How to Fix an Overbite: Top Treatment Options

 Imagine trying to close a container with a lid that doesn’t quite fit—it feels awkward and out of place. That’s a bit like what happens when you have an overbite. It’s when the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth more than they should. While it may seem like a cosmetic concern, an overbite can affect your dental health, comfort, and even confidence.

The good news is that there are many ways to correct an overbite, from braces to aligners and, in some cases, surgery. This article explains what an overbite is, its causes, the symptoms you may notice, and the treatment options available.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite, sometimes called a deep bite, is when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth more than normal. A small overlap is healthy, but if the top teeth completely cover the bottom teeth, it may cause issues with chewing, speaking, or even gum health.

It’s important to know that there are two main types of overbites:

  1. Skeletal Overbite: This is when the jaw itself is the problem. Your top jaw might be bigger than your bottom jaw, or your bottom jaw might be underdeveloped. This is often genetic.

  2. Dental Overbite: This is when the issue is with the teeth themselves. The teeth might have erupted in the wrong position, causing a significant overlap. This can be caused by habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a dummy.

Understanding which type you have is the first step to finding the right treatment, and your dentist or orthodontist will be able to tell you which one you’re dealing with.

Causes of an Overbite

A mix of genetic and environmental factors can cause overbites. Here are some of the most common reasons someone might have an overbite:

  • Genetics: This is a big one. If your parents or other family members have an overbite, you’re more likely to have one too. The size and shape of your jawbones are inherited, and sometimes your top jaw can just naturally grow larger than your bottom jaw.

  • Childhood Habits: Certain habits during childhood can have a huge impact on how your teeth and jaws develop. These include:

    • Thumb-Sucking or Finger-Sucking: When a child sucks their thumb or fingers past the age of 4 or 5, it puts pressure on the developing teeth and jaw, pushing the top teeth forward.

    • Prolonged Dummy Use: Similar to thumb-sucking, using a dummy for a long time can also cause the front teeth to shift out of alignment.

    • Tongue-Thrusting: This is when the tongue presses too far forward against the teeth, which can push the upper teeth out.

  • Missing or Extra Teeth: If you have missing teeth, the remaining teeth can shift to fill the gap, leading to bite problems. On the other hand, having extra teeth can cause overcrowding, which can also affect your bite.

  • Grinding Teeth (Bruxism): Regularly grinding your teeth can wear them down and cause them to shift, contributing to an overbite over time.

  • Jaw Clenching: Constantly clenching your jaw can put pressure on your teeth, leading to misalignment.

Symptoms of an Overbite

Some people notice their overbite immediately when looking at their smile, but it can also cause other symptoms:

  • Jaw Pain or Discomfort: An overbite can put strain on your jaw joint (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ), leading to pain, clicking, or even a locked jaw.

  • Difficulty Chewing or Biting: It can be hard to chew food properly when your teeth don’t align. This can lead to digestive issues.

  • Speech Problems: Some people with an overbite might have a lisp or other speech difficulties because of the way their tongue and teeth interact.

  • Headaches: The strain on your jaw muscles can lead to frequent headaches.

  • Teeth Wear and Tear: When your top and bottom teeth don’t meet correctly, they can rub against each other in weird ways, causing them to wear down faster than they should. This can lead to sensitivity and even tooth loss.

  • Gum Damage: In severe cases, the bottom teeth can bite into the gum tissue behind the top teeth, which can be painful and lead to gum recession or sores.

Why Fixing an Overbite is Important

Correcting an overbite is about much more than improving appearance. It plays a role in protecting oral health and overall comfort.

  • Prevents Damage to Teeth: By correcting an overbite, you protect your teeth from excessive wear and tear. This means your teeth will last longer and you’ll be less likely to need costly restorative work in the future.

  • Reduces Jaw Pain: Correcting the bite can relieve the pressure on your jaw joint, which can get rid of jaw pain, headaches, and other related discomfort.

  • Improves Chewing and Digestion: When your teeth can bite and chew food effectively, it makes eating more comfortable and helps with digestion.

  • Enhances Speech: For those with speech issues, correcting the overbite can lead to a significant improvement in their ability to speak clearly.

  • Boosts Confidence: A straight, healthy smile can do wonders for your self-esteem. When you’re not worried about how your teeth look, you’ll feel more confident in social situations.

  • Better Oral Hygiene: When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to brush and floss, which reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Treatment Options for an Overbite

The good news is that there are many effective ways to fix an overbite. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your overbite and whether it’s skeletal or dental. Your dentist or orthodontist will help you figure out the best plan.

  • Braces: Traditional braces are one of the most common and effective ways to fix an overbite. They use brackets and wires to move your teeth into the correct position gradually. Braces can be used for both dental and some skeletal overbites.

    • Traditional Metal Braces: These are the classic, highly effective option. They are strong and reliable.

    • Ceramic Braces: These work like metal braces but use clear or tooth-coloured brackets, making them less noticeable.

    • Lingual Braces: These are placed on the inside of the teeth, so they are completely hidden from view.

  • Invisalign and Clear Aligners: These are a popular choice for many people. Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic trays that you wear over your teeth. You switch to a new set of aligners every week or two, and they gently push your teeth into a better position. Invisalign is great for less severe overbites and for people who want a discreet option.

  • Retainers and Other Appliances: Sometimes, an orthodontist might use a retainer or a special plate, especially in younger patients. These can help guide jaw growth or correct minor tooth issues. For example, a palate expander can be used to widen the upper jaw.

  • Headgear: For more severe skeletal overbites, especially in growing kids and teens, headgear might be used. It works by slowing down the growth of the upper jaw or encouraging the growth of the lower jaw. It’s usually worn in the evenings and at night.

  • Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): This is a more serious option for severe skeletal overbites, where the jawbones are so out of alignment that braces alone won’t work. We’ll get into this in more detail below.

Your local dentist Newport will be able to give you a referral to a trusted orthodontist who can provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan tailored just for you.

When is Surgery Necessary for an Overbite?

While most overbites can be fixed with non-surgical treatments like braces or aligners, surgery is sometimes the only option. Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is typically recommended for adults with a severe skeletal overbite. This means the problem isn’t just with the teeth; it’s with the underlying jawbones.

The surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital. They might shorten or move the upper jaw, or lengthen or move the lower jaw to bring them into better alignment. Often, surgery is done in combination with braces. The braces are worn before and after the surgery to make sure the teeth are in the perfect position to meet once the jaws are corrected.

Surgery is a big step, but it can make a dramatic difference. It can solve problems that non-surgical methods can’t, providing long-lasting functional and cosmetic benefits.

How Long Does it Take to Fix an Overbite?

The length of time it takes to fix an overbite varies a lot from person to person. It depends on several factors:

  • Severity of the Overbite: A more severe overbite will naturally take longer to correct than a mild one.

  • Age of the Patient: Treating an overbite in a child or teenager is often faster and easier because their jaws are still growing. An orthodontist can use that growth to their advantage. For adults, the process can take a bit longer as the jaws are no longer growing.

  • Chosen Treatment Method: Braces generally take between 1 to 3 years. Invisalign and other clear aligners can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the case. If jaw surgery is needed, the entire process, including pre- and post-operative orthodontics, can take a few years.

  • Patient Compliance: This is a big one! If you wear your aligners as directed, attend all your appointments, and follow your orthodontist’s instructions, your treatment will go much more smoothly and quickly.

Your orthodontist will give you a clear timeline at your first consultation, so you’ll know what to expect.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

Once your overbite is fixed and your braces or aligners come off, the job isn’t quite done. The most important part of keeping your new smile is wearing your retainer.

  • Retainers are a Must: Your teeth have a “memory” and will want to shift back to their old positions. A retainer holds them in place while the bone and tissue around them solidify. You’ll likely need to wear your retainer full-time for a few months, and then only at night for a long time—sometimes for the rest of your life.

  • Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Now that your teeth are straight, it’s even easier to keep them clean.

  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Keep up with your regular check-ups with your dentist. They can ensure everything looks good and that your retainer is still fitting correctly.

Preventing Future Bite Issues

While some overbites are genetic and can’t be prevented, there are things you can do to help your kids avoid developing a dental overbite:

  • Discourage Thumb-Sucking and Dummy Use: Try to help your child stop these habits by the age of 4.

  • Get Early Check-ups: Take your child to see a dentist early on. A dentist can spot potential problems and refer you to an orthodontist if needed. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up around age 7.

  • Address Speech Issues: If you notice your child is struggling with certain sounds, it might be a sign of a tongue-thrusting problem. A speech therapist can help with this.

Conclusion

An overbite is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can impact your health, comfort, and confidence. The good news is that, with today’s advanced dental technology and skilled professionals, this problem can be effectively and permanently resolved. Whether you’re a teenager getting braces or an adult considering clear aligners, the journey to a healthier, happier smile is a worthwhile one.

Don’t let an overbite hold you back. If you’re concerned about your bite, the best first step is to have a chat with a dentist or an orthodontist. They can give you a proper diagnosis and walk you through all the options. A great place to start is with your local dentist at Newport Dental Centre, who can guide you to the right specialist. 

It’s time to get a smile that feels and looks just right.

Source: How to Fix an Overbite: Top Treatment Options

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