What is an overbite?

An overbite is exactly what it sounds like – it’s the misalignment of your teeth, specifically when your upper teeth stick out further than your lower teeth, or ‘bite’ over your lower teeth. 

While a minor overbite can still affect your confidence when smiling, it can have minimal impact on your day to day life. If, however, you have a more severe overbite (meaning the upper jaw is further forward, hiding more of your bottom teeth) then it can cause a whole host of symptoms and annoying issues. Some of these include: 

• Difficulty eating
• Jaw stiffness or pain 
• Headaches
• Earaches 

How to identify an overbite?

It can be fairly simple to identify an overbite. Stand in front of a mirror, and smile widely with your teeth together. If you can only see 50% or less of your lower front teeth when smiling like this then you likely have an overbite. The severity can vary, so you should schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to confirm.

Schedule a free consultation at our Elmhurst or Forest Park location here!

Treatment for an overbite

So, now you know what an overbite is and how to identify at home if you might need orthodontic intervention, let’s talk about the possible treatment routes. 

Of course the specifics of your custom treatment plan will vary, depending on the details of your overbite. But ultimately, it could include the below:

• Elastics – these are attached to both your bottom and top braces, and are designed to correct your bite while the braces work on straightening your teeth.
• The DamonTM System Wires – these are used to comfortable widen the arches in your mouth
• Aligners – if your overbite is minor to moderate, an aligner may be sufficient to correct your bite. 

If you suspect you or your child has an overbite, we can help you on the journey to a confident smile. Get in touch today, and schedule a free consultation with one of our orthodontists in Elmhurst or Forest Park.