Overbite: Causes, effects, and solutions

Explore how overbites affect dental health and the effective treatments available to correct them.  

Overbites impact more than just the look of your smile—they can also cause discomfort and affect oral health. The Motto team at Aspen Dental are dedicated to helping you find your best smile. 

What is an overbite? 

An overbite is a common type of malocclusion (misaligned teeth) where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth. While slight overbites are normal, significant misalignments may cause jaw pain, speech issues, and uneven tooth wear. The correct treatment can ensure improved oral health and function. 

Types of malocclusions

Overbite

An overbite is characterized by the upper teeth significantly overlapping the lower teeth. It rarely causes discomfort, but severe cases can lead to premature wear of the teeth and jaw discomfort. 

Overjet (Buckteeth)

Overjet, often confused with overbite, refers to the horizontal protrusion of the upper teeth beyond the lower teeth. Also known as “buckteeth”, this malocclusion is more pronounced than a typical overbite, it can impact both aesthetics and function, possibly requiring corrective dental procedures.  

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend forward beyond the upper teeth. This alignment can complicate biting and chewing and may accelerate wear on your teeth enamel. Treatment options typically include orthodontic interventions to realign the teeth and jaw properly. 

Bite by bite: Understanding types of dental alignments

From overbites to crowded teeth and spacing issues, malocclusions present in diverse forms, contributing to individualized dental profiles. These conditions not only affect the alignment of teeth but may also impact overall oral health and function.

Causes of overbite teeth

Overbites can arise from a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences, making them a common dental concern. Understanding the root causes can shed light on effective prevention and treatment strategies. The most prevalent reasons for overbite development include: 

Inherited jaw structure

Childhood habits

Excessive bone growth

Crowding and misalignment

Injury or trauma

The effects of overbite on teeth

Tooth wear

The constant contact and pressure from the upper teeth can lead to enamel erosion on the lower teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity.

Gum damage

The lower front teeth may rub against the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth, causing gum recession and increasing the risk of periodontal disease.

Aesthetic concerns

Overbites can make the upper teeth appear more prominent, affecting the overall appearance of your smile and facial profile.

Difficulty in chewing and speaking

Severe overbites can affect the way you bite and chew food, potentially leading to digestive issues. Additionally, they can interfere with speech, causing difficulties in pronouncing certain words and sounds.

Effective treatment options for overbite correction 

A woman with braces on her teeth is holding a clear retainer in her mouth.

Orthodontic treatment

For mild to moderate overbites, Motto® Clear Aligners, braces, or retainers may be recommended to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment.

A doctor is talking to a patient who is sitting in a chair

Jaw surgery

In cases of severe overbite where the problem stems from misaligned jaws, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to reposition the upper and lower jaws.

An illustration of a mouth with a palate expander on the teeth.

Palate expander

In children with narrow upper jaws contributing to overbite, palatal expanders can be used to widen the palate gradually. 

A man is smiling in front of a nurse who is holding a tablet

Behavioral modification

In cases where overbite is caused by oral habits like thumb sucking, behavior modification techniques may be employed to break the habit and prevent further complications.

Preventing overbite 

A woman in blue scrubs is smiling and holding a turquoise Motto clear aligners case.

Early orthodontic evaluation

Regular dental check-ups starting from childhood allow for early detection of orthodontic issues like overbite, enabling timely intervention.

A person is holding a dental aligner in one hand and a syringe in the other, while standing in front of a mirror.

Encouraging good oral habits

Parents should encourage children to develop good oral habits like proper tongue posture and discouraging thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond infancy. 

A toddler with curly hair drinks from a sippy cup with blue cover and clear cup, and filled with orange liquid.

Limiting bottle and sippy cup use

Minimizing the use of feeding bottles and sippy cups can help prevent overbite by promoting proper tongue and jaw development.

Close-up of a person, their hand partially obscuring their face, placing a yellow mouth guard on their upper front teeth.

Wearing mouthguards

Athletes participating in contact sports should wear mouthguards to protect their teeth from trauma, which can contribute to overbite.

The role of dentists and orthodontists in treating overbite 

Our dentists and orthodontists play a crucial role in diagnosing overbites, a common orthodontic issue that can lead to potential complications if left unaddressed. With a personalized treatment plan developed and guided by our care team at Aspen Dental, you can look forward to improved oral health, enhanced functionality, and a confident smile.  

Overbite FAQs

Yes, an overbite can be fixed with the right orthodontic treatment. The best approach depends on the severity of the overbite and the specific needs of the patient. It’s best to talk with your Aspen Dental care team to get the best treatment for your smile.

Yes, correcting an overbite can improve oral function, reduce the risk of tooth wear and damage, alleviate pain, and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.

An untreated overbite can lead to several issues, such as excessive tooth wear, chipped teeth due due to uneven pressure, jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and difficulties with chewing and speaking. 

For the most part, having a mild overbite is common and unharmful. However, if your overbite is more severe, seeking treatment might be necessary.

No, an overbite typically does not correct itself. Addressing an overbite usually requires orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners to adjust the alignment of the teeth and jaw.  

Enhance your smile journey 

Your bite matters

Properly aligned teeth do more than just enhance your smile; they improve your overall oral health. Correcting an overbite can significantly increase your comfort and prevent future dental issues, which can save you on time, money and pain. Visit Aspen Dental to explore your treatment options and start your journey to a healthier smile.