Ever looked in the mirror and thought something about your bite just seemed…off? Maybe your top teeth cover your bottom teeth way too much? If so, you might have what's called a deep bite! But worry not, we have good news, it's pretty common and totally fixable!
Keep reading to learn more about Deepbite… What causes them and How to fix them?
Introduction to Deep Bite
So, what exactly is a deep bite? Imagine your teeth are like puzzle pieces. Each piece needs to sit just right for you to complete the puzzle.
With a normal bite, the top teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth. With a deep bite, the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth way too much. Think of it like this: if your bottom teeth are almost completely hidden when you bite down, you probably have a deep bite.
What Causes Deep Bite?
Have you ever wondered why some people have straight teeth and others don't? Lots of things can cause a deep bite.
- Sometimes it's just how your jaw grows, it can be a family thing! Like, if your parents or grandparents had a deep bite, you might be more likely to have one too.
- It can also be caused by habits you might have had as a kid, like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use.
- If you lose a baby tooth too early, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the space, which could lead to bite issues.
- Also grinding your teeth at night can push your teeth into a deeper bite over time.
Why You Should Fix A Deep Bite?
Okay, a deep bite might make you feel a little self-conscious about your smile. But it's not just about looks. A deep bite can actually cause some real problems.
- Jaw Pain and Headaches: If your teeth don’t meet properly, it can strain your jaw joints, leading to pain and even headaches.
- Chewing Problems: A deep bite can make it harder to chew your food comfortably.
- Tooth Wear and Tear: Over time, your teeth might wear down faster, which can lead to chips, cracks, or sensitivity.
- Gum Damage: In some cases, a deep bite can even harm your gums, causing discomfort or other issues.
- Speech Difficulty: A deep bite can affect how you speak, making it harder to pronounce certain words clearly.
- Changes in Facial Structure and Appearance: Over time, an untreated deep bite can alter the shape of your face, making it look shorter or less balanced.
Common Symptoms of Deep Bite:
- Your top teeth cover your bottom teeth almost completely.
- You feel pain or discomfort in your jaw, especially after eating or talking.
- You notice wear and tear on your teeth, like chips or cracks.
- You have trouble chewing or speaking clearly.
Deep Bite vs. Overbite: What’s the Difference?
These terms get mixed up a lot. So here is a breakdown:
- An overbite is a general term for any case where your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth.
- A deep bite is a severe case of overbite where your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth too much.
Why Are They Often Confused?
Here’s a quick comparison table to make it crystal clear:
| Feature | Overbite | Deep Bite |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 1-2 mm (normal) | 4+ mm (excessive) |
| Functional Issues | Rarely causes problems | Often causes tooth wear, jaw pain, and gum damage |
| Appearance | Slight overlap, usually unnoticeable | Noticeable, may affect facial structure |
So, with an overbite, your top teeth are kind of “in front” of your bottom teeth, while with a deep bite, they’re more “over” them.
Best Treatment Options for Deep Bite?
Good news! Deep bites are totally treatable. There are a few different options, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs.
Orthodontic Treatments
- Braces: Traditional braces can help move your teeth into the right position over time. In modern times braces have also evolved to become more discreet, some more inconspicuous options of braces include ceramic braces and lingual braces. These braces operate the same way as metal braces, they are just more subtle looking.
- Clear Aligners: If you’re looking for a more discreet option, clear aligners such as Smilepath can gradually fix your deep bite without the metal look. Clear aligners for deep bite are made with high-quality plastic to provide a comfortable and easy treatment.
Dental Appliance
Bite Plates or Splints: These are devices that help reposition your jaw and teeth, they are effective for both young people and adults.
Surgery
If the deep bite is caused by severe skeletal misalignment, orthognathic surgery may be required for proper correction but this is pretty rare.
How to Prevent Deep Bite Issues
Early Dental Check-up:
This point is extremely important if you have children. If you want your child to become an adult with flawless teeth or at least avoid major dental complications, then you must get them early orthodontist check-up. It is best to take them for their first check-up around the age of 6-7.
Oral Hygiene:
Simple habits of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can show a significant positive impact on your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps you avoid dental cavities and gum disease which can cause your tooth enamel to erode or even cause tooth loss. This helps your teeth stay strong.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with one yourself or you’re a parent worried about your child’s teeth, there are plenty of ways to fix it. Talk to your dentist or an orthodontist, so they can examine your teeth and tell you what your options are. And remember, the sooner you address it, the easier it is to treat.
FAQs
Having a deep bite means your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth making your teeth sit uncomfortably. This can cause uneven pressure on your teeth, which can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and tooth chipping.
A deep bite can be fixed using various orthodontic treatments, such as braces, clear aligners, or even surgery. The right treatment for you depends on the complexity of your case.
You might have a deep bite if your upper teeth cover your lower teeth almost completely when you bite down. But to understand the technicality, only those cases where the overlap is excessive (4 mm or more) qualify as a deep bite.
Another name for a deep bite is overbite. If an overbite becomes extreme it can be called a deep bite.
Absolutely! Especially if you have a case of mild to moderate deep bite, clear aligners can prove to be the perfect treatment option. Clear aligners such as those provided by Smilepath are the most affordable, discreet, and fastest option for teeth straightening.
References:
Bronte. Common teeth issues where orthodontics can help. Orthodontics New Zealand. Published August 6, 2024. https://www.orthodontists.org.nz/common-teeth-issues/
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