An overbite, clinically known as a Class II malocclusion, is a common condition where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. While a small degree of overlap is normal and functional for the bite, excessive vertical overlap can lead to a range of health complications. Choosing not to treat a moderate or severe overbite means accepting the cumulative physical consequences that affect the teeth, gums, and jaw structure over many years.
Immediate Physical Consequences to Teeth and Gums
The most direct result of an untreated overbite is premature and uneven wear on the surfaces of the teeth. When the vertical overlap is too deep, the lower front teeth often collide with the backs of the upper front teeth during chewing and speaking movements. This constant friction accelerates the erosion of tooth enamel, the protective outer layer, which can lead to flattening, chipping, or cracking of the teeth edges.
This excessive force also causes significant damage to the soft tissues of the mouth. In severe cases, termed an impinging overbite, the lower incisors repeatedly strike the gum tissue or the palate, causing chronic inflammation and trauma. Continuous pressure contributes to gum recession around the lower front teeth, exposing sensitive root surfaces. This combination of trauma and misalignment makes it more challenging to clean the teeth effectively, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Impact on Jaw Function and Overall Health
An untreated overbite places undue strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the sliding hinges connecting the jawbone to the skull. The misalignment forces the lower jaw to compensate and move into an unnatural position to bring the back teeth together for chewing. This chronic muscular effort can lead to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), characterized by chronic jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking sounds when opening the mouth.
This continuous strain often radiates outward, manifesting as frequent headaches, earaches, and tension in the neck and facial muscles. The improper alignment also compromises the efficiency of mastication, meaning the teeth cannot shear and grind food effectively. Furthermore, the positioning of the teeth and restricted jaw movement can interfere with the tongue’s ability to form certain sounds, potentially contributing to speech impediments such as a lisp.
Understanding the Severity Spectrum and Treatment Timing
Not every instance of upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower teeth requires intervention, as a mild overlap of approximately 2 to 4 millimeters is functionally normal. A bite that exceeds this range, or one that is causing physical symptoms, is generally classified as a health risk that warrants attention. The decision to forgo treatment is most consequential when the overbite is moderate to severe, as these cases carry the highest probability of developing structural damage and functional issues.
The timing of intervention dramatically influences the complexity and goals of treatment. Correcting an overbite during childhood or adolescence is preferred because the jawbones are still growing, allowing an orthodontist to use appliances to guide this growth. Treating an overbite in adulthood is more challenging because the jaw and facial bones are fully developed and hardened. This can result in a longer treatment duration, and in severe cases involving a skeletal discrepancy, correction may require orthognathic surgery to reposition the jawbones. For older adults who have already experienced years of wear and tear, the treatment goal shifts to creating a stable, functional bite that prevents further deterioration.