An overbite, or deep bite, is a common form of malocclusion where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. This condition is classified as a Class II malocclusion, meaning the upper jaw or teeth are positioned ahead of the lower jaw or teeth. For individuals needing dentures, the presence of an overbite presents specific challenges requiring careful planning and prosthetic customization. It is possible to receive dentures, but success relies on the dental team’s ability to manage the underlying skeletal and muscular discrepancies.
Understanding the Impact of an Overbite on Denture Fit
An overbite complicates the denture process because the underlying jaw relationship is not balanced. For a denture to function correctly, the upper and lower arches must align properly to distribute chewing forces evenly. When a significant vertical overlap exists, the ridge relationship—the shape and size of the jawbones that support the denture—is often uneven or misaligned.
This skeletal disharmony can cause the dentures to become unstable, leading to tipping or rocking during chewing and speaking. Excessive vertical overlap can also result in the lower front teeth contacting the soft tissue behind the upper front teeth, which may cause pain and potential trauma to the gums. The difficulty lies in achieving a proper occlusion, or bite, that is stable, functional, and comfortable when the natural jaw alignment is compromised, as poorly aligned dentures cause discomfort and impact the patient’s ability to eat and speak properly.
How Dentists Customize Traditional Dentures
Dentists employ techniques to manage an overbite when fabricating a traditional, removable denture. The process begins with establishing the correct Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO), the precise distance between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are in contact. If the VDO is too high, it can cause discomfort, and if it is too low, it can lead to a collapsed facial appearance.
Another critical step is recording the Centric Relation (CR), the most stable and reproducible position of the jaw joints. Prosthodontists use advanced registration materials and methods, such as the gothic arch tracing device, to capture this exact jaw relationship. Once the VDO and CR are established, the artificial teeth are carefully arranged to camouflage the overbite and ensure functional contact in the posterior teeth, preventing instability and rocking when the patient bites down.
When Implant Support is Necessary
For patients with a severe overbite or significant loss of the supporting jawbone (residual ridge), traditional dentures may not offer sufficient stability. In these situations, an implant-supported overdenture becomes the preferred solution, offering improved retention and function. Implants placed into the jawbone act as anchors, mechanically securing the denture in place, which negates the need for natural suction and stability.
The number of implants required varies. The standard for a lower overdenture is two implants typically placed in the canine regions, while the upper jaw often requires four to six implants for reliable support. These implants are fitted with precision attachments that allow the denture to securely snap onto the implants. This approach is beneficial in complex jaw relationships, as it improves the patient’s ability to chew and speak without the denture shifting.
Patient Expectations and Long-Term Care
Patients receiving customized dentures designed to accommodate an overbite should understand that their experience will involve a period of adjustment. The aesthetic result manages the appearance of the overbite, but it may take time for the tongue and facial muscles to adapt to the new alignment. Speech may be temporarily affected, and chewing function will improve but may not fully replicate the efficiency of natural teeth, especially with harder foods.
Due to the underlying anatomical challenges, these customized appliances require more frequent professional maintenance than standard dentures. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary for denture adjustments, relines, or rebasing to ensure the fit remains secure as the supporting jawbone changes over time. Proper hygiene, including daily cleaning of the denture and resting the soft tissues by removing the appliance for several hours daily, is important to prevent irritation and bone loss.