Dental malocclusion is a condition where the teeth are misaligned, which affects how your teeth are located within your mouth and which therefore has a say on your bite. This can present itself as an overbite, overjet, underbite, overcrowding, or a crossbite.
These are very common dental issues, with an overbite being the most common example of malocclusion – especially in children. In fact, malocclusion as a whole is one of the most frequent reasons why people make an appointment to visit the dentist or orthodontist.
Someone with an overbite who is seeking treatment may not expect it, but porcelain veneers can actually be a valid and effective method of bite correction. Although this will depend on what type of malocclusion a patient has and how severe it is.
Keep reading for more information!
What causes an overbite?
Overbites can be hereditary, yet there are external factors that can cause overbites too, such as sucking on thumbs or dummies during childhood.
These external factors are most dangerous during childhood development, when the application of force behind the upper teeth can push them forwards so that they extend over the lower teeth by a large percentage and then continue to grow in this direction.
However, some level of overbite is completely normal so do not panic if you have a relatively minor overbite when you close your teeth together. Generally speaking, as long as your top teeth overlap the bottom teeth by no more than one third of the tooth height, then your overbite is completely normal.
How to fix an overbite without braces
While braces are the most common method of treating overbites, veneers, crowns, and even surgery can be effective treatments too, although this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
How to fix an overbite is dependent on the severity of bite correction needed. For the majority of bite issues, braces will likely be the best treatment. However, braces can take years to reach the desired results. And during this period, the patient will be living in some form of discomfort.
Patients with minor overbites who desire treatment, veneers can be a much better form of treatment. From the initial consultation, the patient will have their desired dental aesthetics within just a few weeks with veneers for their overbite, as opposed to years with braces.
Patients with excessive overbites that are a result of skeletal structure may need surgery to correct their bite. This may even be paired with tooth extraction. After this, the patient may be eligible for either braces or veneers, depending on their specific case.
How much does overbite correction cost in the UK?
Overbite correction in the UK can vary by treatment type and provider.
For example, braces are free for children on the NHS. For adults, braces will need to be sought from a private orthodontist. This can range from £2000-£6000+ depending on provider and the severity of the patient’s case.
If a patient has a minor overbite and is eligible for veneers then this cost will decrease significantly. At Marylebone Smile Clinic, our price for veneers starts from £795 per tooth.
Overbite consultation with a cosmetic dentist
The only way to tell whether you will be eligible for veneers is to have a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable cosmetic dentist. By contacting us here at Marylebone Smile Clinic, we can take a look at your bite and advise you on what potential treatment methods you have at your disposal. We may even be able to take an initial look at your teeth through looking at a picture or a video.
We find veneers to be an incredibly versatile treatment, with an assortment of uses. For example, we can treat peg laterals and provide worn down front tooth treatment using veneers, among others.
If you have any cosmetic issues with your teeth, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Marylebone Smile Clinic and we will let you know how we can help.
FAQs
What is the correct bite alignment?
The correct alignment for dental bite is when the teeth have vertical symmetry between both the upper and lower teeth from the centre line, and the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth by no more than a third of the tooth height.
Is an overbite bad?
While a small overbite is completely normal, an overbite that overlaps the lower teeth by more than a third of the tooth height is bad and can have negative consequences on your teeth and smile.
Can you get veneers if you have an overbite?
Veneers can be applied for patients with a minor overbite. If the overbite is too severe, then orthodontic treatments may be required before we can use veneers.
How do you get rid of an overbite?
The best treatment for you will be dependent on your individual case. You may need braces, surgery, tooth extraction, or veneers to get rid of or lessen your overbite.