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Overbite: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. This common dental misalignment can cause discomfort and is treated orthodontically.

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Things worth knowing about "Overbite"

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. This common dental misalignment can cause discomfort and is treated orthodontically.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite (also called a deep bite) is a dental misalignment in which the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. Under normal conditions, the upper teeth should cover the lower teeth by approximately 2 to 3 millimetres. When this overlap is significantly greater, it is classified as a pronounced overbite.

It is important to distinguish between a vertical overbite (deep bite), where the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth vertically, and a horizontal overbite (overjet), where the upper front teeth protrude too far forward. In everyday language, the term overbite is often used to describe both types.

Causes

An overbite can result from a variety of factors:

Genetics: The shape and size of the jaw are often inherited from parents.
Childhood habits: Prolonged thumb-sucking, extended pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can interfere with normal jaw development.
Early loss of baby teeth: Premature loss of primary teeth can cause permanent teeth to erupt in incorrect positions.
Jaw development issues: An underdeveloped or recessed lower jaw contributes significantly to an overbite.
Mouth breathing: Chronic mouth breathing, for example due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, can affect jaw growth patterns.

Symptoms

A mild overbite may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, in more severe cases, the following symptoms may occur:

Difficulty chewing or biting food properly
Speech difficulties or lisping
Jaw and facial pain
Headaches
Excessive tooth wear (attrition)
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Sleep disturbances in severe cases

Diagnosis

An overbite is diagnosed through a dental or orthodontic examination, which may include:

Clinical examination: The dentist or orthodontist assesses tooth alignment and bite relationships.
X-rays: Lateral cephalometric radiographs and panoramic X-rays help evaluate the jaw structure and tooth roots.
Dental impressions or digital scans: These create models of the teeth for precise analysis.
Photographic documentation: Facial and intraoral photographs are used for treatment planning.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the severity of the overbite and the age of the patient:

Orthodontic Treatment (Children and Adolescents)

Removable appliances: Functional orthodontic devices such as activators or bionators guide jaw growth in the correct direction.
Fixed braces (brackets): Move teeth into the correct position over time.
Palate expanders: Used when the upper jaw is too narrow, to create more space for the teeth.

Treatment for Adults

Fixed braces or clear aligners: Transparent aligners (e.g. Invisalign) or traditional brackets can correct the bite in adults as well.
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery): In cases of severe overbite with a skeletal cause, corrective jaw surgery (osteotomy) may be required.
Dental restorations and occlusal splints: Used to relieve pressure on the jaw joint and to address milder cases.

Prognosis and Prevention

The earlier an overbite is identified and treated, the better the outcomes. In children, the still-active jaw growth can be used to effectively guide the bite into proper alignment. Avoiding habits such as thumb-sucking and maintaining regular dental check-ups help prevent an overbite from developing or allow for early detection.

References

Proffit W. R., Fields H. W., Sarver D. M.: Contemporary Orthodontics. 6th Edition. Elsevier, 2018.
World Health Organization (WHO): Oral Health. Fact Sheet. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO): Overbite. Patient Education Resources. www.aaoinfo.org

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