Effective strategies for treating bite problems

The health of our teeth and jaws is crucial to our overall quality of life. If something is wrong in this area, it affects not only your appearance (and self-esteem), but also your daily functioning and, most importantly, your health. Bite problems are one of the most common orthodontic problems, affecting between 60% and 80% of Czechs. Fortunately, there are modern procedures that can address them effectively. In this article, we will focus on 4 common bite problems, their causes, consequences and treatment options. 

What bite problems exist?

There are 5 types of bite defects: crossbite, deep bite, open bite, crowded bite and gap bite. These can be combined, for example, with incorrect positioning of the teeth (so-called dental class), which can result in a very common overbite or underbite. 

Today, we're going to cover overbite, underbite, crossbite , and deep bite, as these are the most commonly encountered in orthodontic practice. 

Overbite

The main manifestation of an overbite is a gap between the lower and upper front teeth at bite that is greater than 3 mm. The overbite of the upper jaw is characterised by the upper teeth being significantly more forward than the lower teeth.

Causes of overbite

• Genetic factors: genetics plays a significant role in the formation of the structure of the jaws and teeth. If parents or close relatives have an overbite, it is likely that the child will have similar problems.
• Childhood habits: some habits at an early age, such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier sucking, can lead to an overbite. This is often referred to as a pacifier overbite.
• Developmental defects: some children may have an overbite due to developmental defects that affect the growth and development of the jaws. For example, if the upper or lower jaw grows faster than the other, this can lead to misalignment of the teeth and can also affect the position of the teeth - as the problem primarily starts with a disproportion in the size of the jaw.

Bite

You will come across different names for this phenomenon: mandibular/lower jaw overbite, negative overbite and bite. It is a condition where the teeth of the upper and lower jaw are not aligned properly when the mouth is closed, or the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This can lead to improper biting and other jaw problems. The problem often lies in the position of the teeth or even the position of the jaw, or the misalignment of the jaws.

Causes of the bite

• Genetic factors: similar to overbite, genetics can play a significant role in how jaws and teeth develop and align. In short, you can inherit misaligned jaws.
• Developmental and growth disorders: some children may have a bite due to improper jaw growth. This misalignment may be caused by uneven growth of the upper and lower jaw or by the incorrect position of individual teeth. 

Cross bite

A crossbite is an orthodontic problem where the upper arch is smaller than the lower arch. It can be a problem of a single tooth, individual sections or even the entire jaw, and both the position of the teeth and the disproportionate size of the jaws are to blame. It can lead to facial asymmetry and jaw problems if not addressed early.

Causes of crossbite

• Genetic factors: genetics can affect the structure and growth of the jaws, which can lead to misaligned teeth. If the parents have a crossbite, it is likely that the child will have similar problems.
• Improper jaw development: a crossbite often occurs when the jaws do not develop properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of space in the mouth for proper tooth growth or an incorrect jaw position or disproportionate jaw size.

Understanding these causes is important for the correct diagnosis and thus treatment of these problems.

Deep bite

A deep bite, also known as an "overbite" or "deep overbite", is an orthodontic defect in which the upper front teeth are significantly over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This means that in a normal bite, the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than normal. This condition can cause various problems such as:

• Wear on the teeth due to uneven contact.
• Jaw pain.
• Difficulty biting and chewing.
• Aesthetic problems associated with the arrangement of teeth.

Do braces solve a deep bite? Yes, braces are one of the most common solutions for correcting a deep bite.

Causes of a deep bite

• Genetics: bite and tooth arrangement often reflect hereditary traits, so children can inherit a deep bite from their parents. Genetics can also influence the shape and size of the jaws.
• Irregular jaw growth: when the upper jaw develops faster or is significantly larger than the lower jaw, this can lead to a deep bite. Conversely, an underdeveloped lower jaw can also be a cause.
• Misaligned teeth: crowded or misaligned teeth can cause a deep bite because the upper teeth tend to overlap the lower teeth more than normal.
• Tooth loss: if molars or other teeth are lost prematurely, the stability and structure of the bite can change, leading to a deep bite.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding): repeated grinding or clenching of the teeth can cause the teeth to shorten, resulting in the upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth more than normal.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: TMJ dysfunction can affect the correct position of the jaws and cause bite problems, including deep bites.

Treatment of a deep bite sometimes requires orthodontic intervention in combination with surgical adjustments, whereas surgery is much more likely for overbites and overbites.

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The consequences of these bite problems

All of these problems can have serious consequences in many areas:

Physical consequences

• Jaw pain: misalignment of the teeth and jaws can lead to chronic jaw pain. Pressure on the jaw muscles and joints can cause discomfort and pain that affects daily life.
• Biting and chewing problems: overbite, underbite and crossbite can make biting and chewing food difficult. Misaligned teeth can cause uneven pressure distribution when chewing, which can lead to further digestive problems.

Aesthetic implications

Orthodontic problems can also change the overall appearance of the face. For example, an overbite can cause the upper teeth and lips to protrude, while the nose can appear prominent due to a bland chin (called a bird profile). A crossed bite in turn asymmetries the face, which can be aesthetically unsightly. However, it is always necessary to plan treatment on an individual basis.

Psychological consequences

• Self-esteem: people with an overbite, underbite or crossbite may suffer from low self-esteem. They can lead to feelings of shame and discomfort when interacting with others.
• Social interactions: low self-esteem caused by orthodontic problems can also affect social interactions. People may tend to avoid social situations or hide their smile.

Treatment options

Invisalign invisible braces

Invisible braces Invisalign is a modern and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces that reliably solves these bite problems. They use clear plastic splints that are almost invisible when worn on the teeth and can be easily removed during eating and brushing. 

Overbite braces in the form of Invisalign provide patients with the ability to achieve proper tooth alignment without the need to wear visible metal braces. At any age! Even adults can wear braces.

Advantages over traditional braces

Invisalign for overbite offers several significant advantages over traditional metal braces:

• Aesthetics: aligners are transparent and almost invisible, making them ideal for adults and teens who want to correct their teeth discreetly.
• Comfort: Unlike traditional braces, which can cause irritation to the gums and inside of the cheeks, Invisalign splints are made of smooth plastic and are more comfortable to wear.
• Hygiene: splints can be easily removed during eating and brushing, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. This reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease during orthodontic treatment.
• Flexibility: Invisalign allows patients to remove their splints for special occasions or sporting activities, offering greater flexibility in everyday life.

Traditional braces

Traditional braces are one of the most common methods of treating orthodontic problems such as overbite, underbite and crossbite. This method uses metal or ceramic or sapphire locks and wires that gradually move the teeth into the correct position. Braces are effective in addressing different types of bite problems.

Tip: Read our big comparison of braces types.

Surgical interventions

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. It is suggested if the bite has a skeletal basis, i.e. the problem is in the position or size of the jaw. Surgery for overbite and all other bite problems involves adjusting the jawbone to achieve proper alignment of the teeth and jaws. Surgical procedures are then almost always combined with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results.

Other methods of treating overbite and other bite problems

In addition to traditional and invisible braces, modern orthodontics offers other treatment methods that can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. These methods include:

• Lingual braces: these braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the outside. They are effective in treating a variety of orthodontic problems, including crossbite treatment.
• Mini-implants: used as temporary anchor points for more precise tooth movement. They can be useful in more complicated cases of overbite and crossbite.

Each patient is unique and requires an individual approach to treatment. Our clinic offers comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans that include a combination of different methods according to the patient's specific needs and wishes. The goal is to achieve an optimal aesthetic and functional result that improves the patient's quality of life.

Book a no-obligation consultation today.