What is an overbite?
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by more than one-third. In severe cases, the lower teeth may even touch the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth. In general, a normal range for an overbite is 2-3 millimetres.
Overbites can be caused by genetic and hereditary factors relating to jaw development but they can also be caused by extensive thumb sucking and prolonged bottle feeding.
Problems associated with overbites
While a small amount of overbite can be completely harmless, some overbites, if left untreated, can lead to the following problems:
- severe wear of the lower front teeth
- jaw and jaw joint pain
- difficulty speaking or chewing
- sleep apnoea
- fractured teeth and increased wear and tear
- gum damage
Can an overbite be fixed with braces?
In most cases overbites can be very successfully fixed by orthodontic treatments, such as braces or Invisalign. We’ll help you find the best solution for your overbite.