An overbite occurs when your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth. While a slight overlap is considered normal and supports proper oral function, an excessive overlap can lead to various health and functional issues. This is a type of malocclusion, an improper alignment of the teeth or jaws.
Identifying an Overbite
You can perform an initial self-assessment to determine if you might have an overbite. Stand in front of a mirror and gently close your mouth, allowing your teeth to come together naturally without clenching your jaw. Observe how much your upper front teeth cover your lower front teeth. If your upper teeth cover more than one-third to one-half of your lower teeth, it could indicate an overbite.
Beyond visual cues, an overbite might manifest through physical symptoms. You might find it uncomfortable to close your lips completely without straining, or notice a visible gap between your lips when your mouth is at rest. Some individuals experience discomfort or clicking sounds in their jaw when opening or closing their mouth, which can be a sign of jaw strain caused by the misalignment. Difficulty with chewing or speaking clearly can also be an indication.
Assessing Overbite Severity
Dental professionals quantify overbite severity using precise measurements. A normal overbite typically involves the upper front teeth overlapping the lower teeth by about 1 to 3 millimeters, which translates to approximately 20% to 40% vertical overlap. This slight overlap is essential for proper chewing and speaking.
An overbite is generally considered significant if the overlap exceeds 2 to 4 millimeters. For example, an overlap of more than 4 to 8 millimeters is often classified as a deep overbite. In severe cases, the upper teeth can completely cover the lower teeth, sometimes even touching the lower gums, which is known as a complete or severe overbite. Dentists also consider whether the overbite is “dental,” meaning it’s primarily due to tooth positioning, or “skeletal,” indicating an underlying jawbone discrepancy.
Health Implications of an Overbite
An uncorrected overbite can lead to various physical problems. One common issue is excessive wear on tooth enamel, especially on the front teeth, as they grind against each other. This increased friction can accelerate tooth decay and lead to chipping or damage over time.
Jaw pain and stiffness, including headaches and earaches, are frequently associated with overbites due to strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This misalignment can cause uneven pressure on the jaw joint, potentially leading to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). An overbite can also cause gum irritation or recession if the lower teeth rub against the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth. A severe overbite can impact chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and contribute to breathing difficulties or sleep apnea due to a constricted airway.
When to Consult a Professional
If you suspect you have an overbite or experience related symptoms, seek a professional dental evaluation. Dentists and orthodontists accurately assess overbite severity through visual examination and diagnostic tools like X-rays. This assessment determines if the overbite is merely cosmetic or poses functional or health risks.
Consult a professional if you notice persistent jaw pain, discomfort while chewing or speaking, or visible wear on your teeth. Other indicators include difficulty fully closing your lips, frequent headaches, or gum irritation. Early intervention, particularly in children and adolescents, can lead to more straightforward and effective treatment outcomes, preventing complications in adulthood.
Overbite Correction Methods
Various methods correct an overbite, with treatment choice depending on severity and cause. Orthodontic solutions often reposition teeth and align the bite. Traditional metal braces are a common, effective approach for many overbite cases. These systems gradually shift teeth into correct positions, sometimes using elastic bands for alignment.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, offer a less noticeable alternative for mild to moderate tooth-related overbites. These removable trays are custom-made, changed periodically to guide teeth into alignment. For children with developing jaws, palatal expanders can widen the upper jaw to create space for alignment. For severe overbites, especially for skeletal discrepancies, a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic (jaw) surgery can be necessary to reposition jaws for a balanced bite.