Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and, if you’re not totally happy with it, it can severely knock your confidence.
The most common smile issues we encounter are concerns about bite, particularly overbites. The vast majority of people have an overbite of some description. However, when the overbite is too deep, it can be problematic.
But what is a deep overbite and how is it corrected?
What is an overbite?
An overbite is where your upper front teeth and lower front teeth overlap. Most people have an overbite to some extent, but if there is an excessive vertical overlap between the top and bottom teeth, this is known as a deep overbite.
A normal, healthy overbite is usually around 1-2mm. If an overbite is deeper than this, it can result in excessive tooth wear, the protrusion of the front teeth, and even damage to the gums behind the upper teeth. In the most severe cases, this can even lead to the loss of the front teeth.
What causes an overbite?
An overbite can be caused by a range of different factors, including:
- Gum disease
- Worn, broken down teeth
- Loss of teeth from the back of the mouth
- Genetics
- Teeth crowding
- Failing dental work
- Habits such as nail biting, thumb sucking, and teeth grinding.
Do you need to fix an overbite?
If your overbite is too deep, it can be incredibly detrimental to the teeth and gums, causing a range of problems, from the wearing down of your teeth, to pain in your jaw. Not only this, but it can also impact the overall aesthetic of your smile and your confidence.
A deep overbite is one of the most serious types of bite disorder, which can lead to the loss of the front teeth if it isn’t managed and treated. With this in mind, it is usually advisable to correct a deep overbite.
How do you fix an overbite?
These days, it can be relatively easy to correct a deep overbite, using a combination of effective orthodontic and restorative treatment options.
A deep overbite can be corrected through orthodontic treatments, including:
- Hidden lingual braces
- Clear braces
- Fixed labial braces
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign.
As well as braces, treatment for a deep overbite may also include restorative techniques to correct any damage the teeth have incurred as a result of the deep overbite. This might include:
- Composite bonding
- Porcelain veneers and overlays
- Crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
The amount of time it takes to correct a deep overbite will depend on the severity of the overbite, as well as the required treatment. Each case is different, and the treatment will be planned based on the patient’s individual needs. However, orthodontic treatment will usually take between one to three years. When the braces or aligners have been removed, retainers will be required to keep the teeth in their new position.
Do overbites get worse with age?
The space between the upper and lower front teeth can increase over time, worsening the overbite. In addition to this, the long-term effects of a deep overbite will cause more problems over time, meaning additional restorative treatment may be required.
For younger patients, a deep overbite can usually be corrected using the orthodontic treatment techniques discussed above. In older patients, however, there is a greater risk of significant tooth wear, missing teeth, or broken-down teeth, meaning that restorative treatment is also usually required.
Transform your smile today
If you’re not 100% happy with your smile, you owe it to yourself to do something about it. Contact us today to discuss life-changing overbite treatment. If you would prefer to talk to us about Invisalign, please call: 01753 833 755.
