Hi everyone, Dr. Matheson here at Matheson Dentistry. Today I'm going to talk a little bit about overbites and answer some of the common questions that we get and help you understand what it is and if it's something that needs to be treated.
What is an overbite, and how does it differ from a normal bite?
There are two kinds of overbites. One is called a vertical overbit,e and one is a horizontal overbite. A horizontal overbite is when your upper teeth come over your lower teeth, and they stick way out horizontally. The other is a vertical overbite, where the upper teeth really cover up the lower teeth a lot vertically. Those are the two types of overbites.
What is the difference between an overbite and an overjet?
An overbite and an overjet are terms that can sometimes be used almost interchangeably. An overjet is really like a horizontal overbite, indicating how far your upper teeth protrude compared to your lower teeth. Sometimes that's called an overjet. A vertical overbite is basically how much of the lower teeth the upper teeth cover, whether it's all, half, or just a quarter of it. That's the difference between overbite and overjet.
How does an overbite compare to an underbite, and how are they treated differently?
There's another term in this context: an underbite. This occurs in only 5% of the population, where the lower teeth are further out than the upper teeth, creating a look sometimes described as more bulldog-like, with the chin protruding. That's what an underbite is.
How does an overbite affect a person's smile and side profile?
A little bit of an overbite is actually normal. Ideally, the upper teeth should cover the lower teeth a little, not edge to edge. We don't want the upper teeth to be far out in front horizontally or longer vertically than they should be. When they're positioned incorrectly, it can affect someone's profile, making the front teeth appear as "buck teeth" or "rabbit teeth." If the overbite is too pronounced, it can lead to teeth wearing down over time. If you're concerned about your overbite, I'd love to sit down with you for a consultation. Please give us a call to make a free appointment.
What are the causes of an overbite?
There are multiple causes of an overbite. Number one is your DNA, essentially, how you are formed. Other factors include how you develop, whether you are a mouth breather or a nasal breather, if you had braces as a child, and certain childhood habits. While DNA plays the biggest role, if you're concerned, please call Matheson Dentistry for a free consultation to discuss your overbite.
What is considered a severe overbite? How does it impact oral health?
A severe overbite is when your top teeth really cover the bottom teeth, sometimes causing the lower teeth to hit the roof of your mouth when biting down. This can lead to problems, including infections and irregular tooth wear. I had a severe vertical overbite myself, and corrected it because my teeth were wearing irregularly. If this concerns you, please make a free consultation to discuss options for correcting your overbite.
What are the risks of leaving a severe overbite untreated?
Leaving a severe overbite untreated can lead to irregular tooth wear. Our front and back teeth work together to protect each other, and a large overbite can cause back teeth to wear down. Additionally, lower teeth can hit the roof of the mouth, potentially causing infections. Untreated overbites can also lead to front teeth wearing away. If you're concerned, I'd love to sit down with you for a no-cost consultation to discuss your overbite.
How can an overbite be corrected, and what treatment options are available?
There are several ways to treat an overbite. Orthodontics can move teeth into a better position, which is what I did. Depending on your teeth's health, we might correct it prosthetically with crowns or veneers, or in severe cases, by removing teeth. If you're concerned about your overbite or underbite, I'd love to discuss available options with you.
Can Invisalign or braces fix an overbite?
It varies from person to person. Traditional braces are one way to correct an overbite or underbite. Clear aligners like Invisalign, Candid, or Clear Correct can also help correct some types of overbites or underbites. If you have questions about correcting your overbite, please make a free consultation to discuss the best route for you.
How long does it take to fix an overbite with braces or Invisalign?
The time to correct an overbite orthodontically with braces or clear aligners varies for each individual. Some people have severe overbites, while others have minor ones. Correction can take as little as nine months or up to two years, depending on the situation. If you have questions about your case, please call us to discuss what the correction process will look like for you.
How does overbite correction work with braces?
Correcting overbites with braces involves placing traditional braces on your teeth and visiting for monthly adjustments. Treatment usually lasts between 18 months to two years, gradually moving teeth into the correct position. Sometimes rubber bands are used to aid this process. If you're unsure whether traditional braces or clear aligners are best for you, please make a consultation for more guidance.
What do overbite before and after results typically look like?
We have achieved amazing results from treating overbites. We've corrected severe overbites, underbites, and significant horizontal overbites. Treating overbites often improves facial profiles, bringing back protruding upper teeth and lips. If you're interested in treating your overbite, please call Matheson Dentistry at (480) 888-8123 for a consultation to explore what's possible for you.