La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Orthodontics corrects malocclusions or bad bites. Orthodontists work to create smiles that not only look beautiful, but that ensure a healthy, properly functioning bite. A deep bite is a malocclusion in which the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth excessively. We also sometimes refer to this malocclusion as an overbite.
“Many people don’t realize that a deep bite can create problems if not corrected,” says Dr. Robert Gire, a La Habra/Chino Hills orthodontist. “It doesn’t usually pose a cosmetic issue, which is what many people think orthodontics is for. But the work we do goes far beyond just aesthetics and a deep bite can cause future problems that could otherwise be avoided.”
A deep bite is typically caused by a lower jaw that hasn’t grown at the same pace as the upper jaw. Due to this smaller lower jaw, the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively and the lower teeth start to hit too deep on the back of the upper front teeth or even bite into the roof of the mouth, as is the case with severe deep bites.
However, a deep bite can also be caused by bad habits such as prolonged thumb sucking, missing back teeth, or clenching or grinding of the teeth.
This can then pose issues, such as the bottom teeth crowding together because they are squeezed into the space created by the overlapped upper teeth. Your lower front teeth will wear out much more quickly than they would otherwise which can result in loss of tooth structure. If your overbite is severe enough that you are biting into the roof of your mouth, you may develop painful sores.
Severe deep bites can be corrected, however. The treatment option that will be right for you will depend on your age, the severity of your malocclusion, and what your smile goals are. While a deep bite can be treated at any age, orthodontic treatment is always easier and more effective in patients who have jaws that are still growing.
For adolescent patients, a palatal expander with a bite plate, bite pillows, or bite turbos can be an effective solution. Dr. Gire’s goal will be to ensure the jaws are positioned properly to allow for adequate space for all the teeth so the upper and lower jaws can fit together in an ideal way. Most of the treatments Gire Orthodontics recommends focuses on arch coordination with the upper and lower jaws.
For older patients, they can still use bite plates, bite pillows, or bite turbos but in some cases surgery may be required to correct the jaw relationship. Some patients may require tooth removal, however, this is always a last option and will only be used if other options will not be able to properly address the deep bite.
No matter your age, braces will also be used to then ensure proper alignment of the teeth.
Untreated deep bites can cause a host of issues including tooth decay, headaches, jaw pain, pain while chewing, and difficulty speaking. A deep bite can be corrected at any age, however, so call Gire Orthodontics today to learn more about how you can get the smile of your dreams and say goodbye to the complications associated with your deep bite. Call 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills) today.