Table of Contents

What is Overbite? How is Overbite Treated?

What are the Symptoms of Overbite?

What are Overbite Treatment Methods?

Orthodontic Treatment (Braces and Clear Aligners)

The Necessity of Tooth Extraction

Jaw Surgery (In Severe Cases)

Frequently Asked Questions About Overbite Treatment

What Happens If Overbite Increases?

Can Overbite Be Prevented?

Is Overbite Treatment Painful?

How Permanent is the Treatment?

Is Treatment Possible in Adults?

What is Overbite? How is Overbite Treated?

Overbite, that is, excessive covering of the upper front teeth over the lower teeth, is a tooth closure problem that can cause both aesthetic and functional problems. This condition can affect basic functions such as speaking and chewing in daily life and can cause wear on the teeth or discomfort in the jaw joint over time. As DentLeon specialists, we offer modern and personalized solutions to patients with overbite problems. In this article, you can find answers to the questions of what is overbite, what symptoms it is understood and how it is treated.

What are the Symptoms of Overbite?

Although overbite may seem like a problem with the closure of teeth at first glance, it actually manifests itself with many symptoms, both aesthetic and functional. Although most people ignore these symptoms, early detection makes treatment easier. Here are the most common symptoms of overbite:

• Upper front teeth covering the lower teeth too much: Normally, the upper teeth partially cover the lower teeth. However, in the case of overbite, this coverage rate is high and sometimes the lower teeth become almost completely invisible.
• Imbalance in the bite of the teeth: Chewing may become difficult while eating, the teeth may not close completely, or an irregular contact may be felt during bite.
• Pain or sound in the jaw joint: Clicking, noise or pain during opening and closing may be experienced in the jaw joint. This can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in the long term.
• Speech disorders: Overbite can interfere with the correct production of sounds. Lisp, especially in sounds such as “s” and “z”, can be seen.
• Aesthetic problems in the lower face area: The appearance of the chin back creates an imbalance in the facial profile. This can negatively affect the self-confidence of the individual.
• Wear and sensitivity on teeth: Excessive pressure from the upper teeth on the lower teeth can lead to wear, fracture or sensitivity on the tooth surfaces over time.
• Gum problems: Improper bite can put excessive pressure on the gums, causing gum recession or inflammation.

What are Overbite Treatment Methods?

Overbite treatment may differ from person to person. Treatment plan; It is determined by the age of the patient, the alignment of the teeth, the jaw structure and the degree of the bite problem. In cases diagnosed at an early stage, the treatment process may be easier and shorter, while in advanced cases, different methods can be applied together. The main treatment methods applied at the DentLeon clinic are:

Orthodontic Treatment (Braces and Clear Aligners)

One of the most common and effective methods in the treatment of overbite is orthodontic treatment. This treatment aims to bring the teeth into the correct position and balance the jaw bite.

• Braces Treatment: Braces treatment with metal or porcelain brackets gives effective results, especially in children and teenagers. The brackets are fixed to the teeth and allow the teeth to move to the ideal position over time.
• Clear Aligners (Invisalign and similar systems): Ideal for adults looking for an invisible alternative. Clear aligners are produced specifically for the patient’s teeth and are replaced at regular intervals, allowing the teeth to straighten gradually.
• Functional Appliances: Special appliances used during childhood help prevent or reduce overbite formation by directing jaw development.

The advantage of orthodontic treatment is that it provides a permanent improvement both aesthetically and functionally. In addition, during the treatment process, the tooth and jaw structure gain a healthier form. For more information,  you can check our orthodontic treatment page.

The Necessity of Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is not always required in the treatment of overbite; however, in some cases, this process may be unavoidable. Tooth extraction is applied especially in cases where the jaw structure is narrow, the teeth overlap and there is not enough space in the jaw.

• Purpose: Extraction provides the necessary space for the teeth to move into the correct position.
• Which teeth are extracted?: Premolars are generally preferred. In this way, while there is no visible change in terms of aesthetics, an ideal area for orthodontic treatment is created.
• Advantages: Orthodontic treatment after extraction helps align the teeth more evenly and corrects bite problems.

Tooth extraction should be carefully planned by a specialist orthodontist according to the patient’s jaw structure and the degree of overbite.

Jaw Surgery (In Severe Cases)

If the overbite is advanced and cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone, jaw surgery comes into play. Especially in adult patients, orthodontic treatment alone may not be sufficient as the development of the jawbones is completed.

• In which cases is it applied?
  • Cases where the chin is too far back or forward than normal
  • Severe bite disorders
  • Conditions that negatively affect facial aesthetics
• How?
  Jaw surgery is planned together with orthodontic treatment. First, the teeth are brought into the appropriate position with orthodontic treatment, and then the jawbone is repositioned with a surgical procedure.
• Results: A more aesthetically balanced facial profile is achieved, and chewing and speaking functions are improved.

For detailed information,  you can check our jaw treatment page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overbite Treatment

What Happens If Overbite Increases?

Untreated overbite can lead to jaw joint problems, tooth wear and aesthetic problems over time. In addition, chewing function may be impaired.

Can Overbite Be Prevented?

Through regular dental check-ups during childhood, overbite can be diagnosed and prevented early. In addition, preventing habits such as thumb sucking reduces the risk of this problem.

Is Overbite Treatment Painful?

There may be a slight feeling of pressure or discomfort during the treatment. However, with modern orthodontic methods, this process has been made very comfortable.

How Permanent is the Treatment?

Properly applied treatment offers long-term and permanent results. The use of retainers after treatment also helps maintain the results.

Is Treatment Possible in Adults?

Yes, it is possible to treat overbite in adults today. Braces or clear aligners also give successful results in adult patients.

Overbite is a problem that can be eliminated with correct diagnosis and treatment methods. At DentLeon, we offer our patients satisfactory solutions both aesthetically and functionally.