An overbite is one of the most frequently seen dental issues across all age groups. While a small degree of overbite is considered normal, a pronounced one can affect both appearance and oral function. In this guide, we’ll explore what overbites are, why they occur, their potential impact, and the best treatment solutions available in Australia today.
What is an Overbite?
An overbite refers to how far the upper front teeth extend over the lower front teeth when your mouth is closed. A slight overlap is common and typically not a concern. However, when the upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth, especially to the point where the lower teeth touch the roof of the mouth, it’s referred to as a deep overbite.
Overbites are classified as:
- Skeletal, stemming from differences in jawbone structure
- Dental, related to the positioning or size of the teeth
- Mixed, involving both dental and skeletal factors
Types of Overbites
There are two main types of overbites seen in dental patients:
1. Vertical Overbite
This occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower ones in a downward direction. It is often associated with deep bite conditions.
2. Horizontal Overbite
Also referred to as an overjet, this describes when the upper teeth jut out forward beyond the lower teeth, creating a gap between the two rows of teeth.
It’s possible for someone to have both a vertical and horizontal overbite.
What Causes an Overbite?
Overbites may begin to form early in life and can result from a range of habits or hereditary factors:
1. Inherited Jaw or Teeth Characteristics
Often, overbites are passed down through families. The shape of your jaw or the spacing and size of your teeth can influence bite alignment.
2. Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Dummy Use
Ongoing thumb sucking or using a dummy past infancy can interfere with normal tooth and jaw development, often pushing the front teeth forward.
3. Tongue Thrusting
Some people naturally press their tongue against their front teeth when speaking or swallowing, which over time can cause the teeth to move outward.
4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Clenching or grinding your teeth, particularly while asleep, can lead to enamel wear and changes in bite alignment.
5. Oral Habits
Regularly biting fingernails, chewing pens or other hard objects can apply pressure on the teeth and affect their position.
6. Missing or Crowded Teeth
When there are gaps from missing teeth or overcrowding, the bite can shift to compensate, often resulting in an overbite.
Effects of Having an Overbite
While overbites are sometimes dismissed as a purely cosmetic issue, they can cause a range of physical, functional, and emotional challenges, such as:
1. Jaw Discomfort or TMJ Problems
A misaligned bite places extra strain on the jaw joints and muscles, which can cause pain, stiffness, clicking, or conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
2. Trouble with Chewing or Speaking
A significant overbite can alter how your teeth meet, making it harder to bite into or chew food properly, and it may also affect speech clarity.
3. Tooth Damage and Gum Irritation
The misalignment may cause teeth to wear down unevenly, lead to enamel erosion, or cause the lower teeth to press into the gums or roof of the mouth.
4. Sleep Issues
In more serious cases, an overbite can contribute to breathing difficulties during sleep, such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea.
5. Appearance and Confidence
A deep overbite may affect facial balance and profile, and for many people, this can result in self-consciousness or low confidence, particularly in social settings.
How Dentists Diagnose Overbites
Your local dentist or orthodontist can identify an overbite during a regular check-up. They may use:
- Visual assessment
- X-rays or panoramic scans to view bone and tooth structure
- Impressions or digital scans to evaluate the bite
Based on the findings, they’ll determine how mild or severe the overbite is and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Overbites in Australia
Modern dentistry offers several effective ways to correct overbites. The choice of treatment depends on your age, the severity of the condition, and whether the issue is dental or skeletal.
1. Braces
Braces—either metal or ceramic—are a proven method for correcting overbites. They apply gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into a better position over 12 to 36 months.
Pros:
- Ideal for complex or severe cases
- Widely accessible throughout Australia
Cons:
- Brackets and wires are visible
- Some discomfort may occur during the adjustment phases.
2. Clear Aligners (e.g. Invisalign)
Aligners are removable, transparent trays that are custom-fitted to your teeth and gradually shift them into place. Best suited for mild to moderate overbites.
Pros:
- Nearly invisible
- Can be removed for eating or brushing
Cons:
- Must be worn for 20–22 hours daily
- It may not be suitable for severe cases
3. Early Intervention with Orthodontic Appliances
In younger children, devices like palatal expanders, functional appliances, or headgear can guide proper jaw growth and prevent more serious alignment issues later.
Pros:
- Can reduce or eliminate the need for future braces or surgery
- Works best during growth spurts
Cons:
- Requires regular dental visits and discipline
4. Tooth Removal
In cases of overcrowding, removing one or more teeth might be necessary to create space for proper alignment. This is usually combined with braces or aligners.
5. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
For adults with severe skeletal overbites that can’t be corrected with orthodontics alone, jaw surgery may be required. The procedure involves repositioning parts of the upper or lower jaw.
Pros:
- Corrects structural jaw issues permanently
- Improves both function and aesthetics
Cons:
- The surgical and recovery process is significant
- Often followed by braces for fine-tuning.
6. Cosmetic Options: Veneers or Crowns
In cases where the overbite is mild and mostly aesthetic, dental veneers or crowns can reshape the teeth’s appearance. These are more of a cosmetic fix than a functional one.
Important: This option should only be used after a professional dental assessment.
What’s the Best Age to Address an Overbite?
The earlier the better. Orthodontists generally recommend starting treatment during late childhood or early teens (around 8 to 14 years), while the jaw is still growing. However, adults can still successfully undergo treatment, although it may take longer or require more advanced procedures.
Can Overbites Come Back?
Yes, it’s possible for an overbite to return if retainers aren’t worn as advised or if underlying habits (like tongue thrusting) are not corrected. Wearing retainers after treatment and maintaining regular dental reviews is key to long-term success.
Preventing Overbites
While not all overbites can be prevented, especially those caused by genetics, you can reduce your risk by:
- Breaking habits like thumb-sucking early
- Teaching proper swallowing and tongue posture
- Managing bruxism with night guards
- Regular dental visits from an early age
- Ensuring children’s jaws and teeth develop healthily
Final Thoughts
An overbite might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can have significant long-term impacts on your oral health and overall quality of life. The good news is that with today’s dental technologies and treatments available across Australia, there are reliable and effective ways to address overbite issues at nearly any age.
If you suspect you or your child has an overbite, it’s wise to book a consultation with a trusted local dentist or orthodontist. They can offer expert advice and guide you on the most suitable treatment options based on your individual needs.
FAQs
1. Is it necessary to treat all overbites?
Not always. Minor overbites that don’t cause discomfort or health issues may not require treatment. However, it’s best to have it checked by a professional.
2. How long does overbite correction usually take?
Depending on the method and severity, treatment may take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.
3. Are overbites purely cosmetic?
No. Severe overbites can lead to jaw pain, chewing difficulties, tooth wear, and other functional problems.
4. Can adults have their overbites corrected?
Yes. Adults often use braces, aligners, or jaw surgery to fix overbites, even later in life.
5. Will health insurance cover overbite treatment?
Private health extras cover may help with part of the cost, especially for orthodontics. Check with your provider for specific details.
