An overbite is a type of dental malocclusion that occurs when the teeth of the upper jaw bone protrude noticeably over the teeth of the lower jaw bone. This pathology is caused either by the lack of development of the lower jaw bone or by the malposition of the teeth.
Technically speaking, overbites belong to the group of Class II occlusions. In the infantile and juvenile phases we solve them with orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments, while in the adult phase, if the overbite is the result of asymmetry between the jaws, it will be necessary to combine orthodontics with maxillofacial surgery. This is why it is so important to tackle the problem early and treat it at the right time and with the right techniques.
Habits and causes that lead to overbite
Many cases of overbite are influenced by genetics. For this reason, it is important to pay special attention to the growth of children’s jaws from the earliest years of life. The earlier an overbite problem is detected, the easier it is to treat.
In addition to the hereditary component in the correct position of the jaw and upper jaw, certain habits to avoid also play a role:
Causes of overbite in children
Causes of overbite in adults
Problems that can be caused by overbite
Dental malocclusions are quite common, but are often underestimated as merely an esthetic problem that affects facial harmony.
If not treated correctly, an overbite can cause dental and digestive health problems that can affect the patient’s daily life:
Treatment for overbite in children and adults
Overbite can range from mild and practically imperceptible to severe and dangerous for the patient’s dental health. It is essential to go to a clinic that has advanced equipment in orthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics and TMJ to obtain an accurate diagnosis and intervene appropriately and at the right time.
Interceptive orthodontics for overbite in children
If during childhood, approximately between the ages of 5 and 11, we detect a potential dental malocclusion problem, we can correct it with our orthopedic interceptive orthodontics. Through a study of the child’s bone age and skeletal development, we will act at the right time and widen the palate by means of functional appliances, ensuring that the growth of the jaw bones is proportionate to each other and in relation to the size of the teeth they will house.
In this way, we will avoid a more complex treatment in the adult phase (Maxillofacial Surgery).
Orthodontics or maxillofacial surgery for overbite in adults
- Orthodontics: At approximately 14 years of age, the maxillary bones complete their growth and their position can no longer be corrected with orthodontics. In cases where the overbite is only the result of dental malposition, we can solve it with orthodontic treatment to align them and thus return the correct occlusion to the patient.
- Maxillofacial surgery: In cases of skeletal overbite (asymmetry between the jaws) in the adult phase, maxillofacial surgery will be necessary to solve the case. This type of intervention is very common and requires a specialist in maxillofacial surgery. After the surgical treatment, in most cases orthodontic treatment will be necessary so that the teeth are correctly placed in their new position.
In our dental clinic in Barcelona we have a team of top specialists in each field that solve complex cases of overbite and other malocclusions together.
