An overbite is a common dental alignment. While a slight overbite is normal, an excessive one can be a concern. This article explains what an overbite is, its causes, potential issues, and treatment options.
What is an Overbite?
An overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. A slight overbite, also known as a deep bite, is a natural and beneficial part of a healthy bite, protecting lower teeth from wear and supporting efficient chewing.
For a normal bite, upper front teeth typically overlap lower front teeth by 2-4 millimeters (20-40% of their height). An excessive overbite occurs when this overlap is significantly greater, such as 4-5 millimeters or more. In severe cases, lower teeth may even touch the roof of the mouth, causing discomfort and damage.
Causes of Overbites
Overbites develop due to genetic and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition, where jaw size and shape are inherited, is a common cause. This can involve an imbalance in jaw growth, such as an underdeveloped lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw.
Childhood habits also contribute to overbites. Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond age three can exert pressure on developing teeth and jaws, leading to misalignment. Other habits like tongue thrusting, nail biting, or teeth grinding can influence tooth and jaw alignment, disrupting natural dental arch development.
When an Overbite Becomes a Concern
While a minor overbite is normal, an excessive overbite can lead to functional and health problems. Abnormal wear on tooth surfaces, particularly the lower incisors, is a common issue due to constant friction. This wear can cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to difficulty cleaning misaligned teeth.
An overbite can also lead to jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Misalignment places stress on jaw muscles and joints, causing discomfort, headaches, or clicking sounds. Severe overbites can impact speech clarity, chewing efficiency, and increase injury risk to front teeth. A significant overbite’s appearance may also affect self-confidence.
Steps for Assessment and Treatment
Professional dental evaluation is the first step if an overbite is suspected or causing concerns. A dentist or orthodontist can assess the overbite’s extent through a comprehensive examination, often including X-rays and impressions. These diagnostic tools help determine if the misalignment is skeletal (jaw-related) or dental (tooth-related).
Treatment approaches vary based on the overbite’s severity and underlying cause. Orthodontic appliances like braces or clear aligners are commonly used to gradually realign teeth and jaws. For children, early intervention, often starting around age seven, can be particularly effective as their jaws are still developing, potentially simplifying treatment and guiding proper jaw growth. In some severe cases, especially in adults where jaw growth is complete and the misalignment is significant, orthognathic surgery may be recommended in conjunction with orthodontics to reposition the jaws.