An overbite is one of the most common bite irregularities diagnosed by dentists and orthodontists. It occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth. A slight vertical overlap, usually between 1 and 2 millimeters, is considered normal and even beneficial for protecting tooth edges during chewing. However, when this overlap becomes excessive, it can interfere with chewing, speech, jaw health, and aesthetics. In severe cases, the lower teeth may even touch the gums behind the upper teeth, a condition sometimes called a “deep bite.”

Overbites can occur in both children and adults. While some people may develop the condition due to inherited jaw shape, others may acquire it through habits, tooth loss, or untreated bite problems. Advances in orthodontics now make it possible to treat overbites with highly personalized methods, ranging from traditional braces to Invisible braces and clear aligners like Invisalign, as well as discreet options such as a lingual brace placed behind the teeth. Understanding the causes and consequences of overbites is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.

Causes of Overbite

The causes of overbites can be grouped into genetic factors and acquired influences:

• Genetics: Many overbites are inherited, passed down through jaw structure, tooth size, and bone growth patterns. A small lower jaw or a larger upper jaw can naturally create excessive overlap.
• Jaw Growth Irregularities: When the growth of the upper and lower jaws is out of balance, the bite alignment is affected. This is common in skeletal overbites.
• Childhood Habits: Prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use beyond toddler years, nail-biting, or tongue thrusting can gradually push the upper teeth forward.
• Tooth Loss and Shifting: In adults, missing teeth—especially in the back of the mouth—allow other teeth to shift forward, worsening the overlap.
• Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can cause tooth mobility, leading to changes in bite alignment.
• Compensatory Bite Changes: Existing issues like Open Bite or Underbite can lead the jaw and teeth to shift in ways that eventually result in an overbite.

How Overbites Are Classified

Dentists diagnose overbites using clinical examination, dental impressions, photographs, and often 3D imaging or X-rays. This helps determine whether the problem is dental, skeletal, or a combination.

A correct diagnosis is critical because the treatment approach for a dental overbite will differ significantly from that for a skeletal overbite.

Symptoms and Risks

Overbites can cause more than just cosmetic concerns. Many patients experience functional and health-related issues, including:

• Tooth Wear: Continuous friction between the upper and lower teeth can wear enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and higher risk of decay.
• Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: Uneven bite forces place stress on the jaw joints, sometimes leading to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) with symptoms like headaches, jaw locking, and muscle pain.
• Speech Problems: Pronouncing certain sounds, such as “s” or “th,” can become difficult.
• Gum Recession and Damage: Misaligned bites can cause uneven gum pressure, leading to gum loss and exposure of tooth roots.
• Higher Risk of Injury: Protruding front teeth are more prone to chipping or breaking in accidents.
• Chewing Difficulty: Misalignment can reduce chewing efficiency, which in turn may affect digestion over time.
  
  

Addressing an overbite early can help prevent these complications from progressing into more severe dental or jaw issues later in life.

Treatment Options for Overbite

Treatment for overbite correction depends on age, cause, and severity. For children and teenagers, early intervention can sometimes prevent the need for more complex treatments later. For adults, comprehensive orthodontic planning is essential.

Orthodontic Treatments:

• Braces: Effective for all degrees of overbite, using brackets and wires to shift teeth gradually into the correct position.
• Invisible braces: Clear aligners designed to be discreet while offering predictable tooth movement for mild to moderate cases.
• Invisalign: A popular choice for patients seeking comfort and removability. Invisalign aligners can treat many dental overbites and are customized for each patient.
• Lingual brace: Fixed behind the teeth, offering the strength of traditional braces without being visible from the front.

Additional and Combined Approaches:

• Growth modification devices for younger patients to guide jaw development.
• Orthognathic surgery for severe skeletal discrepancies, often combined with braces.
• Long-term retainer use to prevent relapse.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment times vary according to severity and chosen method. For example, a mild dental overbite may be resolved in less than a year, while severe skeletal overbites often require 18–24 months or more.

Compliance is key, especially with removable appliances like Invisalign. Wearing aligners for the recommended 20–22 hours daily ensures optimal progress.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

Preventing the return of an overbite requires consistent maintenance:

• Wearing retainers as prescribed after treatment.
• Avoiding habits that exert pressure on teeth, such as nail-biting.
• Encouraging early orthodontic assessments for children to identify potential bite issues.
• Scheduling regular dental checkups to monitor bite stability.

Ready to correct your overbite and achieve a healthier, more confident smile?

At AuraDent™, we provide tailored orthodontic care, from Invisible braces to Invisalign and braces, ensuring precise results and lasting stability. Book your consultation today to take the first step toward your ideal bite.