Hello this is Dr. Jamali at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York. I am here to answer some of the questions asked about overbite.
What is an overbite and how does it differ from a normal bite?
Overbite and normal bite differ in where the position of the teeth are. An overbite usually is when the lower teeth are set back behind the upper teeth, so there's a space between the upper and lower teeth. In a normal bite, the lower teeth sit right behind the upper teeth, not too deep but just at the tip of the upper teeth.
What is the difference between an overbite and an overjet?
The difference between overbite and overjet is really a technical term that professionals use. Overjet is again the distance between the lower teeth and the upper teeth, where the lower jaw is back. The public calls this overbite, but professionals call it overjet. Professionals call overbite when the lower teeth go deep into the upper teeth and they're not just biting at the tip of the upper teeth.
How does an overbite compare to an underbite and how are they treated differently?
What the public calls overbite, which is when the lower teeth are behind the upper teeth, happens when the lower jaw is back. In an underbite, the lower teeth come forward and the upper teeth are behind the lower teeth, therefore the jaw sticks out.
How does an overbite affect a person's smile and side profile?
When a patient has an overbite, the side profile is weak. They may have an airway issue potentially, maybe sleep apnea, and basically, the lower lip is way behind the upper lip and the chin is back as well.
What are the causes of an overbite and can it worsen over time?
The common cause of an overbite is usually congenital; basically, the lower jaw didn't grow as much as the upper jaw. Sometimes it can get worse when the patient has a degenerative disease in the TMJ area.
What is considered a severe overbite and how does it impact oral health?
A severe overbite is when the teeth are really behind the upper teeth, or they're really proclined. This happens when the orthodontist masks the problem, or sometimes nature does this to the lower teeth. Either one is a moderate to severe overbite, and usually, the patient has a weak profile, and they're a good candidate for a surgical procedure.
What are the risks of leaving a severe overbite untreated?
The risk of leaving a severe overbite untreated is facial pain, potentially getting sleep apnea, which is basically getting a bad night's sleep and being tired all the time, and bite and chewing issues.
How can an overbite be corrected and what treatment options are there?
An overbite can be corrected by a surgical procedure. Sometimes when it's mild, it can be corrected by Invisalign and orthodontic treatment alone, but the patient should do a good consultation with an orthodontist and the surgeon to make sure the profile doesn't suffer.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite or are braces required?
Invisalign can fix the overbite in mild cases. Braces are not required all the time, but this should be discussed with the orthodontist, and the best option should be discussed among you guys.
How long does it take to fix an overbite with braces or Invisalign?
To fix the overbite with Invisalign and braces, it takes many months to a couple of years, maybe, but it depends on the age of the patient, condition of the gums, and the bone supporting the teeth, skills of the orthodontist, and the patient.
How does overbite correction with braces work?
Overbite correction with braces works by putting the brackets and the wires on the teeth, and the orthodontist uses mechanisms that pull and push the teeth around. Sometimes they have to use a rubber band to push the lower teeth forward.
Are there natural ways to fix an overbite without braces or surgery?
Unfortunately, there are no natural ways to fix the overbite. Most times, this has to be fixed by Invisalign, braces, or a combination of Invisalign and surgery.
When is overbite surgery necessary and what does the procedure involve?
Overbite correction by surgery is necessary when the condition is moderate to severe. This should be evaluated by a surgeon or a skilled orthodontist. And when the patient has a moderate to severe issue, this should not be handled by Invisalign or braces alone, and a combination of surgery and orthodontics should be done.
What do overbite before and after results typically look like after treatment?
Well, overbite before and after treatment looks very different if it is done surgically or just by orthodontics. If it's done just by orthodontic treatment, the lower lip is usually inverted, the chin still stays back, and the profile doesn't change, but the teeth and the bite are usually corrected. If surgery and orthodontic treatment are combined, then you get the benefit of improving the profile, the bite, and the airway.
So thank you very much for listening. This is Dr Jamali. I hope I have answered some of the questions about overbite. If you have any other questions, please contact us at (332) 244-0554.