Ever noticed someone’s front teeth sticking out a little too far? That’s likely an overbite, and it’s more common than you might think. An overbite can actually affect how you eat and speak. In this blog, we will explore everything about overbite correction, what an overbite really is, what causes it, why leaving it untreated can lead to bigger issues, what you can do to prevent or fix it, and treatment options.
An overbite is a common type of malocclusion . It occurs when your teeth are noticeably sitting too far forward of your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. It is also called buck teeth or the vertical alignment of your teeth.
Knowing the cause of an overbite can help you get better treatment. Below are some common causes of overbite.
Many people overlook the health problems caused by overbite until they begin experiencing chronic pain or discomfort. When treating dental overbite issues, it’s important to consider how it affects overall facial muscle strain, jaw health, and even digestion.
Leaving an overbite untreated doesn’t just affect your smile only it can also trigger your overall oral and physical health issues. An untreated overbite may seem harmless at first, but over time, it can lead to a range of serious complications that affect your oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life. The following are some potential risks and consequences of leaving an overbite untreated for a long time.
Overbites often strain the facial muscles and jaw joints. This constant tension can result in chronic facial pain, especially around the cheeks and jawline. The discomfort may worsen with talking, chewing, or yawning.
The misalignment of your bite puts pressure on the jaw joint (TMJ), leading to pain, tightness, and stiffness. In some cases, it may contribute to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), which affects the smooth movement of the jaw.
Constant jaw tension and strain from a misaligned bite can cause headaches. These may be dull and persistent or even migraines, especially if the TMJ is involved.
An overbite can affect the muscles and joints near the ears, sometimes leading to severe ear pain. This discomfort may radiate from the jaw and be misinterpreted as an ear infection.
When the jaw is misaligned, it can throw off the posture and muscle balance in the neck and shoulders, resulting in stiffness, pain, or even chronic tension in the upper body.
An overbite can interfere with proper chewing and biting. This not only makes eating uncomfortable but can also lead to indigestion due to poorly chewed food. Over time, you may avoid certain foods altogether.
When your upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly, it can be harder to chew food effectively. This can make eating certain foods painful and can reduce your overall nutrition.
Overlapping teeth caused by an overbite are harder to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped, especially in tight spaces where brushing and flossing are difficult.
Improper alignment can also lead to gum inflammation and recession. When bacteria build up in hard-to-clean areas, it can lead to advanced periodontal disease if left unchecked.
An overbite can interfere with your tongue's movement, making it harder to pronounce certain sounds clearly. This is especially common in children, but even adults can experience speech impediments due to a misaligned bite.
A deep overbite can change the shape of your face, causing the upper lip to protrude or the lower jaw to appear smaller. These changes can affect your facial symmetry and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
The visible effects of an overbite can make individuals feel insecure. Many people with untreated overbites avoid smiling or feel anxious in social situations.
If you have any dental issues, and you leave them untreated, they can get worse every day. That’s why early intervention at the age of 7 is usually recommended by orthodontists because at this age, your mouth and jaw are still growing and can make your treatment more effective and cost-efficient.
Preventing an overbite, especially in children and early adulthood, is possible with the right habits and timely interventions. Here's how to reduce the risk of developing or worsening an overbite:
Tip: Overbites are often hereditary, but early action makes a huge difference in preventing or reducing their severity. If you're noticing early signs, consult an orthodontist.
Here are some of the treatments suggested by expert orthodontists to fix overbite issues.
Clear aligners are a go-to choice for people facing an overbite issue. Clear aligners can also solve many other bite issues besides an overbite. It works best for people of all ages. If you have mild to moderate bite issues, clear aligners are the best treatment for you. Clear aligners work by gradually fixing bite alignment issues through gentle pressure over time.
Traditional braces are a go-to option for fixing bite alignment issues. Traditional braces work by putting pressure on the teeth through metal wires and brackets. Braces for overbite cases are typically recommended when the misalignment is more complex.
In the most severe case, your orthodontist will suggest that you go for surgery. In most cases, it is usually suggested to adults when the other treatments are not suitable.
If your child is facing an overbite issue, it is suggested to have an early treatment because it is more effective and better to treat your issue when your mouth is still growing. In case of teens and adults, clear aligners are a go-to option for mild to moderate dental issues. Especially for people who are conscious about their smile, going with clear aligners is the best choice for them.
In case of severe or complex cases, go for traditional braces. For people facing mild to moderate issues are not usually suggested for braces because they are painful and an expensive treatment. Braces need readjustment after a short interval of time, which can cause irritation, mouth soreness, or even difficulty in chewing food. However, braces are more complex when it comes to cleaning.
Clear aligners are becoming more popular than braces as they offer a more convenient, effective, and affordable option to fix issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, edge-to-edge, and midline shift issues from the comfort of your home.
Invisalign is one of the most famous and trusted clear aligner brands. Known for its high-quality treatment and wide recognition, Invisalign has helped millions achieve straighter teeth.
Starting Cost: £2,500
Treatment Model: In-Office Supervision
Treatment Duration: 6-18 months
Wear Time: 22 hours a day
Learn more about Invisalign in our detailed review.
Diamond Whites is known best for clear aligners, along with their customer-vigilant support. Their prices are affordable, and they offer remote monitoring along with dentist supervision.
Starting Cost: £1,850
Treatment Model: Hybrid
Treatment Duration: 3-6 months
Wear Time: 22 hours a day
Discover more about Diamond White Clear Aligners in our detailed review page.
Smile2Impress is well known for being 25% cheaper than other providers. Their clear aligners are designed to be cost-effective, making them an attractive option for many clear aligner users.
Starting Cost: £1,920
Treatment Model: Hybrid
Treatment Duration: 3-6 months
Wear Time: 22 hours per day
Explore your treatment options with Smile2Impress Clear Aligners.
One of the leading choices for affordable clear aligners is Caspersmile. Alongside affordability, they have a proven track record of efficient and smooth clear aligner treatment. They have a range of clear aligners suitable for mild to moderate dental issues.
Starting Cost: £599
Treatment Model: Remote
Treatment Duration: 3-5 months
Wear Time: 20-22 Hours
Learn more about Caspersmile Clear Aligner plans .
Smile White provides clear aligners suitable for mild to moderate cases. Their various packages cater to different budgets, allowing you to choose the one that fits your financial situation best.
Starting Cost: £1,895
Treatment Model: Hybrid
Treatment Duration: 4-7 months
Wear Time: 22 hours
Learn more about Smile White Clear Aligners in our detailed review.
Overbite is a common malocclusion type that gets worse when left untreated. Overbites aren't just about appearance; they can quietly impact your health, comfort, and confidence if left unchecked. But with early checkups, smart habits, and the right treatment (like clear aligners or braces), overbites can be corrected effectively at any age. Whether you’re noticing signs in your child or considering options for yourself, now’s the time to take that first step. Talk to an orthodontist, explore your options, and give your smile the care it deserves.
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