An overbite is a common dental condition where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth. Approximately 22% of people have an overbite, according to a Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics study. This condition can range from mild to severe and may impact both your oral health and confidence.
Understanding the causes is the first step toward effective treatment. If you’re concerned about a misalignment, Washington Orthodontics offers comprehensive braces and orthodontic treatments tailored to your specific needs. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your overall dental health.
What is an Overbite?
An overbite is also known as a Class II malocclusion in dental terminology. It occurs when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth when biting down. While a slight overbite is normal (about 2-3mm), anything beyond this is considered problematic. The misalignment can affect the vertical overlap and the horizontal overlap. Severe misaligned teeth can lead to various oral health issues and affect facial appearance.
5 Common Signs of an Overbite
- Difficulty closing lips completely: People with significant conditions may struggle to close their lips naturally over their teeth. This can lead to dry mouth and related issues.
- Visible overlap when smiling: A pronounced malocclusion is usually visible while you smile. Your upper teeth would extend beyond your lower teeth.
- Jaw pain or discomfort: Misalignment can strain the jaw muscles and joints, potentially leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and chronic pain.
- Speech impediments: Some individuals with misaligned teeth may develop lisps or other speech difficulties due to improper tongue positioning.
- Accelerated wear on teeth: The incorrect alignment can cause abnormal wear patterns on tooth surfaces, potentially leading to sensitivity and damage over time.
3 Main Causes of an Overbite
Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in determining jaw structure and tooth positioning. If your parents or close relatives have malocclusions, you’re more likely to develop one as well. Inherited traits such as a smaller lower jaw (micrognathia) or a larger upper jaw (macrognathia) can naturally create a misalignment.
Childhood Habits
Certain common childhood behaviors can contribute to the formation of an overbite. These habits create consistent pressure against developing teeth and jaw structures during critical growth periods. When these behaviors persist beyond appropriate developmental stages, they can alter the natural growth of dental structures.
- Thumb Sucking – Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for infants and young children that can provide comfort and security. However, when this habit persists beyond age 4-5, it can exert constant pressure against the developing teeth and palate.
- Pacifier Use – Similar to thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use past the age of 3 can significantly impact dental development. Studies show that children who use pacifiers beyond age 4 have a much higher risk of developing malocclusions.
- Bottle Feeding – Extended bottle feeding, especially past the recommended age, can contribute to overbite development. The sucking motion required for bottle feeding differs from breastfeeding and can create pressure patterns that affect jaw development.
- Tongue Thrusting – This habit involves pushing the tongue against the front teeth when swallowing, creating persistent forward pressure. The repetitive nature of this movement, which occurs with every swallow, can gradually shift the position of the upper teeth.
- Nail Biting – Chronic nail biting stresses the teeth and jaw joint, potentially contributing to dental misalignment. This nervous habit can reinforce existing overbite conditions or create new alignment issues over time.
Jaw Development Problems
Some malocclusions result from discrepancies in jaw growth, where the upper jaw grows too far forward or the lower jaw doesn’t develop fully. These skeletal imbalances can be influenced by genetic factors and environmental conditions. Unlike dental overbites (where only the teeth are misaligned), skeletal overbites involve the actual jaw structures and often require more comprehensive treatment approaches.
Can an Overbite Go Away on Its Own?
No, an overbite typically does not resolve itself without intervention, especially once permanent teeth have erupted. While some minor dental issues may improve as a child grows and their jaw develops. However, established malocclusions require professional orthodontic treatment. In young children, eliminating contributing habits like thumb sucking may prevent worsening, but existing misalignments won’t correct themselves. The jaw structure becomes more fixed as we age, making early intervention ideal for the best outcomes.
How Do You Fix an Overbite
- Traditional braces: One of the most effective options for correcting misaligned teeth. They gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment through consistent pressure applied over time.
- Clear aligners: For mild to moderate malocclusions, transparent aligner systems can effectively move teeth into the proper position while offering a less visible treatment option.
- Functional appliances: Devices like Herbst appliances or twin blocks may be used for growing children to guide jaw development and correct skeletal overbites by encouraging proper lower jaw growth.
- Headgear: Though less commonly used today, orthodontic headgear can help control upper jaw growth in children and teenagers with significant malocclusions.
- Tooth extraction: In some cases, removing certain teeth may be necessary to create space for proper alignment, especially in crowded mouths with severe misalignment.
- Orthognathic surgery: For adults with severe skeletal overbites, jaw surgery may be recommended to reposition the jaw for optimal alignment.
What are the Risks of an Untreated Overbite
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Misaligned teeth create challenges for proper cleaning. The lack of cleaning allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. This increases the risk of developing gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as tooth decay in these protected bacterial havens. Professional cleanings become more difficult as well, compounding the problem.
Excessive Tooth Wear
An improper bite alignment causes teeth to contact at angles they weren’t designed for. The edges of your front teeth may become gradually worn down from improper contact. This leads to sensitivity or a flattened appearance. Back teeth may also develop uneven wear, compromising their chewing surfaces. Restorative dental work is required to repair the damaged tooth structures.
Self-Esteem Issues
A visible overbite can affect psychological well-being and social confidence. Many people with pronounced overbites feel self-conscious about their smile. They may sometimes avoid smiling in photographs or covering their mouth when laughing. This self-consciousness can impact personal and professional interactions. Addressing the overbite provides functional benefits and improvement in self-image and social comfort.
Conclusion
Understanding what causes an overbite is crucial for effective treatment planning. Whether stemming from genetics, childhood habits, or developmental issues, most malocclusions require professional intervention to correct. Left untreated, they can lead to significant problems, including jaw pain, gum disease, and premature tooth wear.
At Washington Orthodontics, we provide personalized treatment plans to address misalignments of all severities. Our experienced team offers multiple treatment options to suit your specific needs and lifestyle preferences. Schedule an appointment today to discover how we can help improve your smile and overall oral health. For more information and patient success stories, visit our Facebook and Instagram pages.
