What is an Overbite Teeth? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

An overbite is one of the most common problems that immediately requires an orthodontic treatment. It refers to the misalignment of the teeth. When the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth in more proportion – overbite teeth occur.

The primary reason for quick attention is because the condition causes health and psychological problems. The treatment and time duration largely depend upon the severity. If it is left untreated, it can cause tooth erosion, halt jaw movements, and so much more.

What is Overbite Teeth?

Overbite is a dental condition where your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth more than they should. It’s a type of misalignment often referred to as “buck teeth.” While a slight overbite is normal, excessive overlap can lead to jaw pain, tooth damage, and difficulty biting or chewing.

Symptoms of Overbite Teeth

One can easily identify an overbite especially when the front teeth are overlapping the lower teeth more. Additionally, there are a few other symptoms that can depict that an individual has overbite.

• Wear and tear of Tooth
• Breathing problem
• Pain while chewing food
• Gum cuts and diseases
• Jaw pain
• Cavities
• Unable to form straight sentences/speech problem
• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

Overbite Causes

Overbite can also be genetic (runs in the families) For instance, the jaw structure and jaw shape can affect the alignment of your teeth.

Other causes comprise are: 

• Nail biting
• Teeth grinding
• Thumb or pacifier sucking postage of 3
• Tongue thrusting – pressing it too forward

Overbite Complications

Overbite is a condition that should not be left untreated. It’s alarming and one should consult an orthodontist immediately. If not, it could lead to multiple health conditions like:

• Jaw stiffness and movement
• Migraine
• Earache
• Unable to chew
• Tooth decay
• Gum ailment
• Neck pain

Types of Overbite Teeth

There are primarily 2 types of overbites.

1. Vertical: In this condition the upper teeth will overlap the lower teeth base.
2. Horizontal: In this type of overbite, the upper teeth stand out over the bottom teeth.

How do Doctors Diagnose Overbite?

Your first visit should be to the dentist who will first examine the overbite. They might even conduct dental X-rays to understand your teeth’ alignment. Additionally, they may suggest you consult an orthodontist who specializes in teeth and jaw.

Overbite Treatment

How to Fix Overbite in Children?

Children are consistently growing. Hence their bones are soft and offer fast healing. Due to this, you do not need to consult an orthodontist. Dentists will suggest multiple treatments like:

• Braces: To move the teeth in alignment.
• Headgear: For the protection and correction of the jaw.
• Removal of the Baby Teeth: Dentists often remove the baby tooth for the adult tooth.
• Retainers: to keep the alignment of teeth after braces.

How To Fix Overbite in Adults?

For adults, the orthodontic system comes to the rescue. Here’s how the dental expert can fix overbite in adults.

• Clear Braces: These are used to keep the teeth intact and in the correct position.
• Tooth extraction: Removing the old teeth to make some space for more teeth.
• Jaw Surgery: Many times if the overbite is misaligned, then your doctor may suggest you undergo orthodontic surgery.
• Retainers: To retain the movement of teeth after treatment.

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FAQs

1. What is the Difference Between Overbite and Normal?

   The major difference is that the normal also known as slight overbite is not observable. Additionally, there are no side effects of normal bites. The front teeth will sit over the lower front teeth structure.

2. What is the Difference Overbite and Overjet?

   Between Overbite and Overjet, the difference lies in the direction. With an overbite, the upper teeth will vertically lay on the bottom teeth. While in the overbite, it extends below the surface of lower front teeth.

3. How Much Overbite is Normal?

   Around 2-4 MM size overbite is normal and considered as an average size. It can be easily treated through braces.

4. Can I leave Overbite untreated?

   If you leave overbite untreated then there are high stakes of developing health complications. These consist of damage to teeth from abnormal positioning, jaw pain, and other disorders.

5. Do Overbites Get Worse With Age?

   Unfortunately, yes, overbites do get worse with age. It can cause several symptoms like headache, chewing trouble, sinus, jaw pain, gum disease, tooth cavities, facial structure, and more.