Guidebook
Overview of overbite – When the upper incisors protrude far. What is the cause? What can be done?
In orthodontic terminology, an overbite is referred to as an overjet. This refers to the step between the upper and lower incisors. Ideally, this should be 1-2 mm. If the upper teeth are significantly further forward than the lower teeth, this is referred to as an enlarged overbite.
Author
Dr. Fabian von Rom
Date
Estimated reading time
approx. 6 min
Overbite
Contents
What are the causes of a large overbite?
The cause can be either a misalignment of the teeth, a misalignment of the jaw or a combination of both. If the problem exists at tooth level, the axes of the front teeth are not correct. The upper incisors are tilted too far forward and the lower incisors are correspondingly too far back. If the problem exists at jaw level, the entire lower jaw is set back in relation to the upper jaw. Even if the teeth are positioned correctly, this results in an enlarged overbite.
Tooth and jaw misalignments that result in a large front tooth can be genetic. In many cases, however, they are also acquired through harmful habits such as thumb sucking or lip sucking.
What are the consequences of a large overbite?
From a medical point of view, the massively increased risk of trauma associated with protruding incisors plays the most important role. The risk of tooth damage to the upper front teeth in accidents has been shown to increase disproportionately with the size of the overbite. However, tooth damage and tooth loss should be avoided at all costs in the anterior region, not only from a medical but also from an esthetic point of view.
If the teeth in the front are not in the correct relationship with an enlarged overbite, the bite usually does not fit in the posterior region either. In the following video you can see how the bite and overbite were corrected by orthodontic treatment.
In addition to an inappropriate bite and the increased risk of trauma, a large overbite also has a psychosocial component. Studies have shown that children with a large overbite are teased and bullied more often. Keyword: buck teeth or horse teeth. Here you can find out how to avoid this and treat protruding front teeth.
How can an overbite in children and adolescents be treated?
The overbite is often caused by a backward position of the lower jaw. In growing children and adolescents, functional orthodontics can be used to promote the growth of the underdeveloped lower jaw. Removable braces are often used for this. The braces show the lower jaw the correct position further forward. With sufficient wearing time, the growth of the lower jaw adapts and the large overbite or backbite is gradually reduced. The ideal time for functional orthodontic treatment for a large overbite is when there is a lot of growth potential in the body, i.e. during and shortly before puberty. In the case of particularly pronounced findings, an earlier start to treatment is also recommended due to the high risk of trauma.
If negative habits such as thumb sucking or lip sucking were involved in the development of the overbite, breaking these habits is essential for a stable long-term result of orthodontic treatment. In addition to functional orthodontics, the treatment methods described below for adults can also be useful for adolescents.
How does overbite treatment work for adults?
A large overbite can also be reliably treated with orthodontics in adults. Depending on the cause, different approaches are possible. Misaligned teeth and jaws can be treated either causally or compensatory.
With the help of special braces, for example, all teeth, including the front incisors, can be moved backwards. In technical terms, this is known as distalization. Under certain conditions, overbite treatment is possible with the so-called Herbst appliance. This special brace adjusts the lower jaw to the correct position. Adaptation processes in both jaws and in the temporomandibular joint ultimately treat the backbite successfully.
Alternatively, in some cases it may make sense to remove two small molars. This creates space to move the protruding front teeth backwards and reduce the overbite. Another measure for correcting a large overbite is a combination of orthodontics and oral surgery. This is an option if the overbite is caused by a pronounced jaw misalignment and not a tooth misalignment. In addition to the overbite correction, the surgical part usually results in a significantly greater change in the facial profile compared to purely orthodontic measures. In the case of a strongly receding lower jaw with a receding chin, this may be exactly what is desired. Another special feature of the combined orthodontic-jaw surgery treatment is that the statutory health insurance companies also contribute to the costs of orthodontic treatment for adult patients in these special cases.
There are many different approaches to treating a large overbite. Depending on the patient’s age and the type, severity and cause of the overbite, some treatment options are more suitable than others in individual cases.
The video shows the first phase of overbite treatment by distalization. This involves moving the molars backwards. The front teeth spontaneously follow the movement of the molars, so that the interdigitation improves significantly. In the next treatment phase, the individual tooth misalignments are fine-tuned and corrected.
Your expert for orthodontics
Dr. Fabian von Rom
In the specialist practice for orthodontics, Dr. med, dent. Fabian von Rom uses his extensive expertise and many years of experience to offer patients the best possible care. The practice offers the entire spectrum of modern orthodontics and specializes in innovative and advanced treatment methods. In addition to traditional procedures, the focus is on treatment with invisible braces for teenagers and adults – one of the most modern and discreet solutions in orthodontics. Dr. med. dent. Fabian von Rom attaches great importance to ensuring that medical precision goes hand in hand with a high level of patient satisfaction. By equipping the practice exclusively with individual treatment rooms, individual and professional care at the highest level is guaranteed.
Further topics
In our guide you will find lots more information on current, relevant and interesting topics relating to orthodontics. We hope you enjoy reading it!
