Key Points

  • Overbites can be caused by genetic factors, habits like excessive nail biting or teeth grinding, tongue-thrusting, and prolonged use of pacifiers or thumb sucking. These issues can either be present at birth or develop over time.
  • Treatment options include metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners, depending on the severity of the overbite and personal preference.
  • If left untreated, overbites can lead to difficulties with normal mouth functions, increased discomfort, potential damage to teeth, and even facial distortion, affecting the shape of the mouth and lips.
  • Correcting an overbite typically takes 6-18 months with braces, and after treatment, a retainer is often needed to maintain alignment.
  • Failure to follow aftercare instructions could result in the overbite returning and may require further intervention.

What is an Overbite?

Having a small overbite in your jawline – where your upper front teeth overlap your lower teeth – is normal and healthy. However, for some individuals, the gap between the overlap is more pronounced and is classified as an “overbite,” or a “bad bite.”

Overbites are typically diagnosed when upper teeth extend past lower teeth by more than 2-4 millimeters. Orthodontists may also refer to this condition as an “overjet” and will make certain recommendations for overbite treatment to help remedy the situation and fix an overbite from getting worse.

Common Causes For Developing an Overbite?

An overbite is something that can be noticeable at birth but can also be developed over time for a variety of reasons. Below are some of the most common causes of having an overbite:

  • Genetics – The most common cause of an overbite has to do with genetics and the inherited traits of parents. This can impact the alignment of your teeth and jawline and make you more predisposed to developing the condition at birth.
  • Excessive Nail Biting – Biting your nails is a bad habit. Not only does it introduce dirt and bacteria into your mouth, but it can also cause undue pressure to your front teeth. Over time, excessive nail bitting can start to push the upper jaw forward and extend the gap between the lower teeth.
  • Grinding Your Teeth – Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, happens when you start to place excessive force on teeth and the joints in your jaw. Teeth grinding can happen often without us even knowing, usually when you’re asleep. This condition can also be exacerbated in individuals who have diagnosed or undiagnosed sleep apnea and is another primary contributor to teeth misalignments, including overbites.
  • Tongue-thrusting – Some individuals have the habit of pushing their tongue against the roof of their mount and placing pressure on the back of their teeth. Too much pressure placed on your upper teeth can also cause them to overjet and cause bite issues.
  • Extended Use of Pacifiers or Thumb Sucking – While pacifiers can be effective for soothing young children, extended use of pacifiers or continuously sucking your thumb past the age of three can lead to jawline issues. The sucking motion places pressure on the upper teeth and can be another cause of developing an overbite.

Why is Orthodontic Treatment for an Overbite a Smart Move?

While at first, it may seem that having an overbite is simply an inconvenience, it can actually impact the way your mouth functions and could cause issues for your oral healthcare if left untreated.

Below are some of the reasons why it can be beneficial to speak to see an orthodontist and have them evaluate your upper and lower teeth to decide if an overbite treatment is necessary:

Issues With Normal Mouth Functions

We use our mouths for a number of important functions, including eating, drinking, talking, and breathing. However, developing an overbite can impact the overall movement of joints in your mouth and can make these activities much more difficult or lead to ongoing jaw pain or even gum disease.

Increased Discomfort

An overbite is a type of malocclusion that can get progressively worse over time. Because of the muscle strain and pressure on the joints this can cause, it can lead to ongoing discomfort in all areas of your mouth. Not only can this make biting and chewing food more difficult, but it can also lead to jaw pain and headaches.

Damage to Teeth

When you leave an overbite untreated, it will start to cause more wear and tear on your teeth and gums. This can then lead to an increased likelihood of cavities or gum recession. This can speed up the process of tooth decay and cause a number of other dental issues in the future.

Facial Distortion

A pronounced overbite will start to become visible even when your mouth is closed. It can start to change the overall shape of your mouth and lips. This form of facial distortion can progress over time and be an unwelcome side effect of the condition for many.

Can Braces Fix an Overbite?

Yes. Braces can be used in a variety of overbite cases to help reduce the severity of an overbite. Depending on how much adjustment is needed, there may be different appliances and hardware used to help reduce discomfort and to help speed up the correction as well as optional jaw surgery.

Some of the various types of braces available for overbite correction include:

Metal Braces

Metal braces are traditional format used to help treat a wide range of malocclusions, including overjets. The reason for this is that they provide the most strength and can be customized to help realign moderate to severe overbites, although a complete orthodontic treatment plan may include the use of multiple appliance types.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces offer a similar amount of strength and support as metal braces but are often chosen as a more discreet option when treating overbites. The one downside to using ceramic materials is that they can be slightly more fragile than metal solutions and may not be suitable for overbite corrections that require additional support and tension along the archwire.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are another option for individuals wanting a more hidden form of orthodontic treatment. Instead of having brackets on the front of the teeth, these braces are attached to the back of the teeth instead and hidden from view. One thing to consider when using this option is that the braces can potentially affect speech after they are placed since they can impede the tongue’s movement.

Aligners

A popular solution for adjusting an overbite is to use clear aligners like Invisalign. Unlike a braces fix, Invisalign is a removable product that’s made of custom-fitted plastic trays that serve the same purpose as metal braces. The great thing about aligners is that they require very little adjustment to your lifestyle since you’ll still be allowed to eat and drink what you want while only needing to follow a cleaning routine and remembering to wear them regularly.

How Long Does a Bite Alignment Take?

An overbite can range in severity and may also need to be treated in combination with other malocclusions to achieve the desired result. While there are individual factors that will contribute to the length of time a bite alignment will take, when using braces, a complete orthodontic treatment can range anywhere between 6-18 months.

However, when speaking to your orthodontist, there may be the potential to have your orthodontic treatment time lessened by using a hybrid approach. In these situations, you may be able to leverage the use of traditional braces and aligners while avoiding needing to have a braces fix for longer than necessary.

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