Overbite: types, causes and treatments to fix it

An overbite is one of those types of dental malocclusion that is easily identifiable at first glance, but few people are aware of the impact it can have on our lives if left untreated.

In this article we will clear up all of your questions on overbites in teeth: what it is, the types that exist, the causes and consequences, as well as the possible treatments to fix it in adults and children.

What is an overbite in teeth?

So what’s an overbite? An overbite, also known as deep bite or vertical overbite, is a type of dental malocclusion. It occurs when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth more than normal, or may cover them completely. This occurs because patients with an overbite, in most cases, have an upper jaw that is more advanced than the lower jaw.

As a reference, in a normal bite, the upper teeth cover one third of the lower teeth. If they cover any more, it becomes a case of deep bite or overbite.

Types of overbite

There are different types of overbite depending on the origin of the malocclusion. Below we will look at the various types that exist:

Dental overbite

A dental overbite occurs when the problem lies in the positioning of the teeth. In cases of dental overbite there is a misalignment between the upper and lower jaws.

Skeletal overbite

A skeletal overbite occurs when the malocclusion originates in the jaw. When the upper jaw is larger than the lower, or the lower jaw is smaller than the upper, we are dealing with a case of skeletal overbite. It is also possible for the upper jaw to be more advanced than the lower, but in this case it would be a skeletal deep bite.

Acquired overbite

This type of overbite is not of genetic origin, but is caused by external or acquired habits, such as abnormal tongue position, premature loss of permanent teeth or pushing the teeth together with the tongue.

What causes an overbite?

What causes of an overbite can vary, although the vast majority can be classified into two main groups: heredity or acquired bad habits.

• Heredity or genetic factors are the main causes of overbite.

• Acquired bad habits can also cause this type of malposition. Among the most common causes of overbite in babies are bad habits such as thumb sucking, excessive use of a bottle or dummy, poor placement of the tongue or swallowing incorrectly. Among adolescents or adults, habits such as nail biting, teeth grinding or biting pens are the most common causes of overbite.

Overbite consequences

People with an overbite can suffer from physical or functional problems of the mouth. The following are the most common consequences of an overbite:

• Functional problems, such as with chewing or breathing, which may even affect speech.

• Physical problems, such as aesthetic alterations, wear of the dental enamel or crowding of the canines or upper incisors.

• Problems in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can cause jaw pain, headaches, pain when chewing or bruxism.

• Increased risk of tooth decay or periodontal disease because the overbite makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Treatments: how to fix an overbite

The consequences of an overbite can affect our daily lives, as mentioned in the previous section. That’s why diagnosing it in time is important, to be able to carry out the appropriate treatment and prevent it from having negative consequences. But how do we fix an overbite? Read on to find out the different types of treatment available to correct or fix an overbite.

Treatments for fixing overbites in children

The most appropriate age for treatment to modify bone growth in children, correct overbites and avoid problems when they are older is between the ages of 6 and 12.

In cases of overbite in children, it is possible to correct the malocclusion with interceptive orthodontic treatments. With this type of orthodontics, the palate can be widened so that the growth of the upper and lower jaws is proportional, thus resulting in overbite correction.

Fixing an overbite in adults

Fixing an overbite in adults is more difficult than in children, as the bones are fully developed and cannot be modified. In these cases, it is important to see a dentist for them to examine the teeth carefully and determine the most appropriate treatment to correct an overbite in adults.

The two treatment options that exist are orthodontics or surgery. Below we will describe which case each is used for.

Overbite surgery in adults

In cases of severe overbite in adults, or those with a skeletal origin, surgery will be necessary to correct it. In these cases, the origin of the malocclusion lies in the position of the upper or lower jaw, and orthognathic surgery will be the only effective treatment to correct the overbite.

Orthognathic surgery corrects the overbite by modifying the size and position of the maxillary bones, moving the lower jaw forwards or shifting the upper jaw back. This type of intervention helps to recover the functionality of the bite and the aesthetics of the face.

In cases of overbite in adults where orthognathic surgery is used, it is usually combined with a previous or subsequent phase of orthodontics to correct the position of the teeth.

Orthodontics or braces for fixing an overbite

There are cases in which the overbite has a dental origin, as we have explained above. In these cases, orthodontics is the most appropriate treatment, as it will help to correct the position of the teeth when there is no need to correct the size or position of the jaw bones.

To correct vertical overbite, the orthodontics used can either be fixed appliances (braces) or clear aligners. Both types of orthodontics would help correct an overbite of dental origin.

Impress treatments to correct overbites

Here at Impress we correct cases of overbite with clear orthodontics or braces in teens and adults, as well as interceptive orthodontics in children.

In cases of overbite in children, a specialised orthodontist will examine the patient’s teeth and design a personalised Impress Kids treatment plan to correct the overbite.

In the case of overbite in adolescents or adults, the teeth will also be assessed and a personalised treatment plan will be designed with our various orthodontic treatments. With Impress clear aligners, cases of overbite can be fixed efficiently and discreetly.

If you are interested in finding out how Impress can help you fix an overbite, visit your nearest Impress clinic and meet the team of professionals who will supervise your treatment. You can also make an appointment online, by phone on 0203 808 1072, via WhatsApp or by emailing us at london@smile2impress.com.