An overbite is one of the most common orthodontic concerns we see at Rockaway Beach Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. If your child, teen, or even you have an overbite, you may be wondering what causes it, whether it needs treatment, and when you should see an orthodontist.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. A small amount of overlap is normal, but a deeper overbite may affect your bite, tooth wear, jaw function, or the appearance of your smile.
At Rockaway Beach Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we evaluate the entire smile—including the teeth, bite, jaws, and facial development—to determine what may be contributing to an overbite and whether orthodontic treatment is recommended.
What Causes an Overbite?
There isn’t always one single cause of an overbite. In many cases, a combination of genetics, jaw development, tooth position, and childhood habits can contribute.
1. Genetics
Genetics can play a major role in the development of an overbite. If parents or other family members have an overbite, crowded teeth, or certain jaw characteristics, a child may be more likely to develop similar orthodontic concerns.
The size and position of the upper and lower jaws, the size of the teeth, and the way the teeth develop can all have a genetic component.
2. Jaw Development
An overbite isn’t always caused by the teeth themselves. Sometimes, the way the upper and lower jaws developcontributes to the bite.
For example, if the upper jaw is positioned farther forward relative to the lower jaw, or if the lower jaw develops differently, the upper front teeth may appear to overlap the lower teeth more significantly.
That’s why an orthodontic evaluation looks at more than whether teeth appear straight. Your orthodontist evaluates how the teeth and jaws work together.
3. Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Habits
Certain childhood oral habits can influence the development of the teeth and jaws.
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use may place pressure on the developing teeth and palate. Depending on the habit and how long it continues, it may contribute to changes in tooth position or bite development.
Not every child who sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier will develop an overbite, but discussing persistent habits with your pediatric dentist or orthodontist can be helpful.
4. Tongue Position and Oral Habits
The tongue plays an important role in the development and function of the mouth. Tongue thrusting or certain patterns of tongue positioning can place pressure on the teeth and may contribute to orthodontic problems in some patients.
An orthodontist can evaluate your child’s bite and determine whether an oral habit may be contributing to their orthodontic concerns.
5. Crowding and Tooth Position
Sometimes, the way individual teeth erupt can contribute to the appearance of an overbite. Crowded, tilted, or improperly positioned teeth may affect how the upper and lower teeth come together.
This is one reason it’s important to evaluate the entire bite rather than focusing on one or two teeth.
6. Missing or Early-Lost Baby Teeth
Baby teeth help maintain space for permanent teeth. When a primary tooth is lost earlier than expected, neighboring teeth can sometimes shift into that space.
Changes in spacing and tooth position can affect how permanent teeth erupt and how the bite develops. Regular pediatric dental visits can help monitor your child’s dental development and identify concerns early.
7. Teeth Can Shift Over Time
Overbites aren’t only something children experience. Teeth can move throughout life, and adults may notice changes in their bite or smile over time.
Previous orthodontic treatment, changes in tooth position, and not wearing a retainer as recommended can contribute to teeth shifting after braces or aligner treatment.
What Does an Overbite Look Like?
A normal bite includes some overlap between the upper and lower front teeth. An orthodontist can determine whether the amount of overlap is within a healthy range.
Signs that may indicate a deeper overbite include:
- Upper front teeth significantly covering the lower front teeth
- Lower teeth biting into the roof of the mouth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Excessive tooth wear
- Jaw discomfort or fatigue
- Changes in the appearance of the smile
- Difficulty keeping certain teeth clean
It’s important to remember that you can’t always determine the severity of an overbite just by looking in the mirror. A professional orthodontic evaluation can provide a much clearer picture.
Can an Overbite Be Fixed?
In many cases, yes, an overbite can be treated with orthodontics. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s age, dental development, severity of the overbite, jaw relationship, and overall orthodontic needs.
Treatment options may include:
- Traditional braces
- Clear aligners for appropriate cases
- Orthodontic appliances
- Growth modification or early orthodontic treatment for certain children
- Other specialized orthodontic approaches based on the individual patient’s needs
There is no single treatment that works for every overbite. Orthodontic treatment should always be customized to the patient.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist for an Overbite?
Parents don’t need to wait until all of their child’s permanent teeth have erupted to ask about orthodontics.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. An early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces right away. Instead, it gives an orthodontist an opportunity to monitor dental and jaw development and determine whether treatment could be beneficial.
Early identification can be particularly helpful when a child has a noticeable overbite, underbite, crossbite, significant crowding, or other developing orthodontic concerns.
Can Adults Get Treatment for an Overbite?
Absolutely. It’s never too late to ask about orthodontic treatment.
Adults can develop or notice changes in their bite for a variety of reasons. Depending on the individual case, braces or clear aligners may be options for improving tooth alignment and bite.
At Rockaway Beach Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we work with patients at different stages of life to develop treatment plans based on their individual needs and goals.
Overbite Treatment in Rockaway Beach, Queens & Beyond
An overbite can be more than a cosmetic concern. Because your bite affects how your teeth come together and function, it’s important to understand what’s causing the problem before deciding on treatment.
At Rockaway Beach Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our team provides orthodontic and pediatric dental care for children, teens, and adults throughout Rockaway Beach and the surrounding Queens communities, including Belle Harbor, Howard Beach, Lawrence, and Linwood.
If you or your child has a noticeable overbite, crowded teeth, or concerns about how the bite is developing, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine what’s happening and whether treatment is recommended.
Ready to take a closer look at your smile? Contact Rockaway Beach Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
