An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. While a slight overlap is a normal and functional aspect of a healthy bite, an excessive overbite can lead to various oral health concerns. For many individuals, braces are an effective method for correction. This approach repositions teeth and, in some cases, influences jaw alignment for a balanced bite.
Understanding Overbites
A normal bite involves a subtle overlap where the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth by about 1 to 2 millimeters. This natural alignment allows for efficient chewing and clear speech. An overbite, also known as a deep bite, occurs when this vertical overlap is significantly greater, often exceeding 2 to 4 millimeters.
Overbites fall into two main categories: dental and skeletal. A dental overbite involves tooth position, where teeth are misaligned or have erupted improperly. In contrast, a skeletal overbite stems from an imbalance in jawbone growth or size, such as a proportionally smaller or set back lower jaw. Left uncorrected, an excessive overbite can contribute to issues like uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, gum irritation, and difficulties with chewing or speaking.
How Braces Correct Overbites
Braces correct overbites by applying consistent, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into desired positions. Brackets and wires work together for this movement. Brackets bond to each tooth, acting as handles for the archwire’s force.
The archwire, threaded through the brackets, is periodically adjusted by an orthodontist to guide teeth. For overbite correction, elastics (rubber bands) are often used with braces. These elastics connect to brackets on the upper and lower arches, providing force to pull upper teeth backward, push lower teeth forward, or rotate the jaw into an aligned position. This controlled force encourages bone remodeling, allowing teeth to shift and the bite to improve.
Advanced Approaches to Overbite Correction
While traditional braces are effective, complex or skeletal overbites often incorporate additional appliances or methods. For growing patients, orthodontic headgear guides jaw development, restricting upper jaw growth or encouraging lower jaw catch-up. The Herbst appliance is a fixed device that holds the lower jaw forward, promoting its growth and reducing overbite in adolescents.
Palatal expanders widen the palate when a narrow upper jaw contributes to the overbite, typically used in children or some adults to create more space for teeth. For precise tooth movements or to avoid invasive procedures, Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), small, temporary mini-implants, provide stable anchor points. These allow orthodontists to apply targeted forces to specific teeth. In severe skeletal overbites with significant jawbone discrepancies, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be considered as part of a combined treatment with braces to reposition the jaws.
The Overbite Correction Journey and Long-Term Success
Overbite correction typically begins with an initial consultation, where an orthodontist assesses the bite, often using X-rays and digital scans. Following diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan outlines specific appliances and estimated duration. For overbite correction with braces, active treatment can range from one to three years, depending on severity and individual response.
Patient compliance is important for successful outcomes, especially with wearing elastics as instructed, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending regular adjustment appointments. Once active treatment is complete and teeth are in corrected positions, the retention phase begins. This involves wearing retainers to maintain the new bite and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original misalignment, a process known as relapse. Retainers may be fixed or removable and are worn full-time initially, then transitioning to nighttime wear for long-term stability.