What Is An Overbite? | How Is It Treated?

An overbite is when a patients top front teeth overlap their bottom front teeth. While almost every patient has at least a bit of an overbite (1-3MM), which is normal, there are some patients who have a more severe overlap. It is considered an excessive overbite when a patients top teeth overlap their bottom between 3-9MM, or more. An excessive overbite, also called a deep bite, can be skeletal (related to the size or position of the jaw), dental (related to the position of the teeth) or a combination of both. Since no two sets of teeth are alike, patients can also have other oral issues in conjunction with an overbite. Patients with an overbite may also have the appearance of a weak or receding chin and an undefined lower jaw.

The most severe form of an excessive overbite is an impinging overbite. This is when the bottom teeth hit the roof of the mouth behind the top teeth when the jaws are at rest. However, any form of excessive overbite, impinging or not, should be treated by an orthodontist to prevent further complications.

What Is The Difference Between Overbite And Overjet?

The terms overbite and overjet are often interchangeable in orthodontics because the issues are quite similar. Many patients who have an overjet also have an overbite. The main difference is that an overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the front top teeth over the front bottom teeth and an overjet is the horizontal distance between the front upper teeth and front lower teeth. 

What Can Cause An Overbite?

• Genetics | The most common cause of an overbite is genetics because the size and shape of the jaw and teeth are inherited.
• Misaligned Teeth | A dental overbite occurs when a patients teeth are misaligned, leading to an excessive overlap between the two arches. overcrowding is often the issue and is primarily due to the early loss of baby teeth.
• A Missing Lower Tooth | A missing bottom tooth can create oral health issues similar to having a lower jaw that is too small, which can cause an overbite.

What Happens If An Overbite Is Not Treated?

Unfortunately, most patients who experience an overbite will not grow into it. If left untreated from a young age, the overbite can get worse as a bite naturally deepens with age. An untreated overbite can cause a variety of complications, such as:

• Self-esteem
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Uneven wear on teeth
• TMJ
• Difficulties chewing
• Speech impairments
• Breathing issues
• Bone and tooth loss

How To Correct An Overbite?

Fixing an overbite depends on the type of overbite, as well as its severity. In rare cases, a severe skeletal overbite in an adult will require a combination of corrective jaw surgery and orthodontic treatment for optimal results. Thanks to the advancements in orthodontic technology, our practice may be able to offer a non-surgical option. It would be best to contact our practice to book an appointment as each overbite varies from patient to patient.