Overbites
What's an Overbite?
When your top front teeth overlap your bottom front teeth, doctors call this an overbite. A slight overbite is normal, but extreme overbites, also known as deep bites, can cause problems. You can differentiate between a normal overbite and a deep bite by considering how much your top front teeth cover your bottom front teeth. If your top front teeth cover more than 20% of your bottom front teeth when you smile, you may have a deep bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your overbite is small, you may not need to have it fixed at all. Doctors expect a healthy bite to have a minor overbite. A deep bite, on the other hand, may cause a variety of health problems. If left untreated, it can cause difficulty breathing, tooth decay, and gum disease. More severe overbites may even cause jaw disorders, jaw pain, and headaches.
For overbites that can be corrected by shifting teeth within the jaw, SureSmile® Clear Aligners are a convenient, effective choice. Sometimes jaw placement support is required, so the severity of the overbite will determine whether clear aligners will be a good choice. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your particular case. Ready to schedule your consultation? Find a SureSmile® provider today.
