An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. While a slight overlap is natural for a healthy bite, an excessive overbite can raise concerns about its potential impact on jaw health. This condition, also known as a deep bite, is a common form of dental misalignment.
Understanding an Overbite
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. A minor degree of vertical overlap is considered normal and supports healthy chewing function, typically measuring between two to four millimeters, or approximately 20% to 40% of the lower teeth’s height.
When this overlap becomes significantly greater, often exceeding four millimeters or covering more than 50% of the lower teeth, it is classified as an excessive overbite or a deep bite. In severe cases, the lower teeth might even bite into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth. This excessive overlap indicates a misalignment that can influence various aspects of oral health beyond just the teeth themselves.
How Overbites Influence Jaw Alignment
An excessive overbite can directly influence the jaw’s resting and functional positions. When the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, they can restrict the lower jaw’s natural range of motion. This improper dental relationship prevents the jaw from settling into its optimal, relaxed alignment. The teeth essentially dictate where the jaw can comfortably close.
This forced positioning can lead to increased strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect the jawbone to the skull. When the bite is misaligned due to an overbite, these muscles and joints may be subjected to constant tension and improper forces. Over time, this sustained strain can disrupt the smooth function of the jaw system. The misaligned bite can also alter the way chewing forces are distributed, potentially leading to uneven pressure across the dental arches and further impacting jaw mechanics.
Common Jaw-Related Symptoms and Conditions
An excessive overbite can lead to a range of jaw-related symptoms and conditions due to the ongoing strain on the temporomandibular joints and associated muscles. One of the most frequently reported issues is jaw pain, which can manifest as a dull ache or sharp discomfort, particularly around the ear or jaw joint. Patients might also experience clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing their mouths, indicating friction or displacement within the temporomandibular joint.
Difficulty chewing or speaking can also arise, as the misaligned bite may hinder the efficient movement of the jaw necessary for these functions. Some individuals with significant overbites report frequent headaches or earaches, which can be referred pain from strained jaw muscles. Furthermore, the abnormal contact between upper and lower teeth can result in accelerated wear on tooth enamel, potentially leading to tooth sensitivity or even fracture over time. While not all overbites cause these problems, more severe cases are more likely to result in such complications.
Addressing Overbite-Related Jaw Concerns
Recognizing and addressing jaw concerns related to an overbite is an important step toward managing potential oral health issues. If persistent jaw pain, difficulty with jaw movement, or other worsening symptoms like clicking or headaches are present, seeking professional evaluation is recommended. A dental professional, particularly an orthodontist, can accurately assess the extent of the overbite and its impact on the jaw.
Intervention can help alleviate these jaw problems by correcting the bite. By guiding the teeth and jaw into a more harmonious alignment, the strain on the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles can be reduced. This professional assessment is valuable for determining the most appropriate course of action to improve jaw function and overall oral comfort.