Overbite

« Back to Glossary Index

What is the meaning of Overbite?

Overbite is widely used term in Dental Miscellaneous Term.

Overbite is a dental term that refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. In a normal bite, the upper front teeth should slightly overlap the lower front teeth. However, when this overlap is excessive, it is considered an overbite.

An overbite can be classified as either a dental overbite or a skeletal overbite, depending on the underlying cause. A dental overbite typically occurs when the upper teeth are inclined forward, leading to an increased overlap. On the other hand, a skeletal overbite is caused by an imbalance in the relationship between the jaw bones, resulting in the upper jaw protruding further forward than the lower jaw.

An overbite can have both functional and aesthetic implications. Functionally, an excessive overbite can interfere with proper chewing and speaking, and can place additional stress on the teeth and jaw joints. Aesthetic concerns may include a protruding or unbalanced appearance of the face.

Treatment options for an overbite depend on its severity and underlying cause. It can include orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners to gradually reposition the teeth, or in some cases, in severe skeletal overbites, orthognathic surgery may be required to correct the jaw relationship. The specific treatment plan will be determined by a dental professional after a thorough evaluation of the individual case.

Feel free to get in touch with experts, if you have any questions about Overbite. You can also browse more terms meanings on our dictionary page.

Scroll to Top