Overbite: What Is It & How To Fix It

If you have an overbite and are interested in a teeth straightening treatment please contact us to discuss your options.

It is natural for your teeth to overlap slightly. This prevents wear and gives you a natural bite. An overbite is where the upper front teeth extend excessively beyond the lower front teeth. This type of dental condition can lead to oral health issues such as jaw pain, tooth erosion and gum disease if left untreated. It may also contribute to speech impediments.

There are many treatments that can fix an overbite. Our in-depth guide helps you to better understand the condition and what you can do to achieve your dream smile.

What Is An Overbite?

An overbite is a medical condition called a malocclusion. Overbite means that your upper and lower teeth don’t align when your mouth is closed. Some overlap is common – however, if the misalignment is 2 mm to 4 mm wide, it is considered an overbite. Cases that exceed 4 mm are called a deep overbite, whereas 9 mm and over is classed as severe overbite.

It is quite a common condition, with approximately 20% of the UK population being reported as having an overbite.

What Are The Causes of an Overbite?

An overbite is commonly caused by genetics and can be a hereditary, being passed down from parent to child. Other factors include teeth grinding, oral injury and childhood habits. This includes prolonged thumb-sucking and the extended use of a dummy.

Overbite vs Overjet

Both overbite and overjet are a type of malocclusion. The difference is the direction of the overlap.

• Overbite: A vertical misalignment where the upper front teeth overlap the bottom teeth more than normal.
• Overjet: A horizontal misalignment where the upper front teeth protrude outward and sit over the bottom teeth.

How To Fix Overbite: Treatment Options

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners move your teeth over time into their correct position and are often used to treat malocclusions such as overbite. Suitable for mild to moderate overbite cases, the thin, retainer-like trays discreetly straighten the teeth. Aligners can be taken out while eating, unlike fixed braces, and are specifically designed to be almost invisible in the mouth.

Braces for Teeth

Like aligners, braces exert pressure to gradually move teeth to fix overbite issues. A fixed brace attaches a thin wire and small brackets to each of your teeth, applying tension to the wire to correct crooked teeth. This creates a straight, perfect smile. Elastic bands may also be used as part of your treatment; they help to align the upper and lower jaws, ultimately correcting the overbite.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is another way in which an overbite can be fixed. Removing specific teeth such as a wisdom tooth creates space within the upper jaw, providing space and allowing your teeth to move when used in conjunction with aligners or braces, to correct the overbite. A painless procedure, the treatment includes numbing the area with a local anaesthetic before loosening the tooth and pulling it out.

Conclusion:

An overbite is a common dental condition that contributes to oral health issues if left untreated. Consider treatments such as fixed braces and clear aligners to correct your teeth and regain confidence in your smile.