Bite misalignment, also known as malocclusion, is a common dental condition that impacts both the appearance of your smile, the profile of your face, and the functionality of your bite.
2 common types of malocclusion are overbites and underbites.
All of us have an overbite. It refers to how the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth in the bite in a vertical perspective. Normally, the lower teeth should only be visibly covered by 30%. If the lower teeth are excessively covered, it is referred to as a deep bite or an excessive overbite.
An underbite, is where the lower jaw is more prominent and protrudes horizontally past the upper teeth. This often results in a flat middle face and a prominent chin appearance.
An overjet is often confused with an overbite. In dental terminology, an overjet is characterized by the upper teeth jetting out horizontally, well past the lower teeth. This is often associated with a more developed upper jaw or a less developed lower jaw, making the chin look retruded. It may also be referred to as having buck teeth.
Orthodontic options like full comprehensive metal braces and Invisalign can help correct these issues and improve function and appearance, but there are times when jaw surgery or cosmetic surgery may be needed.
What Is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion refers to a misalignment of the teeth or jaws that affects how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed. You can think of the jaws as a box. The lower jaw is the box and the upper jaw is the lid.
Malocclusion can lead to several bite-related issues that affect one’s ability to chew and speak.
What Causes Malocclusion?
Malocclusion can result from genetics that affect the shape or size of the jaw, size of teeth, habits like thumb-sucking, or issues like tooth loss or jaw injuries.
Teeth Crowding vs. Excessive Spacing
Teeth crowding is one of the most common types of malocclusion. It occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw, causing teeth to overlap or become crooked.
Conversely, excessive space in the jaw can lead to gaps between teeth, which can also disrupt the alignment of your bite and impact dental function.
What Happens If You Leave a Bite Untreated?
A normal bite evenly distributes forces across all teeth, protecting them and the jaw from unnecessary stress. An irregular bite can place undue pressure on certain teeth or your jaw, causing:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Tooth fractures and looseness
- Speech and chewing problems
- Jaw pain and TMJ disorders
Misalignment can also make proper oral hygiene more challenging, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
A professional assessment is essential to understand your bite issue and determine the most effective treatment plan for preventing complications and protecting your oral health.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth from a horizontal aspect. This bite misalignment is often caused by an excessively large lower jaw or smaller upper jaw.
Underbite vs. Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than overlapping them. This misalignment can affect different areas of the mouth, including:
- Front teeth (anterior crossbite)
- Side teeth (lateral crossbite)
- Back teeth (posterior crossbite)
What Is Overjet?
Commonly and mistakenly referred to as an overbite, excessive overjet occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth horizontally, usually due to the upper jaw jutting out further than the lower jaw. This misalignment can affect both the appearance and functionality of your bite.
Two to three millimetres of overjet is normal. If the overjet is excessive, the lower front teeth have no opposing teeth to make contact with when biting. Since this leaves an open space, this is referred to as an open bite.
This open space often leads to an unstable bite, allowing the teeth to move vertically or horizontally, which can lead to crowding.
Does Overbite Get Worse with Age?
Yes, overbites, like other types of malocclusion, can worsen over time. As the unstable teeth shift and the spaces between them change, the misalignment may deepen. This can lead to more severe oral health issues, including difficulty with biting and chewing, teeth getting loose, and increased wear on the teeth.
How Is Malocclusion Treated?
Your dentist can assess your bite and recommend orthodontic treatments to straighten your teeth and improve oral health.
A comprehensive consultation will help determine the best treatment option for you.
What Is Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
For complex or severe cases of malocclusion, comprehensive orthodontic treatment involves metal braces to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, supporting the healthy alignment of your bite.
These metal braces use a system of brackets, wires, and elastics that work together to shift teeth into their ideal positions. The steady and controlled force makes metal braces suitable for addressing more complex orthodontic needs.
The process involves:
- An initial consultation to assess the bite, teeth alignment, and jaw structure.
- Fitting the braces and making regular adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks.
- Monitoring progress and ensuring your teeth are aligning properly.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners (trays) that gently shift your teeth over time. These aligners are discreet, removable, and offer a flexible treatment option. To get the best results, the aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily, with 22 hours ideal.
The Invisalign process involves:
- An initial consultation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- A series of customized clear aligners, which you will switch out every 1 to 2 weeks.
- Regular checkups to monitor your treatment progress and make necessary adjustments.
- Custom-made retainers to help you maintain the results of your Invisalign treatment.
Can Invisalign Correct an Overbite?
Invisalign can address mild to moderate misalignments, including overbites, overjets, and underbites.
While it can address many orthodontic concerns, it may not be suitable for more severe alignment issues. Your dentist will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best treatment option for you.
My Teeth Look Straight. Why Do I Need Invisalign?
Minor alignment problems can still put stress on your jaw and affect your oral health. Your dentist may recommend Invisalign to correct subtle issues to help improve both the function and health of your teeth and jaw.
Even minor malocclusion can cause:
- Discomfort while biting or chewing
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Cuts on your cheek or tongue due to poor bite
- Fractured and loose teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have underlying bite issues despite your teeth appearing straight. Invisalign can address these issues to improve overall oral health.
Renew Your Smile
Dr. Cooper has extensive experience creating tailored dental plans to support her patients’ unique needs. Contact our team at Cooper Dental to book an appointment today. We are happy to explore your options and help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
