Overbite: types, causes and treatments for correction

An overbite is one of many 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 about overbites in teeth: what it is, the types that exist, the causes and consequences of an overbite, as well as the possible treatments used for correction in infants and adults.

What is an overbite in teeth?

So, what’s an overbite? An overbite, also known as deep bite or increased overbite, is a type of dental malocclusion. What we refer to as an overbite in teeth is when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth more than normal, or 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 the teeth cover any more, this is what’s considered a deep bite or an 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 of overbite that exist:

Dental overbite

A dental overbite occurs when the problem lies in the positioning of the teeth. When someone has a dental overbite, there is a misalignment between the upper and lower jaw.

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 like an abnormal tongue position, premature loss of permanent teeth or pushing the teeth together with the tongue.

Degrees of overbite: what does a normal overbite look like?

You might be wondering, “What does an overbite typically look like?”. There are varying degrees of severity when it comes to overbites, from mild, to deep, to severe. Below we’ll explore how different overbites might look according to their levels of complexity.

• Mild or slight overbite: A mild or slight overbite is usually from dental causes and the space between the upper and lower teeth typically measures between 2-4mm. As this type of overbite is considered normal and isn’t likely to cause issues to the patient’s health, it doesn’t often require orthodontic treatment or surgery.

• Deep overbite: With a deep overbite, the space between the upper and lower teeth measures between 4-6mm and can come from dental or skeletal causes.

• Severe overbite: Finally, a severe overbite is an overbite where the upper teeth sit more than 6mm over the lower teeth.

In all cases, you should seek the advice of a dental specialist so that they can assess your specific case and advise you on what kind of treatment you’ll need if any treatment is needed.

What causes an overbite?

What causes an overbite can vary, although the vast majority can be classified into three main groups: genetics, teeth problems and bad habits.

Hereditary overbites

Some overbites can be caused by genetics. The shape and size of the jaw can be hereditary and passed down through generations. Therefore, some people are born with an uneven jaw or a smaller upper or lower jaw.

Overbites caused by teeth problems

Patients with existing teeth problems like missing teeth or overcrowding, can be more susceptible to overbites. Both missing teeth and crowding can cause the rest of your teeth to shift, which can thus affect the positioning of your front teeth.

Overbite developed from bad habits like thumb-sucking

Overbites can also be acquired from bad habits such as thumb-sucking, using a pacifier or tongue-thrusting.

If a child continues thumb-sucking or using a pacifier after the age of 3 or 4 while the permanent teeth are developing, they can develop an overbite. The pressure from sucking can cause the teeth to emerge at an abnormal angle.

Additionally, many children and some adults have a habit of tongue-thrusting, which means that press their tongues too far forward in their mouths. The pressure of their tongue on their front teeth can cause them to grow or shift forward.

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.
  

How is an overbite diagnosed?

An overbite will usually be diagnosed during a standard physical dental check-up.

You may then be referred to an orthodontist who will assess your case further and carry out an X-ray to obtain a precise diagnosis. They will also outline your options when it comes to treatment for overbite correction.

How you can fix an overbite: treatment for correction

The consequences of an overbite can affect our daily lives. That’s why diagnosing an overbite in time is important so that the appropriate treatment can be carried out for correction and to prevent it from having negative consequences. But how can you fix an overbite? Read on to find out about the different types of treatment available for correction of an overbite.

Treatments for fixing overbites in infants

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

In cases of overbite in infants, 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 an orthodontist for them to examine the teeth carefully so that they can determine what treatment is most appropriate for fixing an overbite in adults.

The two treatment options for an overbite are orthodontics, such as braces, and 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 is necessary. 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 for the correction of the overbite.

Orthognathic surgery corrects the overbite by modifying the size and position of the maxillary bones, moving the lower jaw forward 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 such as braces or aligners for fixing an overbite

Orthodontics like braces or aligners are the most appropriate treatment for overbites of dental origin, as they help to correct the position of the teeth when there is no need to correct the size or position of the jaw bones.

For correction of a 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.

Before and after: what to expect after overbite correction

If you undergo treatment for overbite correction, you’ll likely notice a difference in how you look and feel before and after your treatment.

An overbite can cause physical issues such as pain in the jaw and headaches, as well as self-esteem issues if the patient doesn’t like how they look, especially as the bite can affect the overall appearance of the orofacial area.

After correction of an overbite, you’ll notice that your pain will go away and you’ll see a change in the appearance of your face.

How you can fix an overbite with Impress

Here at Impress we specialise in orthodontic treatments with clear aligners, which can be used for correcting an overbite in teens and adults, as well as interceptive orthodontics for children and infants.

In cases of overbite in infants, 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. Impress clear aligners can be used for fixing an overbite 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 or via WhatsApp.