Flip open a magazine, switch on the TV, look at a billboard - the one thing that will be common among all the models you will see is a set of perfectly aligned teeth. But not everyone is fortunate enough to have a flawless smile. Many people suffer from malocclusion, crooked teeth, or upper front teeth that project out excessively. One such common dental problem is called overbite or buck teeth. Most people think of buck teeth as a physical flaw and do not realize that an overbite can cause serious health problems including gum disease, tooth decay, jaw pain, and more. In this article, we will talk about overbite - why it occurs, what problems it can cause if left untreated, and the different types of orthodontic treatment that can fix it.
What is an overbite?
Occlusion refers to the alignment between the upper and lower jaw. An overbite or deep bite, commonly referred to as buck teeth, is a type of malocclusion in which the upper teeth overlap the teeth in the lower jaw. An overbite is essentially a misalignment of the lower and upper jaw. Other types of malocclusion include underbite and crossbite.
By definition, an overbite is when the upper teeth protrude more than 2 mm compared to the lower teeth - this is the usual distance between the bottom and top teeth and is aesthetically pleasing as well.
An overbite is classified according to the severity of the overlap - a slight overbite of the upper front teeth is the most common type and is labeled class I. An excessive overbite that is severe is called retrognathic or class II. A severe underbite with the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth is called prognathic or class III.
What causes buck teeth?
The jaw shape and size, which is genetically determined, is the most common cause of an overbite or buck teeth. It can also occur due to habits such as grinding the teeth and thumb sucking. Missing teeth or crowded teeth can lead to overbite. It is not only the teeth that are involved in overbite. Certain medical conditions such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) can also cause this problem.
In infants and children, overbites occur due to overuse of bottles and pacifiers or thumb-sucking. In older kids, habits such as nail biting or chewing on pencils can lead to overbite due to the tongue thrusting against the back of the teeth. The American Dental Association estimates that nearly 70% of all children have some degree of overbite.
Is an overbite bad for teeth? Should an overbite be corrected?
When the teeth protrude, it is not only aesthetically displeasing but also a health risk. An untreated overbite can lead to several serious health complications. The malocclusion can cause irreversible damage to the teeth due to the abnormal positioning of the upper and lower jaw. Some of the health consequences of an overbite include wearing down of the tooth enamel, teeth grinding, tooth decay, periodontal disease (gum disease), gum recession, speech impediment, jaw pain with chewing, breathing problems, trouble with fully opening and closing the mouth, sleep apnea, severe headaches, and TMJ.
Besides health problems, an untreated overbite can also dramatically affect a person's facial structure appearance and lead to low self-esteem and self-confidence. If a severe overbite develops during early childhood and continues to worsen, health problems and aesthetic deterioration can occur even before puberty.
How to treat an overbite in the upper and lower teeth?
The treatment for overbite depends on the severity of the condition. An orthodontist can examine your mouth and suggest the best way to fix an overbite. Generally speaking, overbites are easier to fix in children because they have baby teeth and their jaws are still developing. Adults tend to have more severe overbites because of the lack of treatment earlier in life.
Overbite correction can take two years or longer. In children and teenagers, it may involve removal of milk (baby) teeth to make room for permanent teeth to grow out straight. Braces and retainers can be used to slowly move the remaining teeth into proper position in the jaw to correct the overbite. A growth modification device is sometimes used during growth spurts in children to correctly position the jaw in case of skeletal overbites.
In adults, permanent teeth removal and braces are used to give all the teeth room to move. Overbite correction is also possible with Invisalign Aligners, which is a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. Jaw surgery may be necessary for the correction of severe overbite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do overbites get worse with age?
Yes, an overbite can get worse with age and cause other health issues, such as gum disease, tooth loss, speech problems, jaw pain, other jaw problems, and changes in facial structure.
Is an overbite genetic?
An overbite is often genetic but not always. While it is common for overbite to occur due to jawbone irregularities which are genetically determined, the problem can also be acquired over time due to overcrowded teeth, nail biting, thumb sucking, or excessive use of pacifiers.
How much overbite is normal?
The usual gap between the upper and lower teeth is 2 mm. A gap of up to 3 mm is considered a normal bite. Anything above 3 mm is too much of a gap and is labeled an overbite and may need orthodontic treatment.
How can I tell if I have an overbite?
When you smile in front of a mirror as you bite down gently on the back teeth, if 50% or less of your lower front teeth are seen, you might have overbite. You should see an orthodontist to confirm the diagnosis and find out more about treatment options.
How do I measure my overbite at home?
You cannot measure an overbite accurately at home. Orthodontists use X-ray imaging and 3D scanning tools to assess your bite.
Do I need to get my overbite corrected?
A mild to moderate overlap between the upper and lower teeth is normal. Anything over 3-4 mm is considered an overbite and should be checked by an orthodontist to prevent any negative health effects such as headaches, jaw pain, tooth decay, and gum disease. Getting treatment for overbite will not only benefit your health but also give you a pleasing smile. If you are hesitant about teeth removal or wearing braces, other orthodontic treatment options are available. For example, clear aligners can fix the problem while being virtually invisible.
Can overbite be corrected without surgery?
Yes, it is possible to correct an overbite in most patients with non-surgical treatments such as braces and Invisalign. In severe cases, an overbite might require surgery. An oral surgeon can correct overbites and give you correct alignment and a straight smile by surgically fixing your overbite problem.
Will an overbite correct itself over time?
Unfortunately, no. Overbites do not correct themselves without treatment. In fact, left untreated, they can get worse over time and cause additional health problems. Do not delay getting orthodontic treatment in children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's teeth should be evaluated by an orthodontist at around age 7. Intervention will likely not be started until a later age, but the orthodontist will be able to predict what kind of treatment may be needed in the future, if any.
Can I fix my overbite myself?
It is very dangerous to try and manipulate your teeth at home. Trying to fix at overbite at home is NOT recommended or advisable at all. Trying to do this yourself can cause serious and permanent damage to your teeth. Caution is also advised in using mail order aligners to correct an overbite. These devices are often ineffective and can even worsen the problem.
How long does it take to correct an overbite?
The treatment duration depends on the condition of your teeth and the severity of your overbite. Average treatment time ranges between 6 and 24 months, plus you will need to wear retainers afterwards.
Can an overbite be corrected without wearing braces?
Many adults are hesitant to wear braces and retainers. It is possible to fix an overbite in adult teeth without braces. This can be done with Invisalign clear aligners that are virtually undetectable.
How much does an Invisalign fix for overbite cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient. In general, prices average $2,500 to $7,000. For regular braces, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,800 and $7,000.
How can I prevent overbite?
If your overbite is due to genetic factors, it is not in your control. However, there are several effective treatment options for you to consider.
According to the American Dental Association, acquired overbites can be prevented by discouraging thumb sucking, nail biting, and tongue thrusting, limiting pacifier use, avoiding sippy cups with spill-proof valves, and ensuring that your child sees dental professionals by the age of 1 year.
Regular dental visits are important for both adults and children. Children should be checked by age 7 for early detection of occlusion problems between the upper front teeth and bottom teeth as well as a general survey of all the teeth. Adults should go for regular dental checkups every 6-12 months for early intervention. This can help prevent severe health effects from an untreated overbite.
Finding a doctor for buckteeth treatment
If you want to seek treatment for overbite, get all your teeth in correct position, and acquire a healthy smile, the MeTime app is what you need. You can connect with orthodontists, chat with them, send photos across, set up a video consult, and get quotes for braces and clear aligners. Can't wait to correct an overbite? Get in touch with top-rated dentists who are treating overbites in your area. You can also find an oral surgeon for jaw surgery. Download the MeTime app today.
