Overbite

Overbite or Deepbite

Overbite, also known as deepbite manifests as a Class II teeth bite, where the top or bottom jaw does not grow normally. Here, the top front teeth projects out far more than the bottom front teeth. When this occurs, the bottom incisors become completely hidden. This condition is because of excess growth in the bone that anchors the teeth, and because of several unusual eruptions of the front teeth.

Reasons why overbite/deepbite should be corrected:

• Promotes joint/jaw problems
• Causes loss of good teeth function
• Hinders the growth of the bottom jaw
• Causes an unattractive smile
• Promotes rapid wear of the bottom front teeth
• Promotes gum tissue problems when the bottom front teeth bite into the top palate gum tissue

Orthodontic correction of overbite

Correction of overbite/deepbite can be achieved by repositioning the front teeth upwards and/or the lower incisors down thus opening the bite.  it can also be accomplished by extruding molars which opens the bite and increases the facial height.  the type of correction is determined by age, facial development pattern, esthetics and wear on teeth. Without correction, these patients will experience excessive wear and be at increased risk of TMD ( jaw pain) over time. Additionally most patients will suffer from a decreasing facial height as they age.