Hi, I'm Dr. Dao at Healthy Smiles Dental. I'm here to answer some of the most common questions that people ask about what an overbite is. I hope that we can help answer these questions and help you understand better what a treatment for an overbite entails and how we can improve it for life.
What is an overbite and how does it differ from a normal bite?
An overbite is when the bite is deeper than normal. In a normal bite, you can see the lower teeth when you smile. With an overbite, the bite is deeper, and you don't see much of the lower teeth when smiling. That is an overbite.
What is the difference between an overbite and overjet?
An overbite is when the bite on the bottom is deeper inside. Overjet, on the other hand, is when you see more of the horizontal space between the top and bottom teeth. That space is overjet.
How does an overbite compare to an underbite and how are they treated differently?
An underbite is less pronounced than an overbite. The treatment is different; for an overbite, the treatment involves adjusting the deep bite, while for an underbite, the treatment is in the opposite direction, mechanically.
How does an overbite affect a person's smile and side profile?
An overbite affects the way you smile. In a normal smile, you can see both the upper and lower teeth balanced. With an overbite, you mainly see the upper teeth. From a side view, an overbite can make the face look shorter than normal.
What are the causes of an overbite and can it worsen over time?
Causes of an overbite may include the top teeth erupting too much or the bottom teeth being positioned incorrectly. Over time, if the teeth are locked, the bottom teeth may break or become locked, leading to TMJ problems, pain, headaches, tense muscles, or gum disease. This can result in losing teeth if not treated over a long period.
What is considered a severe overbite and how does it impact oral health?
A severe overbite can cause TMJ pain, teeth breaking, losing teeth, gum disease, and headaches. Leaving a severe overbite untreated can lead to these issues.
How can an overbite be corrected and what treatment options are available?
An overbite can be treated with several options. The first is to intrude the teeth with braces or aligners like Invisalign. Another option is to crown the teeth to open space for alignment. Veneers or crowns can be used to treat an overbite.
How long does it take to fix an overbite with braces or Invisalign?
Typically, it takes around 12 to 15 months to fix an overbite with braces or Invisalign.
How does overbite correction with braces work?
Overbite correction with braces involves intruding the teeth down, which means pushing the teeth down with braces. Sometimes, elastics are used to help move the teeth up or down.
Are there natural ways to fix an overbite without braces or surgery?
Without braces or surgery, a crown or bridge is another way to correct an overbite.
When is overbite surgery necessary?
Surgery is necessary in severe cases when the problem is not with the teeth but with the jaw. Surgery may be needed if the jaw has developed in a way that causes the overbite.
I hope these answers help clarify what an overbite is and what we can do to improve it and enhance life. If you have any additional questions or are ready to take action, please give us a call at (724) 308-9360. Again, (724) 308-9360. We are happy to help. Thank you so much.