Overbites: Causes, Concerns, and Corrective Measures

Have you ever wondered if your teeth are aligned properly? An overbite, where your front teeth extend over your bottom teeth, affects about 22% of people. You can check by biting down and seeing if you can’t see your bottom teeth. Overbites can be common, but if they’re severe, they might cause problems like jaw pain or tooth decay.  Let’s delve into recognising overbites and understanding how to know if you have an overbite.

A] Decoding Overbites: A Comprehensive Understanding

What is an Overbite?

An overbite, also called buck teeth, is a common dental condition where there’s a vertical misalignment of the teeth, characterised by the upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth excessively. 

This misalignment can vary in severity, ranging from mild to extreme. While a slight overbite is common and may not cause significant issues, an extreme overbite can lead to multiple oral health problems if not treated properly. This discrepancy in alignment alters what an overbite looks like compared to a normal bite, where the upper and lower teeth align more closely.

Characteristics of an Overbite

An overbite, particularly a severe overbite, shows distinct traits that are observable in the alignment of the teeth. Beyond the visible protrusion of the upper teeth, an overbite may manifest through several noticeable characteristics:

• Vertical Misalignment: The upper front teeth are positioned further forward vertically, creating an imbalance in the alignment between the upper as well as lower dental arches.
• Protrusion of Upper Teeth: The upper front teeth visibly extend beyond the lower front teeth, leading to a jaw overbite or prominent overlap.
• Bite Irregularity: The bite alignment is disrupted, causing an incorrect occlusion where the upper and lower teeth fail to meet properly.
• Potential Health Risks: Severe overbites can contribute to various oral health issues, including jaw pain, gum disease, and tooth decay, due to the uneven distribution of pressure on the teeth and gums.
• Facial Appearance Alteration: In extreme cases, an overbite can affect facial aesthetics, potentially leading to a weakened jawline, sunken cheeks, and a short, round face shape.

What Causes an Overbite?

An overbite, defined as the protrusion of the upper teeth over the lower teeth by 30–50%, can arise from various underlying causes. These factors contribute to the misalignment of the dental arches and may include the following:

• Genetic Traits: Hereditary factors play a significant role in the development of overbites, as certain genetic predispositions can affect the alignment and growth patterns of the teeth and jaws.
• Excessive Nail Biting: Habitual nail biting can exert pressure on the teeth, leading to irregularities in their alignment over time.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Persistent teeth grinding (bruxism), often occurring during sleep, can wear down the tooth enamel and contribute to changes in tooth positioning.
• Crowding: Insufficient space in the dental arches can result in overcrowding, forcing the teeth to shift out of alignment and potentially leading to an overbite.
• Loss of Back Teeth Due to Wear and Tear: Missing back teeth, whether due to decay, trauma, or extraction, can disrupt the balance of the bite and contribute to the development of an overbite.

Overbite vs Regular Bite

Teeth Alignment

• Overbite: Upper teeth noticeably protrude over lower teeth.
• Regular Bite: Upper and lower teeth align evenly.

Degree of Overlap

• Overbite: Upper teeth may significantly cover lower teeth.
• Regular Bite: Minimal overlap between upper and lower teeth.

Functional Impact

• Overbite: May affect chewing and speaking abilities.
• Regular Bite: Supports efficient chewing and speaking.

Dental Risks

• Overbite: Higher risk of tooth wear, gum disease, and TMJ disorders.
• Regular Bite: Reduced risk of dental issues due to proper alignment.

Overbite vs Underbite

Teeth Alignment

• Overbite: Upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth.
• Underbite: Lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth.

Visual Appearance

• Overbite: Upper teeth may be more prominent, leading to a protruding upper jaw.
• Underbite: Lower jaw may appear more prominent, creating a protruding lower jaw or “bulldog” appearance.

Functional Implications

• Overbite: This may lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and jaw alignment issues.
• Underbite: This can cause similar functional challenges, affecting bite function and facial symmetry.

Dental Health Risks

• Overbite: Increased risk of tooth wear, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders due to uneven pressure on the teeth and jaws.
• Underbite: Similar risks of dental issues due to misalignment, including tooth decay and gum problems.

B] Health Risks and Symptoms of Overbite

Overbites can pose several health risks and lead to various symptoms, potentially impacting both oral and overall health. Some common health risks and symptoms associated with overbites include:

1. Gum Disease Risk: Difficulty cleaning teeth can lead to gum disease due to plaque buildup.
2. Tooth Wear: Uneven pressure can accelerate tooth wear, causing sensitivity and decay.
3. Jaw Pain: Severe overbites strain jaw muscles and joints, resulting in pain.
4. Headaches: Misalignment may cause tension headaches or migraines.
5. Speech Issues: Overbites can affect speech clarity and pronunciation.

C] What Are the Overbite Treatment Options?

The first step in treating an overbite is to consult your dentist or orthodontist for a thorough evaluation and personalised treatment plan. Overbites can be effectively treated through various methods, depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors. Here are some common overbite treatment options for correcting overbite:

• Orthodontic Solutions

Orthodontic treatment solutions, such as braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, are often recommended for correcting overbites. These appliances gradually shift the teeth’ position and jaws into proper alignment over time. Braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled pressure to move the teeth, while Invisalign offers a more discreet and removable alternative.

• Orthotropic Approaches

Orthotropic treatment focuses on guiding natural growth and development to correct jaw and facial asymmetries associated with overbites. This approach aims to address underlying structural issues and encourage proper oral posture and function.

• Jaw Surgery

In severe cases of overbite where orthodontic treatment alone may be insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. Orthognathic surgery, also called jaw surgery, can reposition the jaws to achieve optimal bite alignment and facial harmony.

• Palate Expander

For patients with narrow dental arches contributing to an overbite, a palate expander may be used. This device widens the upper jaw gradually by applying gentle pressure to the palate, creating more space for proper tooth alignment.

Before initiating any treatment, seeing an orthodontist for a comprehensive evaluation is essential. This may involve dental X-rays to assess the extent of the overbite and determine the most suitable treatment approach. Your dental professional can provide personalised guidance on how to fix an overbite and recommend the appropriate treatment option as per your specific needs and goals.

D] 5+ Tips for Overbite Correction

Following are some tips for fixing overbite:

1. Stay Ahead: Catch overbites early by scheduling regular dental check-ups for swift intervention.
2. Expand Your Options: Consider palate expanders to widen narrow palates and create space for alignment.
3. Go Natural: Explore orthotropic therapies for a holistic approach to overbite correction.
4. Nail the Habits: Kick habits like nail-biting as it can exacerbate overbites.
5. Evaluate Extremes: Discuss surgical options with professionals if facing deep overbites.
6. Speak Up: Seek speech therapy assistance for any speech issues linked to overbites.
7. Track Progress: Keep an eye on progress and adjust treatment as needed for best results.

Conclusion

Taking care of our mouths is crucial for feeling good and smiling a lot! We at Oris Dental fix overbites and make sure our teeth work well and look nice. With our expertise, you can address overbites effectively, ensuring optimal dental function and aesthetics. Contact a dentist in Sunshine Coast for expert overbite treatment solutions today.

---

previous post

Receding Gums: Treatment, Causes, & Prevention

next post

Dental Erosion: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Explained