Did you grow up with the moniker “Bugs Bunny” because of your smile? And do your peers continue to mock you because of your prominent front teeth? Surely, the teasing has taken a toll on your confidence. But fret not; it’s high time you keep yourself from falling down the rabbit hole of despair. Discover how to fix an overbite with the help of orthodontics – so you can finally let the tooth set you free!
What Is an Overbite?
What some people consider as “bunny teeth” can be linked to a malocclusion called overbite, a.k.a. deep bite or closed bite. This means your upper front teeth excessively overlap your bottom front teeth when you bite. In such cases, the “lower teeth can [also] bite up into the gum behind the upper teeth,” explains the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO).
Often, a smaller lower jaw causes an overbite, forcing the upper teeth to protrude further forward than the bottom teeth. Sometimes, a missing lower tooth or extreme biting muscles can also lead to a deep bite.
“In general, a normal range for an overbite is 2-3 millimetres,” adds the ASO. You have a deep overbite when your upper front teeth already overlap your lower front teeth by more than one-third. And in some severe cases, the top teeth even reach the lower gums.
While you can observe such conditions when facing the mirror, only a dental health professional can provide a definitive diagnosis. Seek their help to determine the severity of your bite and the steps you can take to protect your oral health.
Why You Should Fix Your Overbite
Overbite teeth are a common misalignment issue around the world. The Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics surveyed children and adults from the US, China, the United Kingdom, India, and some European and African countries. It found that almost 22% of these individuals exhibited overbites. But, still, not many proactively try to fix their teeth.
The British Dental Journal explained that “the majority of deep overbites are asymptomatic.” Thus, most patients delay getting treatment until their teeth harshly affect their looks.
But why fix an overbite in the first place? It goes beyond enhancing your smile. The ASO warns that this type of bite can increase your chances of tooth wear and gum damage. Protruded teeth are also more prone to chipping and other forms of trauma. Additionally, biting into the roof of your mouth can lead to sores and ulcers and make everyday activities, like eating and drinking, challenging. Is it difficult for you to pronounce “s” and “sh” sounds? Your overbite teeth could be the culprit.
What is the ideal bite?
“The top teeth should overlap your bottom teeth by 20% for ideal aesthetics and function,” explains the ASO. If you look at it from the front, the edges of your upper teeth should align with the curve of your bottom lip. And from the side, the pointy ends of the top teeth should sit effortlessly between two lower teeth. But, again, your doctor knows better, so trust them when they say there’s no issue or if you need overbite correction already.
How Do You Correct an Overbite?
Can you fix an overbite naturally? Please, no, unless you want your condition to worsen and you’re willing to go through physical and social suffering for the rest of your life. “Severe overbite, considered as a clinical problem, should be corrected through orthodontic or orthosurgical intervention,” advises the Journal of Dentistry.
The type of treatment you’ll undergo will depend on several factors: the severity of the situation, your age, and your lifestyle. Discuss options with your doctor; don’t hesitate to share your preferences. If you’re leaning towards orthodontic correction, choose between fixed or removable appliances.
Can braces fix overbite teeth?
Yes, you can fix overbite teeth with braces. These are tried-and-tested appliances attached to the teeth that you cannot remove until the completion of treatment. They use brackets and wires to apply pressure on teeth, moving them into position. There’s less risk of losing or breaking them, but they make oral hygiene maintenance more challenging, as food particles accumulate in their crevices.
Can removable orthodontics treat an overbite?
Yes, it’s also possible. Removable orthodontics are devices you insert into your oral cavity at will and take out when necessary (during meals or for cleaning). Your best option is invisible aligners, like ClearCorrect, that fix overbites discreetly and comfortably. Plus, they let you maintain excellent oral hygiene more easily – no problems with food debris accumulation here!
How long does it take to fix an overbite with aligners?
It depends on different factors, including the severity of your condition. But a word of caution from the Dental Update Journal: “All removable appliances require patient motivation and total compliance for them to have any chance of success.” If you want on-time results, keep them on for at least 22 hours every day, don’t skip dental visits, and follow instructions religiously.
How Orthodontics Improve Self-esteem
Research by The Angle Orthodontist emphasised how malocclusions exert both emotional and psychosocial negative effects on patients’ lives. However, the study discovered how effective orthodontia is in reversing these repercussions. Up to 71% of orthodontic patients showed self-esteem and quality-of-life improvements within six months of starting treatment. And in conclusion, 97% became more satisfied with their smiles, 82% experienced better social acceptance, and 80% reported improved relationships.
So, what are you waiting for? You, too, can be on your way to looking and feeling your best! Bunny hop over to your doctor soonest and start discussing how to fix an overbite with orthodontic devices.
References:
Alhammadi, M. S., Halboub, E., Fayed, M. M. S., Labib, A., & El-Saaidi, C. (2018). Global distribution of malocclusion traits: A systematic review. Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, 23(6), 40.e1-40.e10.
Baum, A. (2023). What is a Deep Bite? American Association of Orthodontists.
Beddis, H. P., Durey, K., Alhilou, A., & Chan, M. F. W. (2014). The restorative management of the deep overbite. British Dental Journal, 217(9), 509–515.
De Couto Nascimento, V., De Castro Ferreira Conti, A. C., De Almeida Cardoso, M., Valarelli, D. P., & De Almeida-Pedrin, R. R. (2016). Impact of orthodontic treatment on self-esteem and quality of life of adult patients requiring oral rehabilitation. Angle Orthodontist, 86(5), 839–845.
Elhussein, M., & Sandler, J. (2018). Fixed versus removable appliances – which one to choose? Dental Update.
Fattahi, H. (2014, November 1). Skeletal and Dentoalveolar Features in Patients with Deep Overbite Malocclusion. PubMed Central (PMC).
Types of orthodontic problems you should look out for in your kids – Australian Society of Orthodontists. (n.d.).
Why orthodontic treatment? – Australian Society of Orthodontists. (n.d.).
Wiedel, A., & Bondemark, L. (2014). Fixed versus removable orthodontic appliances to correct anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition–a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Orthodontics, 37(2), 123–127.
