Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap excessively over the lower front teeth. Generally there is no contact between the upper and lower front teeth. Often you cannot see the lower incisors. Overbite is due to a disproportionate amount of eruption of front teeth, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth, and a front to back discrepancy in the growth of the upper or lower jaw (Class II Relationship). Overbite is also known as a deep bite.
OVERBITE SHOULD BE CORRECTED BECAUSE IT CAN:
- Cause improper functioning of your front teeth
- Result in the lower front teeth biting into the gum tissue of the upper palate leading to tissue problems.
- Unusual wear of the lower front teeth
- Cause jaw or joint problems
- Make your smile less attractive
Overbite can be orthodontically corrected through moving the front teeth up and/or bringing the back teeth together, which will "open" the bite so the teeth are properly aligned and the deep bite is eliminated.
