Overbite: types of overbite & how to correct it

People with an overbite usually consider orthodontic treatment. Most consider it for aesthetic purposes but an overbite can have lasting effects on the overall oral health as well. Fixing the overbite won’t just enhance your smile but also prevent dental problems down the line.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite is an orthodontic condition when the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw. While a small overbite is necessary for a proper bite, if the overlap is too much, it could pose an issue.

An overlap of more than 2-3 mm is considered as a deep overbite and should be addressed by an orthodontist. Those with a deep overbite usually suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, headaches, and they might grind and clench their teeth a lot.

Types of Overbite

There are two main types of overbite:

**Skeletal Overbite: **

This results from irregular jawbone development and causes the teeth and jaws to grow improperly

**Dental: **

This is a result of an external interruption of dental development. It could include loss of back teeth, crowding of teeth, or bad oral habits.

Overjet vs Overbite

You may confuse an overbite and overjet, however, both are different.

In an overjet, there is a horizontal gap between the top and bottom front teeth. It may not necessarily lead to an overbite. However, those with an excessive overjet will probably have excessive overbite as well.

An experienced orthodontist will be able to treat both the conditions at the same time. If you think you have an overbite, you need to seriously consider getting an orthodontic treatment.

Problems Caused by an Overbite

Did you think out loud that you don’t need treatment for an overbite? We’ll give you a few reasons why you should get it fixed.

Some issues caused by overbite teeth include:

•   Speed impediments

•   Trouble in chewing

•   Breathing issues

•   Damage to teeth and gums

•   Pain while biting or chewing

•   Change in the appearance of the face

This makes it important that you seek early treatment.

Importance of Early Treatment

An overbite will deepen over time and wear down the teeth due to constantly clenching and grinding. As a result, the overbite, will become more pronounced.

The overbite will also make it difficult to clean the teeth and gums properly which will lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

If you avoid getting overbite treatment, you will find yourself in a world of pain, literally. So, get to an orthodontist to get it treated.

How to Correct Overbite

Overbite correction options include:

Braces: Metal, ceramic, or lingual braces are common orthodontic options to correct an overbite.

Clear Aligners: If you are looking for a more comfortable and invisible option, clear aligners is the way to go.

toothsi aligners are transparent trays that you pop in your mouth. They are removable, which means there are no food restrictions and you will get effective results at the end of the treatment.

Final Words

If you have an overbite, you need to get address it immediately. Delaying it will only lead to more problem than you can imagine. So, book your free scan now and start your treatment.