How to Fix an Overbite: Treatment Options and Solutions

Have you ever noticed that your top front teeth stick out a bit too much over your bottom teeth? It’s a common thing, and you’re definitely not alone. This is what dentists call an “overbite.” At first, it might not seem like a big deal, but a significant overbite can lead to numerous problems, from difficulty chewing to affecting your confidence when you smile.

Imagine trying to bite into an apple and finding that your top teeth hit the apple way before your bottom teeth do. Or picture taking a selfie and feeling a bit self-conscious about how your teeth look. These are just some of the everyday things an overbite can affect. The good news is that fixing an overbite is very possible, and there are lots of different ways to do it.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about overbites. We’ll explore what causes them, the signs to look out for, and most importantly, the different treatment options available to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

What is an Overbite?

Simply put, an overbite is when your top front teeth overlap your bottom front teeth. It’s totally normal for there to be a small amount of overlap – a healthy bite usually has a tiny bit of the top teeth covering the bottom ones. However, a significant overbite, sometimes called a “deep bite,” is when this overlap is much more than it should be.

Think of it like this: if you close your mouth and your top front teeth completely cover your bottom front teeth, or if they stick out so much that you can’t even see your bottom teeth, you probably have an overbite.

Overbites are different from “buck teeth,” a term often used by people. While buck teeth are often a symptom of an overbite, they’re not exactly the same thing. Buck teeth specifically refer to the top front teeth protruding forward, while an overbite is about the vertical overlap. It’s also important to note that an overbite is different from an “underbite,” which is when the bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth.

What Causes an Overbite?

Overbites can happen for a few reasons. Sometimes, it’s just the way you were born – a family trait that’s passed down. Other times, it’s caused by habits from when you were a kid. These can include:

• Thumb Sucking: Sucking on a thumb or a dummy for too long can push the top teeth forward.
• Tongue Thrusting: This is a habit where the tongue pushes against the back of the front teeth when you swallow.
• Crowded Teeth: If your jaw is too small to fit all your teeth properly, it can lead to some teeth being pushed forward.
• Missing Teeth: If you lose a tooth and don’t replace it, the other teeth can shift, which can cause an overbite.

Symptoms of an Overbite

An overbite is not just a cosmetic issue. A significant one can lead to a range of problems you might not even realise are connected. Here are some of the signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Difficulty Chewing: You might find it hard to bite into food properly because your top and bottom teeth don’t meet as they should.
• Jaw Pain or Headaches: The extra strain on your jaw muscles from an improper bite can lead to discomfort, clicking sounds, or even headaches.
• Speech Issues: An overbite can sometimes affect the way you speak, leading to a lisp or other speech difficulties.
• Wearing Down of Teeth: The constant rubbing of your top and bottom teeth can cause them to wear down unevenly, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and other dental problems.
• Changes in Face Shape: A severe overbite can sometimes change the appearance of your face, making your chin look weaker or your top lip appear more prominent.
• Gum Damage: In some cases, the bottom teeth can bite into the gums behind the top front teeth, causing irritation and damage.

How to Fix an Overbite: Treatment Options

The good news is that there are many effective ways to fix an overbite, and the best option for you will depend on how severe your overbite is and your age. Here are the most common treatments:

1. Braces

This is one of the most common and effective ways to fix an overbite. Braces use brackets and wires to gently move your teeth into the correct position over time. For a significant overbite, braces might be combined with other tools to help move the jaw into alignment. This could include:

• Headgear: A special device worn at home to put pressure on the teeth and jaw.
• Elastics (Rubber Bands): These are attached to the braces and help to pull the top and bottom teeth into the right position.

2. Invisalign for Overbite

Invisalign is a great option for many people, especially those who don’t want the look of traditional braces. It uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that you wear over your teeth. You get a new set of aligners every couple of weeks, and each set gradually moves your teeth closer to their final position. Invisalign can be very effective for mild to moderate overbites.

3. Retainers

After braces or Invisalign, a retainer is crucial. It holds your teeth in their new position and prevents them from shifting back. Retainers can be removable (like a plastic plate) or fixed (a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth).

4. Jaw Surgery

For very severe overbites, especially in adults where the jaw has already finished growing, surgery might be the best option. This is usually a last resort and is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The surgery corrects the alignment of the jaw itself, and is often followed up with braces to fine-tune the tooth positions.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite?

This is a question everyone asks, and the answer really depends on a few things:

• Severity of the Overbite: A minor overbite will be much quicker to fix than a severe one.
• Type of Treatment: Braces or Invisalign can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, sometimes longer for more complex cases.
• Age: It’s often quicker to fix an overbite in kids and teenagers because their jaws are still growing and are easier to move.
• Your Commitment: If you wear your elastics and headgear as instructed by your dentist, such as dentist Kensington or an orthodontist, your treatment will progress much faster.

Benefits of Fixing an Overbite

Fixing an overbite isn’t just about getting a straight smile. It has a huge range of benefits for your health and well-being:

• Improved Chewing and Digestion: When your teeth align correctly, you can chew your food more effectively, which helps with digestion.
• Reduced Jaw Pain: Correcting your bite can relieve the strain on your jaw muscles, helping to reduce pain and headaches.
• Better Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are much easier to clean, which reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Less Wear and Tear: Fixing your overbite can prevent your teeth from wearing down unevenly, protecting them from damage in the long run.
• Increased Confidence: Feeling good about your smile can boost your self-esteem and make you more confident in social situations.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you think you or your child might have an overbite, the best thing to do is to see a professional. A general dentist can give you a check-up and let you know if you need to see an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws.

It’s a good idea to get your child’s teeth checked by a dentist around the age of 7. This is a great time for experts like SmileWorks Dental Kensington to identify potential jaw growth issues and recommend early treatment if necessary.

Cost of Overbite Treatment

The cost of fixing an overbite can vary a lot depending on a few things:

• The Treatment Method: Braces are usually a bit more affordable than Invisalign, but costs can still vary. Jaw surgery is the most expensive option.
• Location: The cost of dental and orthodontic treatment can be different from city to city.
• How Long Treatment Takes: Longer treatment times will cost more.

In Australia, the cost of braces can range from around $5,000 to $9,000. Invisalign can be more expensive, often ranging from $6,000 to $9,000. It’s always best to get a detailed quote from the dental clinic after they’ve had a look at your specific situation. Many clinics offer payment plans to help make treatment more affordable.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Once you’ve finished your treatment, the journey isn’t quite over. Aftercare is super essential to make sure your beautiful new smile stays that way. This involves:

• Wearing Your Retainer: Your orthodontist will give you a retainer to wear. At first, you’ll probably need to wear it almost all the time. After a while, you may need to wear it at night. Don’t skip this step! Not wearing your retainer is the most common reason for teeth to shift back to their old positions.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Keep up with your regular appointments with your dentist to make sure everything is in tip-top shape.

Conclusion

An overbite is a common issue that can cause a range of problems, but with modern dentistry, it’s very treatable. Whether you opt for braces, Invisalign, or another solution, fixing your overbite can lead to a healthier bite, less pain, and a boost in confidence. 

Ready to Experience the SmileWorks Dental Kensington Difference?

If you’re in the Kensington area and are concerned about an overbite, it’s a great idea to chat with our local dentists at SmileWorks Dental Kensington to discuss your options. 

A better, healthier smile is within your reach!