Overbite vs. normal bite

Many people associate beautiful smiles with straight, well-aligned teeth. Unfortunately, not everyone is naturally gifted with perfect teeth. Some people are born with an overbite, which can affect their appearance and oral health. This guide will help you understand the differences between overbite and normal teeth, their causes and effects, and their treatment options.

What is an overbite?

While an overlap should exist, an overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. Overbites can be mild to severe and may affect the smile, chewing, or general oral health.

Types of overbite

An Overbite can be classified into two types:

Skeletal overbite

The skeletal problem with the jawbone structure is when the upper jaw grows to be longer than the lower jaw.

Dental overbite

It relates to the upper teeth being misaligned and not fitting together properly.

What are normal teeth?

Normal teeth naturally align, with the upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower teeth, and there isn't any strain while biting and chewing. A well-aligned bite reduces the risk of dental problems and promotes optimal oral health.

Causes of overbite

The following are some of the causes of an overbite:

Genetics

Inborn features predispose a few people to jaw forms that cause the natural likelihood of having an overbite.

Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking in childhood can push teeth out of line.

Pacifier use

An overbite could result from prolonged use of a pacifier.

Teeth grinding

Continuous teeth clenching or grinding can cause misalignments, which worsens the symptoms of overbite.

Jaw growth issues

The reason behind an overbite can be uneven growth of the upper and lower jaw.

Tooth loss

Tooth loss creates gaps, leading to the gradual shifting of surrounding teeth. This misalignment can cause bite issues, jaw discomfort, and difficulty chewing.

Effects of overbite

An untreated overbite may lead to the following concerns:

Aesthetic problem

An overbite, inherited or otherwise, alters the face contour, instilling self-esteem problems.

Jaw pain

The overbite increases tension in the jaw muscle and causes pain and discomfort.

Tooth wear

Poorly aligned teeth could cause uneven damage to them.

Gum Problems

Due to a deep overbite, the lower teeth can sometimes touch the gums behind the upper teeth, irritating them.

Difficulty Chewing

Severe overbite may make chewing difficult, leading to digestive complications.

Correcting overbite

Several methods can be employed in correcting an overbite:

Braces

Traditional braces are one of the most effective treatments for correcting an overbite. They use brackets and wires to slowly and steadily move teeth into proper alignment.

Clear aligners

For a discreet treatment, clear aligners like CasperSmile are used to straighten minor-to-moderate overbites. They are custom-made, removable trays, that gradually shift teeth into appropriate positions without metal brackets.

Take a simple smile assessment today at Caspersmile!

Answer a few quick questions to find out if you are eligible for the clear aligner treatment.

Take a free assessment

Palate expanders (For children & teens)

A palate expander can be used as a preventive or corrective treatment for an overbite while a child or teen is still growing. It is most effective during jaw development.

Jaw surgery

Orthognathic surgery may be used in extremely severe overbites caused by jaw misalignment. This type of surgery repositions the jaw and fixes it with plates or screws for balanced bite maintenance, which is rarely used in children but rather advised for adults with considerable skeletal problems.

Tooth extraction

Tooth extractions may be necessary when you have an overbite due to overcrowding. When certain teeth are extracted, they leave space for the remaining teeth to shift into a better position and improve the bite.

Overbite vs. normal: Key differences

How Caspersmile Clear Aligners can help in addressing overbite

Clear aligners have proven to be the most effective and discreet way to correct an overbite without traditional braces. Caspersmile clear aligners offer a highly comfortable and nearly invisible solution to gradually align teeth into their proper position.

Here's the advantage of using Caspersmile Clear Aligners:

Invisible appearance

As their name suggests, clear aligners are difficult to detect. Therefore, it is the most preferable choice for teenagers and adults.

Removable

You can easily remove them when eating, drinking, or brushing, allowing improved dental hygiene.

Comfortable fit

Aligners are custom-made to fit snugly and to brace up comfortably.

Less dental visits

Clear aligners require fewer dental visits compared to traditional braces.

Want to correct your overbite discreetly and comfortably?

Start your journey toward a confident smile today with Caspersmile clear aligners that fit your lifestyle!

Order now!

Recap

An overbite can affect your oral health and confidence. Fortunately, modern treatments such as Caspersmile clear aligners offer a comfortable and effective means of correcting overbites. If you are concerned about your overbite, consult an orthodontist to explore the best treatment options.

FAQs

How do I know if I have an overbite? +

A significant covering of the lower teeth by the upper teeth while biting down indicates an overbite, which only dentists should confirm.

Can an overbite be fixed without braces? +

Yes, mild to moderate overbites can be corrected with clear aligners, or even altering some habits instead of braces. However, braces are the most effective method for correcting a severe overbite.

Is an overbite bad for my health? +

A severe overbite can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and gum diseases, though if treated at early stages one could prevent such complications..

Can overbites get worse with age? +

Overbites can worsen as people age, especially if they have factors such as teeth grinding or jaw misalignment that contribute to these conditions.