Overbite Treatment

Overbite is a malocclusion (bad bite) that is commonly known as "buck teeth." Some 70 percent of all children develop an overbite, making it the most common malocclusion seen by orthodontists.

There are two types of overbites:

• vertical overbite, where the top teeth overlap the lower teeth too much vertically;
  and
  
• horizontal overbite, or "overjet," where the top teeth protrude too much. Some people have features of both types of overbite.

What Causes an Overbite?
Genetics and certain oral habits can both contribute to this condition.

Genetics: Everyone inherits the size of their teeth and the shape of their jaw from both parents So if you inherit your mother's jaw and your father's teeth, with a little bit of your grandfather's and great-aunt's toothy attributes sprinkled in, it is easy to understand why overbite (and other malocclusions) are so common.

Habits: If thumb or finger sucking continues past age 2, the habit not only moves the teeth but may also shape the jaw incorrectly, leading to both a dental and orthopedic (bone) problem. Nail-biting and pencil-chewing also can contribute to overbite and other malocclusions, especially if the behavior is chronic and continues for years. Some children have another habit that can create or aggravate an overbite: tongue thrusting. Tongue thrusters push their tongue against the back of their teeth each time they swallow. The tongue is a very strong muscle and children swallow 1,000 to 2,000 times a day.

Aside From Aesthetic Concerns, Why Is it Important to Correct an Overbite?
Severe overbites can lead to permanently damaged front teeth. Front teeth that stick out are prime targets for trauma. For example, children with an overbite who are very active or involved in sports are at higher risk for fracturing or otherwise injuring their top front teeth.

If you have a deep vertical overbite where your top teeth significantly overlap your bottom teeth your bottom teeth can literally hit the roof of the mouth every time you bite down. These small but continuous traumas can eventually damage your gums or even the roots of your upper front teeth. Some children who have this problem complain of mouth pain and have trouble biting into chewy foods, like pizza. An orthodontist should evaluate all children at age 7 so steps can be taken to alleviate pain and prevent long term damage. Sometimes an overbite or other malocclusion can create jaw problems, such as clicking in the jaw joint. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict which child will develop jaw problems later in life if their malocclusion is not corrected.

Are There Ways to Prevent or Mitigate an Overbite in Children?
You can't change a child's genetics, but you can try to break your child of oral habits, such as thumb sucking and pencil chewing.

Treating children early with a "functional appliance" - Either fixed or removable, can be another effective way of lessening the severity of an overbite. For example, if the lower jaw is growing more slowly than the upper jaw, a functional appliance can facilitate additional bone growth in the lower jaw. Functional appliances can be used in children as young as 7, 8, or 9. The child then wears a retainer until receiving a standard set of braces a few years later.

Wearing a functional appliance around the clock for about a year offers several benefits:

• Standard treatment braces may become shorter and less radical.
  
  
• Tooth extraction can often be avoided.
  
  
• The aesthetic result is often better because the patient's profile is more balanced.

Although their jaws are no longer growing, adults can sometimes achieve favorable tooth movement by wearing a functional appliance, as well.

How Are Overbites Treated?
Classic orthodontic treatment for an overbite lasts about 2 to 2 1/2 years and is divided into 2 stages of roughly equal duration. Both stages require a full set of braces, which consist of brackets on the front teeth and bands on the back teeth.

• Stage 1 called "leveling and aligning," gets all the teeth straight by using braces to correct any turning or twisting.
  
  
• Stage 2 works specifically on the overbite, pushing all the top teeth, including the molars, back where they belong. At the same time, the bottom teeth may need to be nudged forward to achieve a proper bite. Rubber bands, nickel-titanium coil spring or headgear are typically worn during the first or second stage of treatment. Because many children are reluctant to wear their headgear, most orthodontists favor the coil springs, or rubber bands, with excellent results.

How Long Does Treatment Last?
The average case takes 2 - 2 1/2 years. In complicated cases, the patient may need to wear braces for as long as 3 years.

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