Understand the major differences between an overbite vs normal bite

Having a well-aligned bite is necessary for both oral health and the overall appearance of an individual. However, not everyone is born with a perfectly aligned smile. Dental misalignments have become predominantly common among individuals of all ages, and an overbite is a usual culprit. Some individuals often get confused while differentiating between normal teeth and overbite teeth. In this blog, we will help you understand the difference between the two, their causes, potential complications, and different treatment options.

What is a normal bite?

A normal bite also known as an ideal occlusion occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by about 1-2 mm with the mouth closed. The teeth harmoniously align together and the jaw remains in the ideal position without causing any excessive stress on the jaw joints. Having a normal bite means comfortable chewing, proper bite alignment, and proper speech.

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a dental condition in which the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth. The percentage of overlap measures the severity of the condition. Anything more than 2-4 mm is considered an overbite.

Types of an overbite

An overbite is classified into two further categories as mentioned below.

Vertical overbite

The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth in a downward direction.

Horizontal overbite

The upper teeth protrude outward over the lower teeth creating a gap. This is also known as an overjet.

Causes of an overbite

To get a better understanding of an overbite, below mentioned are some of the causes leading to an overbite condition.

Genetics

Some people have genetically inherited jaw structures that naturally lead to an overbite.

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors like habitual thumb-sucking and consistent usage of pacifiers result in an overbite condition.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding and clenching have become common around the world. People who grind their teeth at night have a higher risk of facing dental misalignments.

Overview: Normal bite vs overbite

The key differences between a normal bite and an overbite.

Potential risks associated with an overbite

Tooth wear and tear

An individual suffering from excessive overlapping has a high risk of enamel erosion, teeth chipping, or even fractures.

TMJ disorder

A severe overbite can put stress on the jaws resulting in pain, headaches, and difficulty in opening or closing your mouth.

Impacted speech

Speech impairments are one of the potential risks of having an overbite leading to speech issues and lisping.

Chewing difficulty

Misalignment may make it harder to chew properly, leading to digestive problems.

How to fix an overbite?

Treating dental misalignments like an overbite has never been this easy. With the advancements in dentistry, different treatment options have made it easier to fix an overbite in no time. Traditional braces and clear aligners are the two most popular treatment options to fix an overbite.

Traditional braces

Traditional braces are one of the longest-known treatment methods for teeth straightening. They are composed of metal wires and brackets that are fixed on the teeth. Over time, they exert gentle pressure on the teeth to move them to a desirable position. Metal braces are best for treating mild, moderate, and even severe dental issues.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional braces. Individuals who do not want to compromise their appearance can opt for clear aligners and enjoy a smooth alignment of their teeth. They are composed of clear plastic material that is worn on the teeth for a specified time. The usual treatment duration for a clear aligner plan ranges between four to six months. However, the duration may be extended in case of severe misalignment.

Wondering if you are a perfect fit for a clear aligner treatment?

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Caspersmile to the rescue

Caspersmile has made teeth straightening easier than ever. If you are suffering from a dental misalignment including an overbite, our clear aligners can align it in no time. Our aligners are composed of BPA-free material, transparent plastic that is worn for 22 hours every day. By wearing them for at least three to five months you can achieve the smile you have always dreamed of.

Why choose Caspersmile?

• Custom-fit clear aligners

• Affordable excellence

• Expert reviewed plans

• Effective treatment

Final thoughts

Overbite is a common dental malocclusion in which the upper front teeth overlap more than 2-4 mm of the lower arch. It may not impact the oral health of an individual but has a certain impact on the appearance. Different teeth straightening solutions including clear aligners can help fix an overbite. If you want to get your teeth aligned, Caspersmile Clear Aligners can be your way forward.

FAQs

What is the difference between an overbite and a normal bite? +

A normal bite is a normal occlusion in which the upper teeth arch sits properly with the lower one and there's only a 1-2 mm overlap when the mouth is closed. On the other hand, anything more than 2-4 mm is considered an overbite.

Can aligners treat an overbite? +

Yes, clear aligners exert gentle pressure on the teeth over time to move them to a desirable place. If you have a mild to moderate overbite, clear aligners can be your ideal solution.

How long do I have to wear aligners to fix an overbite? +

The usual treatment duration for clear aligners ranges between three to five months. However, the treatment duration may exceed in severe cases or when the individual fails to adhere to the wear time of aligners.