Overbite

Overbite: Treatment

• The overbite is treated to correct tooth and jaw misalignments and to avoid possible complications. Depending on the severity of the overbite and the age of the patient, various treatment methods are available:
• Orthodontic treatment: In most cases, the overbite is treated with braces. They exert targeted pressure on the teeth and gradually bring them into the correct position.
• Removable appliances: In some cases, the teeth are brought into the desired position with removable orthodontic appliances. A common example is “aligners”, which are transparent splints that sit on the teeth.
• Functional appliances: Devices such as a twin-block appliance or a Bionator affect the growth and position of the jaw, thus correcting the overbite. They are particularly suitable for children and adolescents who are still growing.
• Tooth extraction: If the jaw is too small or the teeth are too tight, it is sometimes necessary to extract one tooth or even several teeth to correct the overbite.
• Oral surgery: In adults or in severe cases, oral surgery is sometimes necessary. The surgeon repositions the jaw in an operation to correct the misalignment.
• Early intervention: In children, an overbite can be prevented or minimized by reducing certain habits at an early stage, such as constant sucking on the thumb or pacifier.

Overbite: Symptoms

An overbite has many possible effects. The following symptoms are typical of the deformity and show the consequences of an overbite. If the overbite is not treated, numerous complications can occur.

Conspicuous tooth position: The upper incisors overlap the lower incisors conspicuously strongly. This overbite can be clearly seen.

Difficulty chewing: An overbite interferes with the correct meeting of the teeth when chewing, causing difficulty or pain.

Problems with pronunciation: In some cases, an overbite affects the correct pronunciation of words or causes sound formation disorders, such as lisp.

Damage to teeth and gums: An untreated overbite sometimes causes the lower incisors to hit the gums directly behind the upper incisors, causing injury or receding gums.

Gum and bone problems: An overbite causes strong pressure on the gums and jawbone. This can lead to gum disease or bone loss.

Tooth abrasion and caries: The uneven pressure on the teeth often leads to increased abrasion and a higher risk of caries.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ): An untreated overbite causes problems in the temporomandibular joint. This can cause pain, limited movement and cracking or grinding in the jaw.

Appearance: An overbite affects the appearance of the face. Those affected are dissatisfied with their own appearance, which affects self-confidence and quality of life.

Overbite: Causes and risk factors

An overbite is caused by a combination of inherited (genetic) and acquired factors. The main causes are:

Genetics: Heredity plays a significant role in the development of an overbite, as the size and shape of the jawbones and teeth are genetically determined. If one parent has an overbite, it is more likely that a child will also develop such a deformity.

Habits: Certain habits, so-called “habits”, in early childhood contribute to the development of an overbite, such as sucking on the thumb, pacifier or bottle for a long time. These habits put pressure on the growing teeth and jaw, causing misalignments.

Tongue thrusting: If the tongue presses against the front teeth when swallowing or speaking, this exerts permanent pressure on the teeth. As a result, they shift forward.

Poor dental care: Poor oral hygiene, irregular dental check-ups and inadequate orthodontic care can also cause teeth to shift or distance to narrow. This contributes to the development of misalignments.

Tooth loss: Loss of teeth, especially in childhood, is a possible cause. If teeth are lost, neighbouring teeth slip into the empty space, causing the arch to change and misalignments occur.

Different jaw growth: If the jaws grow at different rates, an overbite occurs when the upper jaw protrudes further than the lower jaw.

Overbite: Examination and Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an overbite begins with a thorough examination. In a dental or orthodontic practice, the condition of teeth, gums and jaws is assessed. The diagnostic process involves several steps:

Medical history: The dentist or orthodontist collects information about the patient’s medical and dental history, as well as possible risk factors and symptoms that indicate an overbite.

Clinical examination: The teeth, gums and jaws are then examined to detect signs of an overbite or other tooth misalignment. The occlusion, i.e. the meeting of the upper and lower teeth, is checked and the degree of overbite is measured.

Photographic images: Photos can be used to document the course of treatment. They allow a more accurate assessment of the aesthetic effects of the overbite. You photograph the face with a neutral and a smiling expression.

X-rays: Panoramic and cephalometric images of the head and jaw provide information about the position of the teeth, jaw growth and possible abnormalities of the jawbones that contribute to the development of an overbite.

Dentition impressions: Impressions are used to obtain an accurate three-dimensional model of the position of the teeth. This model helps to plan the appropriate treatment to correct the overbite.

The data collected is analyzed to create an individual treatment plan. In this way, the overbite can be corrected and later complications can be avoided.

Overbite: course and prognosis

The prognosis depends on various factors: the severity of the deformity, the age of those affected and the treatment method. In general, results improve if overbite treatment starts early, and the patient works closely with the dentist or orthodontist. If an overbite is treated professionally and in good time, the deformity can be successfully corrected. This helps to improve function, aesthetics and general well-being in children and adults.

Severity: Lighter cases of overbite can be treated in less time and with less complex methods. In the case of pronounced misalignments, a longer treatment period must be expected because the correction is more complex.

Age: Children and adolescents have a better prognosis because their jaw is still growing and easier to shape. In adults, the jawbone is already solidified. This extends the duration of treatment and sometimes oral surgery is necessary.

Treatment method: The chosen therapy influences the prognosis. Individual and professionally performed treatment successfully corrects the overbite and reduces the risk of complications.

Compliance: Compliance or adherence refers to the willingness of patients to follow the doctor’s instructions. The consistent wearing of braces or removable appliances plays a decisive role during treatment. Good cooperation between patient and doctor increases the chances of success.

Aftercare: If the overbite has been successfully corrected, this is checked at follow-up appointments. Sometimes a so-called retainer is also glued to the inside of the teeth. This is a thin metal wire that prevents it from being moved again if, for example, braces no longer must be worn. In this way, the results can be preserved permanently.

In the UAE

Overbite is a common dental issue among kids in the UAE. While mild cases may not require immediate treatment, moderate to severe overbite can cause difficulty in chewing and even speaking. It can increase overall risk for cavities and gum diseases given the higher consumption of sugar in the diet of kids living in the UAE. You must ensure that orthodontic treatment is covered in the dental plan you select, preferably from an IPMI provider.