One of the more common orthodontic concerns patients may encounter is an overbite. About 22% of people have an overbite. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth when you close your mouth. While a small overbite is normal, a pronounced overbite can lead to various dental issues. In some cases, the lower teeth may even touch the roof of the mouth behind the upper front teeth.
An overbite can influence your smile’s look and overall oral health. As a result, many Long Beach patients want to seek treatment options to fix an overbite. At Garlington Orthodontics, our team can provide the diagnosis and treatment options you need.
Causes of Overbite
You can develop an overbite for many different reasons. Understanding the cause of your overbite is crucial for determining treatment options.
Genetics: Just like the color of your eyes or the shape of your nose, you can inherit the alignment of your teeth. If your parents had an overbite, there’s a chance you might have one too.
Habits During Childhood: Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or bottle feeding beyond the age of three can affect the growth and alignment of the teeth. As a result, you can develop an overbite.
Jaw Growth: Differences in the growth rates of the upper and lower jaws can result in an overbite. Sometimes, the upper jaw grows faster than the lower jaw, causing the upper teeth to protrude.
Why Seek Treatment?
If overbites are so common, why should you seek treatment? That is a great question! Some people don’t need treatment for their overbite. While everyone has a slight overbite, anything above a 10%-20% overlap may require treatment. Additionally, an overbite can create many different issues and health problems.
One of the most important reasons to treat an overbite is to protect the teeth from damage. When the upper teeth overlap too much, the lower teeth may hit the roof of the mouth or wear down unevenly. This constant pressure can lead to enamel erosion, chips, cracks, or even tooth loss. By correcting the bite, you reduce excessive wear and help preserve your natural teeth for years to come.
Jaw health is another major concern with untreated overbites. Misaligned bites place extra stress on the jaw joints, also known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Over time, this imbalance can contribute to jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and even TMJ disorders. Treating an overbite restores proper alignment, reducing unnecessary strain and promoting better jaw function.
An untreated overbite can also impact oral hygiene. Crowded or misaligned teeth are harder to brush and floss effectively, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. By straightening the bite, patients can clean their teeth more thoroughly and maintain healthier gums.
Speech and chewing difficulties are other common consequences of an overbite. Some patients develop lisps or other speech impediments due to the position of the teeth. Chewing can also become inefficient or uncomfortable, making it harder to enjoy certain foods. Treating the bite improves oral function, leading to clearer speech and more effective chewing.
From an aesthetic perspective, correcting an overbite enhances the appearance of your smile and facial profile. Severe overbites can cause the upper lip to protrude or the chin to appear recessed, affecting self-confidence. Orthodontic treatment not only improves oral health but also creates a more balanced and attractive facial appearance, boosting self-esteem.
Early treatment is especially important for children and teenagers. When addressed during growth and development, we can often guide the teeth and jaws into proper alignment more easily. However, adults can also benefit greatly from treatment, thanks to modern orthodontic solutions such as braces or clear aligners.
Treatment Options in Long Beach, CA
Fortunately, several effective treatment options are available to correct an overbite. The best treatment depends on the severity of the overbite and the patient’s age.
Braces: Braces are one of the most common treatments for overbite. They work by applying continuous pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. Braces can be particularly effective for younger patients whose jaws are still growing.
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular alternative to braces, especially for adults and teens. These custom-made, removable trays gradually shift the teeth into place. They are less noticeable than traditional braces and can be removed for eating and cleaning.
Retainers: After clear aligners, we often use retainers to maintain the new position of the teeth. Some retainers are designed to help correct minor overbites by preventing the teeth from shifting back.
Overbite FAQs
An overbite can cause serious oral health issues. Learn more below.
How do I know if I have an overbite?
You may notice that your upper front teeth cover much of your lower teeth when you bite down. Some people also experience difficulty chewing, jaw discomfort, or speech issues. A dentist or orthodontist can confirm an overbite with an examination and X-rays. Professional evaluation is the most accurate way to determine its severity.
Is an overbite only a cosmetic issue?
No, an overbite is more than just a cosmetic concern. While it does affect the appearance of the smile, untreated overbites can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and even speech problems. They may also increase the risk of cavities and gum disease due to difficulty cleaning misaligned teeth. Correcting an overbite improves both function and aesthetics.
Can children outgrow an overbite?
In most cases, children do not outgrow an overbite. Without treatment, the condition usually persists into adulthood. However, orthodontic intervention during childhood is often easier and more effective, since the jaw is still developing. Early evaluation is recommended if an overbite is suspected.
How long does it take to fix an overbite?
The timeline varies depending on the severity of the overbite and the treatment method. Mild cases may take as little as 6–12 months, while more complex cases can require 18–24 months or longer. Consistency with wearing aligners or following orthodontic instructions plays a big role in treatment success. Your orthodontist can give a more accurate estimate after an evaluation.
Can an untreated overbite cause gum problems?
Yes, untreated overbites can make it harder to clean the teeth properly, which increases the risk of gum disease. Constant pressure from misaligned bites can also irritate the gums and lead to recession. Healthy gums depend on proper alignment for easier cleaning and balanced pressure distribution. Treating the overbite protects both the teeth and the gums.
Can an overbite return after treatment?
Yes, if patients do not follow their orthodontist’s instructions, an overbite can relapse. Retainers are essential for maintaining results after braces or aligners. Wearing retainers as directed helps ensure that the teeth and bite remain stable. Long-term retention is often necessary to prevent regression.