What is an overbite, and how does this occur

At its most basic, an overbite is defined as when the front teeth cover the lower teeth in a noticeable manner. To be more precise, an overbite is the amount of imbalance in a horizontal or vertical plane between the upper and lower teeth, or upper and lower jaw. The severity of an overbite is looked at in terms of the degree to which the upper teeth cover the lower teeth. For example, with a 90% overbite, the upper teeth would cover 90% of the lower teeth. There is also such a thing as an impinging overbite, which occurs when the lower teeth are pushing into the tissue behind the upper teeth.

Overbites are a rather common type of dental malocclusion, as most people have some degree of one. For most people, these overbites aren't serious enough to require any kind of professional dental intervention.

However, an overbite that is more pronounced can certainly have consequences. One effect can be on a person's bite pattern, which may subsequently lead to both jaw pain as well as wear and tear on tooth enamel. This may in turn increase a person's chances of developing some form of gum disease, as well as make one more susceptible to tooth decay. Overbites can also lead to TMJ disorder, which can lead to chronic pain that is often difficult to manage.

An overbite can also lead to a speech impediment due to abnormal tooth structure. At its most extreme, an overbite can change the appearance and structure of one's face. A dentist would be able to determine the degree to which an overbite is impacting a person's face and mouth, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. The first line of defense involves braces and rubber bands, which are used to pull the upper teeth back. In cases where the overbite is more severe or pronounced, other steps may need to be taken. These would include tooth extraction, or potentially surgery that would pull the jaw back.

As with many such malocclusions, the earlier it is treated, the easier the treatment plan will be. An overbite that is first dealt with in childhood stands a greater chance of success more quickly, as the jaw is still developing at that point. Hence, parents should take corrective action as soon as they suspect something may be amiss with their child's teeth. Overbites can still be corrected as an adult, but because the jaw is already developed, it will inevitably be a longer and more arduous process.

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