What Is Overbite?

Overbite is a dental malocclusion where the upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Under normal conditions, the upper incisors should slightly overlap the lower incisors, but when this overlap is excessive, it is classified as an overbite.

Types of Overbite

There are two main types of overbite:

• Vertical Overbite – Occurs when the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth in a vertical direction.

• Horizontal Overbite (Increased Overjet) – Occurs when the upper teeth protrude too far forward in relation to the lower teeth.

Causes of Overbite

Overbite can be caused by a variety of genetic and acquired factors, including:

1. Genetic Factors

The shape and size of the jaws and teeth are often inherited, which can lead to poor dental alignment.

2. Prolonged Childhood Habits

Certain childhood habits can contribute to overbite development, such as:

• Thumb sucking

• Extended use of dummies (pacifiers) or baby bottles

• Pushing the teeth with the tongue (atypical swallowing)

3. Irregular Jaw Growth

If the upper jaw grows more than the lower jaw, the teeth may become misaligned, leading to overbite.

4. Premature Tooth Loss

The loss of teeth at an early age can cause the remaining teeth to shift, altering the bite and promoting overbite.

5. Dental Crowding

If there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth, they can shift into incorrect positions, causing misalignment.

Consequences of Untreated Overbite

If overbite is not corrected in time, it can cause long-term problems, such as:

• Excessive tooth wear, increasing the risk of fractures and cavities.

• Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues due to poor bite force distribution.

• Difficulty chewing and speaking, affecting both dental function and aesthetics.

• Breathing problems, especially in cases of severe overbite.

Treatments to Correct Overbite

The treatment for overbite depends on the patient's age and the severity of the case. Some of the most effective options include:

1. Braces (Traditional Orthodontics)

Metal, ceramic, or sapphire braces are one of the most common solutions for correcting overbite. These appliances apply controlled pressure on the teeth, gradually aligning them.

2. Invisible Orthodontics (Invisalign®)

Clear aligners such as Invisalign® are a discreet and comfortable alternative for correcting overbite. They are removable, almost invisible, and often provide faster results compared to traditional braces.

3. Palatal Expansion

For children and teenagers, palatal expanders can help widen the palate, improving dental alignment and preventing overbite issues in adulthood.

4. Night Guards and Orthopaedic Devices

In some cases, night guards or functional appliances are recommended to help improve jaw positioning and correct overbite.

How to Prevent Overbite?

Although some causes of overbite are genetic, there are preventive measures that can reduce the risk:

• Avoid harmful habits in childhood, such as thumb sucking or prolonged dummy (pacifier) use.

• Attend regular dental check-ups from an early age to detect alignment problems in time

• Treat dental crowding early with orthodontics

•  Follow orthodontist recommendations to prevent overbite from worsening over time.

Conclusion

Overbite is a common misalignment issue that, if left untreated, can cause functional and aesthetic problems in the mouth. Fortunately, there are various orthodontic treatments available to effectively improve alignment and correct the bite.

At Inima Dental Clinic Marbella, we offer personalised treatments using advanced technology to correct overbite and give you a harmonious, healthy smile.

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