What Is An Overbite?

This is a great question! But before I can answer, I will have to explain exactly what an overbite is. An overbite is fairly common among people of all ages. It describes a condition where the upper jaw and teeth are slightly out of alignment with the bottom teeth and lower jaw. This condition varies in degrees of severity.

Everyone should a have a little bit of an overbite.

Ideal overbites are considered to be 20% of the upper front teeth covering the lower teeth. There can also be concerns if there is not enough over bite, so don’t be fooled! An idealized overbite is important to maintain the longevity of the teeth so that they can last a lifetime.

 Overbites are concerning because they can lead to excess wear and breaking down of the front teeth. Overbites cause the front teeth to do more hard work in the biting and chewing department than they are designed to do. As a result, I often see wear on people’s teeth that have overbites. If severe overbites are left untreated, the front teeth can wear down to little stubs. This is always devastating for me to see because I know that it could have been prevented and now options are limited. These are really difficult to repair because putting fillings on the edges of the teeth break off easily.

How To Treat An Overbite

There are a few different methods of treatment that have proven to be effective ways of correcting an overbite. While these treatments are often successful, some are more effective than others, especially in cases where the overbite is severe. The most common ways to treat overbites are with braces or Invisalign.

To summarize, it is best to see an orthodontist to have your overbite measured, I would be happy to evaluate your needs! At South Surrey Smiles, we will take photos of your teeth to show you if you have any existing wear on your teeth. This information is critical to your future to ensure that you do not realize you have a problem before it is too late. For more information, or to set up a free consultation, be sure to contact the friendly oral health professionals at South Surrey Smiles today!