Malocclusions of the teeth: Types and treatments
Your smile is one of the first things people notice. If you’re dealing with dental issues like an overbite, underbite, or overjet, it can significantly impact your self-esteem and overall happiness. At Bespoke Smile, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your smile. Our expert team offers a range of solutions tailored to correct various malocclusions, ensuring you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
If you’re unsure what your condition looks like, we can guide you through understanding “what does an overbite look like” and provide clear overbite before and after examples to demonstrate the potential transformation. Your happiness starts with your smile. Let us help you show it confidently.
An overbite, also known as a deep bite, is when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. It is one of the most common forms of dental malocclusion. In severe cases, the lower teeth may be almost completely hidden by the upper teeth, which can lead to issues such as difficulty biting or chewing, jaw pain, and even speech problems.
Understanding and addressing overbites early can prevent further dental complications and help improve the aesthetics and functionality of your smile.
An underbite is where the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed, causing the lower jaw to protrude forward. Underbites can range from mild, where the lower teeth slightly overlap, to severe cases where the misalignment is more prominent.
Underbites are often caused by genetics, but they can also result from childhood habits like thumb-sucking or excessive use of pacifiers. This condition can lead to issues such as difficulty chewing, speaking, jaw pain, and excessive wear on the teeth.
These dental conditions, known as malocclusions, are caused by a combination of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors. Here’s a breakdown of the causes for each:
Genetics:
Some people are simply born with a larger upper jaw or a smaller lower jaw.
Childhood habits:
Thumb-sucking, excessive pacifier use, or prolonged bottle feeding can worsen overbites.
Teeth grinding:
Bruxism can wear down the teeth and worsen the vertical overlap.
Missing or crowded teeth:
Lack of space or missing teeth can cause overbite issues.
Genetics:
Underbites can be hereditary; a lower jaw can grow too far forward or an upper jaw can not grow enough.
Childhood habits:
Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can push the lower teeth forward over time.
Injury or trauma:
Severe injury to the face can cause misalignment of the jaws.
Jawbone issues:
A discrepancy in the size or positioning of the jawbones can contribute to underbites.
Genetics:
Overjets can be passed down from parents, often linked to discrepancies between upper and lower jaw sizes.
Childhood habits:
Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or even excessive bottle feeding can push the upper teeth forward, resulting in an overjet.
Teeth misalignment:
Crowded or improperly spaced teeth may cause overjets if the upper teeth have a lack of space or improper bite alignment.
Composite veneers are an excellent option for correcting misaligned teeth, providing a quick and effective way to enhance your smile without the need for extensive orthodontic treatment. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which can take months or even years, composite veneers provide instant correction. You can walk out of the dental office with a transformed smile in just one visit.
Choosing composite veneers to correct misaligned teeth is an effective way to achieve the smile you desire without the long-term commitment of braces. For more information on how composite veneers can enhance your smile, book a free consultation with us today.
To fix an overbite, several treatment options are available, including traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or even jaw surgery in severe cases. Orthodontic treatment involves moving the teeth into proper alignment, which may require additional appliances, such as rubber bands, to correct the bite effectively. Consulting with a cosmetic dentist can help determine the most suitable approach based on the severity of the overbite.
Correcting an underbite usually requires orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign. In more severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to realign the jaw. Treatment plans should be personalised and involve a comprehensive evaluation by a dental professional to determine the best approach.
An overbite is characterised by the upper front teeth overlapping the lower front teeth. This condition can vary in severity; in mild cases, the overlap is slight, while in severe cases, the lower teeth may be nearly completely hidden.
Fixing an overbite without braces may involve using clear aligners like Invisalign or specific orthodontic appliances designed to reposition teeth. In some cases, dental procedures such as veneers or crowns can also help enhance appearance without traditional braces. Consulting with a cosmetic dentist is essential for exploring these options.
Invisalign treatment for an overbite typically takes between 6 to 18 months, depending on the severity of the overbite and the individual treatment plan. Regular check-ups and adherence to wearing the aligners for the recommended duration are crucial for achieving optimal results.
An underbite is evident when the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth. This misalignment can lead to an uneven smile and functional issues when chewing or speaking.
Underbites can be caused by genetic factors, such as inherited jaw structure, or developmental issues during childhood. Habits like thumb-sucking and prolonged pacifier use can also contribute to the development of an underbite.
Natural methods to address an underbite may include exercises aimed at jaw alignment and avoiding habits such as thumb-sucking. However, significant misalignments typically require orthodontic intervention for effective correction. Consult with one of our dental professionals for more information.
To determine if you have an overbite, look for signs such as the upper teeth significantly overlapping the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. If you notice discomfort when biting or chewing, this may also indicate an overbite. A professional dental evaluation is the best way to confirm this condition.
An overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. A normal overjet ranges from 1 to 3 millimeters. When the upper teeth protrude significantly more, it can be considered excessive.
A normal overjet typically measures between 1 to 3 millimeters. Values exceeding this range may indicate an orthodontic issue requiring attention. If you’re concerned about your overjet, consult with an orthodontist for a comprehensive evaluation.
“We create attractive, healthy confident smiles for patients that last for years.”
Dr Sam Jethwa
