jaws have finished growing. |
Treatment Advantage | Early intervention takes advantage of ongoing jaw growth, making corrections easier and more effective. | May require braces combined with jaw surgery for optimal results in severe cases. |
Treatment Approach | Focus on guiding jaw growth and correcting misaligned teeth early. | Often involves comprehensive orthodontic treatment and possibly surgery. |
Growth Consideration | Jaw growth is still ongoing, allowing for more flexible treatment options. | Jaws have stopped growing, limiting some treatment options. |
Outcome Potential | Typically better outcomes with less invasive treatment. | Effective treatment possible but may be more complex or invasive. |
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact a dental professional if you notice:
Significant upper teeth overlap or a buck-toothed appearance
Difficulty chewing, speech changes, or teeth hitting the roof of the mouth
Signs of crooked teeth, a missing bottom tooth, or a deep bite
Emerging, receding chin or facial profile changes
Taking timely action by consulting a dental expert can prevent the overbite from worsening and help relieve symptoms before they lead to more serious complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate overbite treatment are key to maintaining optimal oral health and a confident smile.
Don’t Let Overbite Hold You Back: Contact Washington Orthodontics!
Understanding what an overbite is, why it develops, and how it can impact your life is crucial for lasting oral health. From minor overbite to severe skeletal overbite, early overbite correction can protect against pain, jaw misalignment, and complications like gum disease.
If you or your child is concerned about an overbite, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with Washington Orthodontics. Our experienced team offers personalized care using the latest orthodontic technology to diagnose and treat overbites of all types and severities.
Trust your smile to the experts and discover why so many families choose us for exceptional orthodontic care. Call us today to get started on your journey to better oral health!