Key points at a glance

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What a overbite is and the different types that exist

• Common causes of overbites in children and adults

• Symptoms and consequences of an untreated overbite

• Effective treatment options, including a comparison between Invisalign and traditional braces

• How AuraDent plans and carries out treatments with a focus on long-term results

Why Does a Overbite Occur? Causes and Types

The most common causes of a overbite are:

• Genetics and heredity: hereditary factors determine the width of the jaws and the position of the teeth.

• Childhood habits: prolonged use of a pacifier or thumb-sucking, as well as mouth breathing, affect the growth of the upper jaw.

• Abnormal growth: an imbalance in the width between the upper and lower jaws.

• Tooth loss: premature or delayed loss of baby teeth disrupts the eruption of permanent teeth.

• Dental obstruction: supernumerary or impacted teeth block normal tooth alignment.

Different types of crossbites

• Anterior Overbite: the upper front teeth bite behind the lower front teeth.

• Posterior Overbite: the upper molars bite inside the lower molars, either on one side or both.

• Compensatory Overbite: the lower jaw shifts to the side when closing to create a more comfortable bite, which can lead to asymmetry.

Overbite in Children and Adults

Overbite can affect both children and adults and often manifests itself in different ways depending on age. In children, it is primarily related to growth and early habits, while in adults it often requires more advanced treatments. Early diagnosis makes it possible to avoid major problems later on.

Children

Overbite can be detected early if the child has difficulty chewing or if the jaw appears crooked when the mouth is closed. Treatment at a young age is often simpler, since the jaws are still growing. Common tools include palatal expanders, which widen the upper jaw and correct the bite before more permanent problems develop.

Adults

Once growth is complete, treatment becomes more complex but remains highly effective. Orthodontic appliances and aligners can correct many cases. In cases of severe skeletal abnormalities, Overbite treatment may be combined with surgery. AuraDent has extensive experience in planning customized solutions for both adolescents and adults.

Are you unsure whether Overbite can be treated in adulthood? Book a free consultation at AuraDent and get answers.

Symptoms and consequences of untreated overbite

• Difficulty chewing and digestive problems

• Abnormal wear on the teeth, with a risk of cavities and cracks

• Strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), with a risk of pain and headaches

• Asymmetrical facial development in growing children

• Impaired speech, such as difficulty pronouncing the “s” or “f” sounds

• Gum problems and bone loss around misaligned teeth

Treatment Options for Overbites

Palatal Expanders

Primarily used in children and adolescents to widen the upper jaw. This is often the first step in treating posterior crossbites.

Fixed Braces

• Metal brackets: cost-effective and very reliable, but visible.

• Ceramic brackets: more discreet, but more susceptible to staining.

• Lingual braces: attached to the inside of the teeth and are invisible, but require more adjustment.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses removable, clear aligners that gradually move the teeth into place. For many cases of overbite, especially mild to moderate ones, this is an effective and discreet solution. The benefits include good aesthetics, easy hygiene, and digital planning with iTero scanning. Many patients appreciate that the aligners can be removed during meals and when brushing their teeth, making the treatment convenient for everyday life.

Invisalign vs. Fixed Braces

1. Aesthetics

Invisalign is nearly invisible, while fixed braces are always visible.

2. Comfort

Invisalign has no metal or wires that can cause irritation, while fixed braces sometimes cause chafing.

3. Hygiene

Invisalign is removed during meals and tooth brushing, making cleaning easier than with fixed braces.

4. Effectiveness

Fixed braces can handle the most complex cases, while Invisalign is particularly effective for mild to moderate crossbites.

5. Flexibility

Invisalign is often a better fit for adults with active lifestyles, while fixed braces are more durable for children and adolescents.

6. Surgery

In cases of severe skeletal crossbites, orthognathic surgery is sometimes required in combination with orthodontics. This is primarily relevant in adulthood once growth has ceased.

Treatment Process at AuraDent

• Consultation and Diagnosis: clinical examination, X-rays, and digital 3D scanning. Here, we address common questions such as how braces work and what you need to do to get braces.

• Planning: we design a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s needs. Both functional and aesthetic factors are taken into account, and for many adults, Invisalign becomes an attractive option because it combines effective tooth movement with minimal impact on daily life.

• Start of treatment: placement of brackets, delivery of aligners, or activation of palatal expanders.

• Follow-up: regular check-ups to ensure the treatment is proceeding according to plan.

• Retention: Stabilization of results with retainers to prevent relapse.

AuraDent treats crossbites, as well as other malocclusions such as overbites and underbites, using both traditional and modern methods. Our team has extensive experience in selecting the right solution from among various types of braces to achieve stable and long-lasting results.

Conclusion

A crossbite is not merely an aesthetic issue but a condition that can affect chewing ability, speech, the temporomandibular joints, and the overall symmetry of the face. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for avoiding long-term complications.

With today’s orthodontic options, there are effective solutions for all ages. At AuraDent, we use modern methods, including Invisalign, to correct crossbites and create a smile that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Our combination of expertise and advanced technology allows us to offer every patient safe and personalized treatment.

Take the first step toward healthier and more harmonious bite development. Book your consultation at AuraDent here.