An overbite is a common dental misalignment where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. While a slight overlap is considered normal and even necessary for proper bite function, an excessive overbite can lead to various oral health issues. It can be addressed through different approaches depending on its severity and the individual’s age.
Identifying an Overbite
An overbite is characterized by the upper teeth covering more than 2 to 4 millimeters of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Common signs include jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking sounds when opening the mouth. Individuals might also experience frequent headaches or earaches.
An overbite can cause several concerns beyond appearance, impacting oral health and function. It can lead to excessive wear and tear on teeth, particularly the lower front teeth, due to improper contact. Chewing difficulties, speech impediments like a lisp, and even breathing issues, such as sleep apnea, are other potential problems.
Early Childhood Strategies
Addressing overbites in early childhood can prevent more severe issues later. Certain habits can influence jaw development and tooth alignment. Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, especially past the age of three, can push the upper front teeth outward, contributing to an overbite. Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing or at rest, can also lead to misalignment.
Breaking these habits early can reduce the risk or severity of an overbite. Orthodontists may recommend habit-breaking appliances, such as a tongue crib, to discourage thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. Interceptive orthodontics, typically for children aged 7 to 9, can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. These early interventions may include palate expanders to widen the upper jaw or space maintainers if baby teeth are lost prematurely.
Treatment Options for Teens and Adults
For teenagers and adults, several orthodontic treatments effectively correct overbites. Traditional braces utilize metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth, applying continuous pressure to gradually move them into proper alignment. Elastic bands are often used with braces to help adjust the jaw and pull the upper teeth back while bringing the lower teeth forward. Ceramic braces and lingual braces offer more discreet options, with ceramic brackets being tooth-colored and lingual braces placed on the back of the teeth.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, provide a nearly invisible alternative. These are custom-made, removable plastic trays that incrementally shift teeth into the desired position. They are worn for at least 20-22 hours daily, with new aligners typically used every one to two weeks. For overbite correction, clear aligners may incorporate small attachments or elastics that connect the upper and lower arches to facilitate bite alignment. While effective for mild to moderate overbites, severe cases may still require traditional braces.
In instances of severe overbites, particularly those caused by significant jawbone discrepancies, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. This corrective jaw surgery realigns the upper and/or lower jaws to achieve a balanced bite and improved facial profile. The procedure often involves surgical movement of the lower jaw forward to correct a retrusive lower jaw. Orthognathic surgery is performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, with braces often worn before and after the surgical procedure to fine-tune tooth positioning.
Maintaining Alignment After Treatment
After active orthodontic treatment, maintaining the corrected alignment is an important step to prevent the overbite from returning. This phase, known as retention, involves the consistent use of retainers. Without retention, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back towards their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse.
Retainers come in various forms, including removable options like Hawley retainers, which combine a metal wire with an acrylic base, or clear retainers, similar to aligner trays. Fixed retainers, which are thin wires bonded to the back of the teeth, offer a permanent solution for preventing movement. Long-term retention is often recommended, especially for deep overbite corrections, due to the risk of relapse. Consistent wear helps stabilize the bite and preserve the results achieved.