What Does an Overbite Look Like?
Overbites are considered one of the most common orthodontic problems in the UK, reportedly affecting 1 in 4 people. Although overbites are a persistent issue for many, there’s a varying degree of severity which can necessitate orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, for long-term functional and aesthetic benefits.
In this article, we’ll help you identify what an overbite looks like, how to tell how severe your case is, and how to get your bite corrected for stronger and longer oral health. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice!
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite, often informally referred to as “buck teeth”, occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth when your mouth is closed. A normal, slight overbite is common, but when severe, it can cause dental issues such as an increased risk of tooth chipping.
In contrast, an underbite is when the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth, often due to jaw misalignment. A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside, affecting one or both sides of the mouth.
What Are the Different Types of Overbite?
There are two main types of overbite:
- Skeletal Overbite: Caused by abnormal development of the jaw bone, where the upper jaw is too far forward or the lower jaw is too small.
- Dental Overbite: Caused by dental issues encountered during the development of baby or adult teeth, rather than the jaw structure.
What Causes an Overbite?
There are several causes of overbites, including:
- Genetics (inherited overbite jaw structure)
- Malocclusions (improper positioning of teeth)
- Childhood habits (such as dummy use or thumb sucking)
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues
- Dental trauma (such as injuries to the face or jaw)
What Does an Overbite Look Like?
Not all overbites look the same - essentially, the larger the overlap, the more severe your case is. A stronger understanding of how severe your overbite is will help you determine the most appropriate treatment to correct the issue. Let’s take a look at the severity spectrum:
| Overbite Type | Overlap (mm) | Description | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Overbite | 1mm to 4mm | Slight overlap of upper teeth. | Often no treatment needed. |
| Deep Overbite | 4mm to 8mm | Moderate overlap of upper teeth | Braces or aligners recommended. |
| Severe Overbite | 9mm+ overlap | Significant overlap, upper teeth may completely cover lower teeth. | Braces, aligners, or possible jaw surgery. |
What Happens if You Leave an Overbite Untreated?
Unfortunately, there is a wide range of potential issues that overbites can cause. These are, understandably, more likely to occur in deep or severe overbites, but can be avoided through timely orthotonic treatment. These issues include:
- Increased risk of dental issues, such as chipping, cracking, or gum disease.
- Difficulties speaking due to potential impact on tongue placement.
- Chewing difficulties due to uneven pressure distribution when biting down.
- Self-esteem issues caused by affected facial symmetry and proportion.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, such as jaw pain, soreness, or headaches.
Can Braces Fix an Overbite?
If you’re concerned about your overbite, don’t worry - it’s a highly treatable condition with the right orthodontic care. The NHS offers free braces for under 18s with moderate to severe overbites and increased overjets, but there’s a long waiting list for these, causing many children to miss out. Therefore, a private clinic is your best choice to correct an overbite - and they can treat adults, too!
Braces are an effective solution for overbites, even if they're deep or severe. Private orthodontists offer traditional choices such as metallic fixed braces, and in some clinics, specialist options like Lingual “Incognito” braces. Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth, and gently shifting them back into their correct position over time using brackets and wires.
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Aligners, such as Invisalign and Angel, are effective at fixing an overbite, especially in mild to moderate cases. They do so by applying gentle pressure to shift your teeth slightly over time, and are typically worn 20 to 22 hours per day for the most successful treatment of an overbite. Aligners are a great alternative to braces if you prefer a more discrete look, and they’re exclusively available through private clinics!
Can Surgery Fix an Overbite?
Although much less common, some severe cases of skeletal overbites require surgery for correction. The jawbone is repositioned by surgeons and held in place by small plates and screws. Surgery is usually combined with orthodontic treatment for the best long-term solution.
Contact Us to Schedule a FREE Initial Consultation
If you or your child are experiencing bite issues such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, don’t wait for the issue to worsen and cause you physical or emotional discomfort. At Accessible Orthodontics, our private clinic in the heart of Oxford regularly and successfully treats moderate to severe orthodontic problems; giving every patient a happier and healthier smile!
To get started, simply book a free initial consultation - either as a face-to-face meeting or an online video call. Here, you can ask all the questions you have about how our treatment works, the costs, and other orthodontic-related queries. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
