What is an overbite

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a dental condition where the upper and lower teeth don't come together properly, and the upper jaw extends more than usual. What sets an overbite apart from simple misalignment is that the issue isn't just crooked teeth; it's the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.

Types of an overbite

Vertical overbite

The upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth vertically. In severe cases, the lower teeth may touch the gums or the roof of the mouth.

Horizontal overbite (Overjet)

A horizontal overbite, also referred to as an “overjet,” occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward in relation to the lower teeth. Often confused with an overbite, but this is about how far forward the teeth stick out, not just the overlap.

What causes an overbite?

Overbites can develop for a variety of reasons, often beginning in childhood. The causes generally fall into three groups: dental, skeletal, and habit-related.

Dental causes

Teeth that erupt at the wrong angle or position can leave spaces between the upper and lower arches. Early loss of baby teeth or overcrowding may also disrupt proper bite development. For instance, if a child loses baby teeth too early, the permanent ones may erupt at an odd angle, causing teeth to grow forward.

Skeletal causes

These are related to jawbone structure and tend to be harder to treat. If the upper jaw grows too much or the lower jaw grows too slowly, the bite won't close as it should. Skeletal overbites often run in families, meaning children may inherit the condition.

Habit-related causes

Extended thumb sucking beyond age 4-5 can push teeth forward, causing an overbite. Tongue thrusting (pressing the tongue against teeth when swallowing) creates constant pressure. Prolonged pacifier or bottle use can also affect jaw and tooth growth.

Symptoms and effects of overbite

An overbite affects more than just appearance. While some notice the issue in childhood, others may not recognize the impact until adulthood, when strain on the teeth and jaw becomes more obvious. Here are the common ways it can influence daily life:

Visible overlap

One of the first noticeable signs is a significant overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. This can make the bite appear uneven or “overbite,” and it's often noticeable when smiling, talking, or even at rest.

Chewing difficulties

When teeth don't align correctly, everyday foods can be harder to bite and chew. Biting into an apple, sandwich, or pizza slice may feel awkward, while tougher foods like meat may take more effort. Over time, this can cause inefficient chewing, digestive issues, and discomfort during meals.

Speech problems

An overbite can change how the tongue and teeth interact while speaking. This may create a lisp or make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds such as “s,” “z,” and “th.” Children may develop speech habits that continue into adulthood, often requiring therapy or orthodontic care to improve clarity.

Jaw pain & TMJ issues

If the bite doesn't close naturally, extra stress is placed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This can lead to muscle tension, popping or clicking sounds when opening the mouth, headaches, earaches, and even pain in the neck or shoulders. In more severe cases, it may progress into TMJ disorder, a chronic issue that impacts quality of life.

Tooth wear and damage

Uneven contact causes certain teeth to absorb more pressure than others. This speeds up enamel erosion, raises the risk of chips or cracks, and can make teeth wear down unevenly. If untreated, this may cause sensitivity and the need for restorative dental treatment.

Impact on confidence and mental well-being

Aside from physical effects, many with noticeable overbites feel insecure about their smile. They may avoid photos, smile less, or feel hesitant in social and professional settings. Over time, this can lower self-esteem and affect communication and confidence.

Diagnosis: How dentists identify an overbite

Diagnosing an overbite involves more than just examining your teeth. Orthodontists use several methods:

Clinical exam

Check how your teeth meet when you close your mouth.

X-Rays & imaging

To see if the issue comes from jaw growth (skeletal) or tooth position (dental).

3D Digital scans

Used to create customized treatment plans.

Habit history

Asking about childhood habits like thumb sucking or speech patterns.

This thorough approach ensures treatment addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Overbite treatment options

How do you fix overbite teeth? The good news is that overbites can almost always be corrected. The right treatment depends on whether the cause is dental or skeletal, and the patient's age. Children's jaws are easier to guide, while adults may need more advanced treatment. Evolution in dentistry has provided several options to fix overbite teeth, including braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.

Braces for overbite

Braces remain one of the most reliable treatments, especially for kids and teens.

How they work

Brackets and wires apply steady pressure to shift teeth into position until the bite closes naturally. It usually takes 18-24 months for teeth to shift to a desirable place.

Ideal usage

Dental overbites and younger patients with developing jaws.

Benefits

Corrects overbite along with crowding, gaps, or rotations.

Drawbacks

Some discomfort and cosmetic concerns, though modern braces are more discreet. Braces are considered the gold standard for children and teens.

Clear aligners

A perfect alternative to traditional braces for anyone looking forward to getting their teeth straightened without having any compromise to their appearance. They are composed of transparent plastic that helps to transform your smile without getting noticed. Usually, aligners are worn for 22 hours every day to align your teeth in just four to six months.

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How they work

Aligners are worn for a consistent period over time to help move teeth to a desirable position.

Benefits

Clear aligners are nearly invisible, can be removed easily for eating or brushing. It is an ideal option for people who do not want to compromise their appearance while getting their smile aligned.

Drawbacks

Must be worn 20-22 hours daily, not effective for severe skeletal issues. Great for motivated adults who want a subtle option.

Orthodontic Appliances

Useful for younger children to prevent teeth from getting in worse condition. Appliances like palatal expanders (widen the upper jaw) and tongue cribs (stop tongue thrusting) help to ensure the alignment of teeth. They are best suited for children under 12 years of age.

Benefits

It can prevent the need for surgery later.

Drawbacks

Temporary speech issues or discomfort. Early treatment can save money, time, and prevent future surgery.

Overbite surgery

Individuals with severe dental issues can opt for a surgical option.

How it works

The jaw is surgically repositioned, followed by orthodontics. It is ideal for adults with severe jaw misalignment. It usually takes 4-6 weeks, often with a soft-food diet.

Benefits

Permanent correction, improved facial balance.

Drawbacks

Invasive, expensive, and long recovery.

Behavioral therapy

Targets the habits behind overbites.

How it works

Exercises retrain the tongue, lips, and jaw muscles.

Benefits

Non-invasive, prevents relapse after treatment.

Drawbacks

It can't correct moderate or severe cases on its own.

When to seek treatment

Not every overbite needs urgent care, but see a dentist if you notice:

Treatment is easier in children because their jaws are still growing. Adults can still achieve great results, but severe cases may require surgery.

How can Caspersmile help in addressing overbite?

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

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Why choose 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.

Fewer dental visits

Clear aligners require fewer dental visits compared to traditional braces.

Overbite treatment

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 it. If you are concerned about your overbite, consult an orthodontist to explore the best treatment options.

Frequently asked questions

What is an overbite? +

An overbite is a type of malocclusion where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than normal.

What causes an overbite to develop? +

Causes include dental misalignment, skeletal jaw issues, or habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.

Can thumb sucking or tongue thrusting really cause an overbite? +

Yes, if these habits continue past early childhood, they can interfere with normal bite development.

What problems can an overbite create for eating and speaking? +

It can cause chewing difficulties, speech impediments (lisps), jaw strain, and uneven tooth wear.

How is an overbite diagnosed by a dentist or orthodontist? +

Through a clinical exam, X-rays, and a review of patient habits or history.

What are the treatment options for children with an overbite? +

Children may be treated with braces, expanders, or habit-breaking devices, depending on severity.

Can adults fix an overbite without surgery? +

Yes, many adults see excellent results with braces or clear aligners, though severe skeletal cases may require surgery.

When is surgery necessary for treating an overbite? +

Surgery is needed when the cause is skeletal (jaw-related) and orthodontics alone cannot fix it.

How long does overbite treatment usually take? +

Most orthodontic treatments last 12-24 months. Surgical cases may take longer due to healing and combined treatment.