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Overbite

The simplest definition of an overbite is when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth with little to no contact, often hiding the lower teeth. With an overbite, also known as a deep bite, the front teeth tend to point out and down.

Author: Paula Blackburn

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If you search for the definition of overbite on the Internet, you are likely to find more confusion than clarification. According to Invisalign®, a major manufacturer of clear braces, overbite is often incorrectly used to describe an overjet when referring to upper front teeth that protrude outward at an angle that is farther forward than the edges of the lower anterior teeth.

Definitions of Overbite and Overjet

The simplest definition of an overbite is when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth with little to no contact, often hiding the lower teeth. With an overbite, also known as a deep bite, the front teeth tend to point out and down. The bottom teeth may strike the gums behind the top teeth when chewing, which can lead to excessive wear of the incisor teeth.

An overjet, derived from the French word “jeter” meaning “to throw”, refers to the upper front teeth being thrown forward, or outward. Sometimes an overjet can be far enough that the front teeth actually lay on top of the lower lip.

Correcting Overbite and Overjet

Experienced Invisalign® dentists are trained to correct underbite, overbite, overjet and crossbite as well as crooked or widely spaced teeth using these clear aligners, sometimes called clear braces.

Your dentist will begin the process by making a mold of your teeth. The mold is sent to a lab where the teeth are moved to an incremental position that is slightly closer to the end result intended for your treatment. The first several Invisalign® trays are made from that mold. You wear each tray for several weeks before moving to the next until your teeth have moved into the new position.

The lab technician moves the teeth on the mold slightly closer to the final desired position, make a new tray and so on. This can be done several times before a new mold must be made, and the process repeats until your teeth have been repositioned giving you the smile you hoped for.

TMJ Disorder and Overbite

Sometimes a misaligned bite can force your jaw into positions that put stress on the muscles and joints in your mandible, or lower jaw. Your neuromuscular dentist may determine that treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can overlap treatment to correct for your overbite or overjet.

A neuromuscular dentist trained to treat TMD, as well as in Invisalign® applications, is an excellent choice. Be sure to research your cosmetic dentist choices before having any permanent work done. There is a difference.

About Author

If you are considering correcting an overbite or overjet in Toronto, please visit the website of Dr. Adam Chapnick at Molson Park Dental Office in Barrie, Toronto and North York.

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