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Overbite
Correct your overbite with bitesoft clear aligners in just 6–12 months.
what is an overbite?
An overbite occurs when the upper and lower jaws are not aligned properly, resulting in the upper teeth being too far forward or the lower teeth too far back. This creates excessive distance between the upper and lower incisors. The causes of an overbite can be genetic or developmental, such as a smaller lower jaw or a larger upper jaw.
In most people, the upper row of teeth naturally overlaps the lower row slightly. However, when this overlap is too pronounced, it is referred to as an overbite. Medically, a distinction is made between two types of misalignments: horizontal misalignment (overjet), where the upper teeth project too far forward, and vertical misalignment (overbite), where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much.
Types of Bites
Deep bite
A deep bite occurs when the upper incisors overlap the lower teeth too much, potentially causing gum injuries, discomfort, and enamel wear.
Closed bite
A closed bite happens when the upper front teeth fully cover the lower teeth, which can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and chewing difficulties.
Underbite
An underbite happens when the lower front teeth overlap the upper teeth, which can cause chewing issues and tooth wear. Essentially a reverse overbite.
Why correct an overbite?
An overbite can lead to several health issues and worsen over time. Common problems include:
Health
- Problems with biting, chewing and digestion
- Temporomandibular joint paint, muscle tension, headaches
- Increased risk of cavities, impaired oral hygiene
- Increased risk of injury to the incisors and lips
Aesthetics
- Buck teeth
- Recessed chin
Everyday issues
- Speech problems and snoring
- Increased mouth breathing and oral dryness
Overbite FAQs
What is an overjet and an overbite?
Overjet: horizontal overbite
The overjet describes the horizontal distance between the upper and lower incisors. In a horizontal overbite, the upper jaw is too large compared to the lower jaw and protrudes significantly. Accordingly, the upper incisors protrude too far forward, creating a large gap between them and the lower teeth.
Ideally, this distance should be only 1–2 mm. When we talk about “overbite”, most people imagine a positive overjet – a malocclusion where the upper teeth protrude forward. This can have skeletal or dental causes and can be either a jaw or a tooth misalignment. In a negative overjet, the lower teeth protrude and the upper teeth are further back, creating a so-called prognathism.
Overbite: vertical misalignment
Contrary to the overjet, the overbite describes the vertical position of the teeth in relation to each other. Normally, the protrusion is 2–3 mm and the upper teeth are in front of the lower teeth. However, if the upper front teeth completely cover the lower teeth, this is referred to as deep bite. If, on the other hand, the upper teeth are covered by the lower teeth, it is called prognathism.
How does overbite correction work?
Treatment with braces is the most common and proven method of correcting an overbite. In many cases, an overbite can be corrected in prepubescent children whose jaws are still growing. Adults can also have their overbites corrected. Conventional braces with brackets are the classic treatment option in orthodontics, but transparent aligners are also growing in popularity.
Is it possible to fix an overbite without using braces?
No. It's always necessary to use orthodontic or medical interventions of some kind in order to treat an overbite. It cannot be corrected naturally. In many cases, overbites can be successfully treated with convention braces or invisible aligner trays. For some patients, however, correcting the teeth is not enough, and a surgical procedure would be required to place the jaws in the right position.
When is an operation necessary to correct an overbite?
A purely orthodontic approach with braces may not be sufficient depending on the degree of malocclusion. If the jaws are too misaligned, it is advisable to combine the dental correction with jaw surgery in order to achieve the best possible result.
Does health insurance cover the costs of overbite treatment?
This depends on the severity of the overbite. The best thing to do is to contact your health insurance directly to find out if they cover the costs of fixing your overbite.
Why choose bitesoft?
Dental expertise
Our expert team will guide and support you at every stage of your treatment, offering consultations and advice to ensure the best results. With Bitesoft's remote monitoring ScanBox, you can easily send scans from home, allowing our team to track your progress closely without the need for frequent in-office visits.
Australian made
All Bitesoft products are meticulously crafted at our advanced partner production facility in Sydney, Australia. Our dedicated customer care team is based on the stunning Sunshine Coast in Queensland, ensuring that your case manager is easily reachable and located right here in Australia. We're with you every step of the way.
Personalised treatment plan
At Bitesoft, we believe in personalized care. Every patient receives a tailored treatment plan for their clear aligner journey. Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that your aligners are designed specifically for you. With our customised approach, you'll enjoy a comfortable and effective path to a confident smile.
