A deep bite is an abnormal shape of the jaw. It occurs when the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, often due to a missing tooth. Left untreated, deep bite may lead to sleep apnea, or make the condition worse. If untreated, it can result in a variety of other symptoms, including pain when eating and jaw joint pain. If left untreated, deep bite can lead to a variety of health problems, including a variety of cosmetic issues, headaches, and changes to a person’s appearance.
While genetics plays a role in developing a deep bite, other factors can cause it. Certain repetitive behaviors, such as grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw, can also contribute to it. Sometimes a jaw injury can also result in a deep bite. If you suspect you have a deep bite, make an appointment with a dentist to get it evaluated. If the condition has not been diagnosed, a repositioning procedure may be recommended.
Deep bite treatment focuses on realigning the teeth and jaw, and involves multiple dental procedures. During a treatment session, an orthodontist may place a bite opening plate or turbo on your teeth to encourage the growth of your back teeth. Other options include orthodontic treatments that realign the teeth or incise the front teeth into the jaw bone. In mild cases, aligners may be used. In more severe cases, a patient may require traditional braces.
Fortunately, most patients seeking orthodontic treatment rarely mention that they have a deep bite. In fact, many patients focus on crooked or crowded teeth. The unexpected discovery that a doctor recommends that a deep bite is the culprit of their orthodontic troubles is often enough to make many patients feel discouraged. A deep bite may be a sign of other problems. If not addressed quickly, a deep bite can lead to other health concerns.
Another concern with a deep overbite is the difficulty of practicing proper oral hygiene. Without proper dental care, a deep overbite can lead to further dental problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. Depending on the degree of malocclusion and aesthetic goals, a deep bite may be fixed. However, it may require additional dental work, such as dental implants. A dentist may suggest braces or dental implants for patients who suffer from deep overbite.
A deep overbite is when the top teeth overlap the bottom ones. An ideal overbite is two millimeters, and more than two millimeters is considered an overbite. A deep overbite can interfere with breathing and eating, as the lower teeth often hit the roof of the mouth during bite. Deep bite can also cause problems with the shape of the face. It makes the face look short and rounded, and the affected person may appear older than their actual age.
A study published in 2010 looked at the vertical components of an overbite and concluded that skeletal components play a much larger role than the dental ones. The mandible is more efficient than the maxilla in preventing overbite. In fact, the skeletal component is more likely to cause overbite than the dental one. In addition to the teeth, the mandible and the maxilla also have an impact on the appearance of a deep bite.
