Overbite correction: methods and costs
What is an overbite?
When using the term overbite, it is important to distinguish the correct medical definition from the common, everyday use of the word to describe a typical dental misalignment. Medically speaking, an overbite refers to the positional relationship of the upper front teeth to the lower front teeth.
In fact, a slight overbite is normal: in every healthy set of teeth, the upper front teeth close slightly over the lower front teeth – they literally “overbite” them. When the two rows of teeth are optimally aligned, this results in a healthy scissor bite. However, a misalignment may be present, which orthodontics refers to as prognathism.
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Types of overbite
When discussing an overbite, a distinction is made between overbite and overjet. If either of these falls outside the normal range, it is considered a malocclusion.
Overbite
The overbite is the vertical overlap, referred to by dentists as the superior–inferior relationship. It describes the positional relationship of the front teeth when viewed from top to bottom (or vice versa). To determine this, the dentist measures the distance between the cutting edges of the upper and lower incisors.
If these edges meet exactly, the overbite is zero. If there is no contact at all, the patient has an anterior open bite. If the upper front teeth completely cover the lower front teeth, the bite is considered deep, up to a full coverage bite.
Overjet
The overjet is the horizontal overlap (anterior–posterior). To measure it, the dentist determines the greatest distance between the edges of the upper and lower central incisors. Here too, a zero value exists when the cutting edges meet directly. Depending on whether the upper or lower front teeth are positioned further forward, this can result in an underbite or an overbite.
Diagnosis
For diagnosis, the dentist determines how much the bite deviates from a normal (eugnathic) bite. A normal bite shows an overbite of 1.0 to 2.0 mm and an overjet of 2.0 to 3.0 mm. As mentioned above, in a healthy bite the upper front teeth slightly overlap the lower front teeth.
If there is a deviation from this norm, the dentist diagnoses prognathism, which is commonly understood as a treatable overbite. Also worth mentioning is the relatively rare edge-to-edge bite, in which there is no overbite at all and the upper and lower incisors meet directly.
What causes an overbite?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of an overbite:
- Genetics: As seen in many families, an altered overbite is strongly hereditary. The shape and size of the teeth and jawbones are genetically determined.
- Habits: People develop habitual patterns of using their teeth. Especially in early childhood, certain habits can promote the development of an overbite. These primarily include sucking habits involving pacifiers, bottles, or even thumbs.
- Neglect of oral hygiene: Even later in life, poor oral hygiene and insufficient dental check-ups can encourage the development of such misalignments.
- Tongue thrusting: At any age – but particularly in children and older people with unhealthy gums – pressure from the tongue during speaking and swallowing can promote an abnormal overbite.
- Tooth loss: Children and adults from around the age of 45 may lose teeth. Neighboring teeth then shift into the resulting gaps, altering the dental arch and leading to misalignment.
- Disproportion between the jaws: If the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates, this can result in the described dental misalignment.
Consequences of an overbite
People with an abnormal overbite often experience difficulty chewing, may struggle to pronounce certain sounds (especially consonants), are at increased risk of tooth decay, and naturally suffer from the aesthetic impact of the misalignment.
For this reason, it is important to diagnose the condition early in children, as minimally invasive orthodontic treatments with braces are then possible. Adult patients can also have their overbite corrected at any age.
Methods for correcting an overbite in children and adults
There are many methods available to correct an overbite. In children, whose teeth and jawbones are still growing, braces are the treatment of choice and are available in various forms. Adults can also wear braces, although surgery may sometimes be required.
Fixed ceramic braces
So-called ceramic brackets have been used for many years and can be used to treat almost all types of dental misalignment. While metal brackets are still common, ceramic brackets are tooth-colored and therefore much less noticeable. They are, however, still visible, which many adult patients find to be a significant drawback.
Another disadvantage is the hardness of the material: it is harder than tooth enamel and, in cases of a very deep overbite, could damage it. In such situations, this option is not recommended. In addition, ceramic forms a strong adhesive bond with the enamel and can be difficult to remove.
Invisible braces
Invisible braces are generally preferred and are available in both fixed and removable versions.
Fixed invisible braces
Fixed invisible braces, such as Incognito braces, are attached to the inner (lingual) side of the teeth. A plaster model of the teeth is required. Incognito braces can be worn by people of any age.
It should be noted that adult teeth respond less readily to this treatment than children’s teeth, as children’s teeth and jawbones are still growing. Incognito braces are typically worn for between three months and two and a half years.
Removable invisible braces
Invisible braces can also be removable and taken out daily. They are anchored to small plastic attachment points that the dentist bonds to the teeth. The dentist also explains how to insert and remove the removable invisible brace, which is recommended for eating and oral hygiene.
Orthognathic (jaw) surgery
In cases of severe dental misalignment and/or at an advanced age, orthognathic surgery may be required. This procedure allows the orthodontist to correct the misalignment of one or both jaws that causes the overbite. After surgery, most patients wear braces for a shorter additional period.
How much does overbite correction cost?
Depending on the type, the cost of braces typically ranges between CHF 6,000 and CHF 12,000. The cost of jaw surgery is in a similar range. There are comprehensive supplementary dental insurance plans that can help cover these expenses.
Statutory health insurance covers the costs if there is a medical indication, which is generally assumed in children. Adult patients should discuss coverage with their insurance provider in advance.
Conclusion
A pronounced, treatment-requiring overbite can generally be corrected at any age. Parents should take their children to regular dental check-ups and seek professional advice at an early stage.
Frequently asked questions
When should an overbite be treated?
Ideally when the second set of teeth begins to grow, and as early as possible.
How long does it take to correct an overbite?
With braces, correction usually takes between three months and two and a half years.
What can be done to treat an overbite?
Treatment options include wearing braces and, in some cases, jaw surgery.
Is it possible to correct an overbite without braces?
Yes, through surgery. However, this is only recommended in severe cases. In most situations, braces remain the treatment of choice.
Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner
Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner, Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie (CH) hat ihre Promotion im Jahr 2013 erfolgreich in Zürich absolviert. Sie hat sich damit ihren langjährigen Traum erfüllt. Durch die universitäre Fachzahnarztausbildung ebenfalls in Zürich spezialisierte sie sich als Kieferorthopädin und ist seit 2017 nach erfolgreich bestandener Prüfung als “Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie Schweiz” zertifiziert.
Seit dem Jahr 2018 ist sie Inhaberin der Praxis We Love Smiles Kieferorthopädie Zürich AG. Ihr Wissen wendet sie in ihrer Schweizer Praxis erfolgreich und mit großer Hingabe an. Ihr Fachgebiet sind Zahnstellungskorrekturen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen.
Kundenzufriedenheit und Professionalität stehen dabei immer an erster Stelle. Sie geht dabei äußerst behutsam und schonend vor, sodass sich auch die kleinsten Patienten wohl bei ihr fühlen.