A paediatric overbite is when a child’s upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth by a larger margin than usual. In a normal bite, this overlap is about 2 to 4 millimetres. When the upper teeth overlap by more than 4 millimetres, it’s considered to be an excessive overbite, and you should consider dental intervention to prevent complications.
Overbites can lead to jaw pain, bite problems, and in some cases, speech difficulties. If not treated, these can progress into more severe long-term dental issues, like tooth decay, gum disease, jaw problems, and facial deformation.
If you’re concerned about the impact of your child’s overbite on their oral health, contact a Brisbane Paediatric Dentist to discuss options for correcting their teeth alignment. We offer tooth extraction as a solution for correcting misaligned teeth by giving permanent teeth room to develop properly.
What are the Different Types of Overbites?
There are four main types of overbites: skeletal overbite, dental overbite, vertical overbite, and horizontal overbite.
1. Skeletal Overbite
This type of overbite results from irregular jawbone development, which is often due to genetic factors. In a skeletal overbite, the upper jaw may be larger or the lower jaw smaller, causing the upper teeth to protrude over the lower teeth. This is called a class II malocclusion.
2. Dental Overbite
A dental overbite is caused by the positioning of the teeth rather than the jawbones. It often develops due to childhood habits like thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or tongue-thrusting, which can lead to misalignment.
3. Vertical Overbite
This is also known as a “deep bite”. The upper teeth overlap the lower ones excessively in the vertical bite plane.
4. Horizontal Overbite
This type of overbite is also called “overjet”. In these cases, the top teeth protrude at an angle over the bottom teeth, leading to an unusual appearance that’s sometimes known as “buck teeth”.
What causes an Overbite in Children?
A paediatric overbite can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, or other external factors. These include:
| Causes of Paediatric Overbites | ||
|---|---|---|
| Genetic | Environmental | Other |
| Hereditary trait, passed down from a parent | Thumb-sucking | Teeth grinding (bruxism) |
| Abnormal jaw size or shape | Overuse of pacifiers | Loss of baby teeth |
| Disproportionate growth of upper and lower jaw bones | Prolonged bottle feeding | Untreated orthodontic issues |
| Tongue thrusting | Overcrowding | |
Genetic Factors
If a parent has an overbite, there’s an increased chance that the child might, too. This could be caused by an abnormally large upper jaw or an unusually small lower jaw, or by the jaw bones growing at disproportionate rates. Hereditary factors account for 74% of overbite cases.
Environmental Factors
A common environmental cause of a paediatric overbite is continuing to use a pacifier or bottle past the recommended age to stop. If your child is still using these when their teeth start developing, it may affect the positioning of their teeth and jaw bone.
Tongue thrusting (unusual tongue movement when swallowing), thumb sucking, and teeth grinding (bruxism) can also push teeth out of alignment.
Other Factors
Losing baby teeth too soon can cause the adjacent teeth to shift out of position, changing the alignment of the teeth. Overcrowding in the mouth, especially if the jaw bone is smaller than average, can also force the teeth out of alignment, possibly leading to an overbite.
Overbites can be treated if identified early, but allowing them to go untreated may lead to worse dental problems. If you’re unsure if your child has a paediatric overbite or not, bring them in to Brisbane Paediatric Dentist for a visit. We’ll be able to give you some insight so you can catch any potential problems early! Get in touch, we’d love to see you.
How Can You Identify a Paediatric Overbite?
An overbite can be identified in children by its physical characteristics, like the upper teeth overlapping by 4 mm or more or the protrusion of the top teeth over the bottom ones. It’s likely to also come with symptoms like jaw pain and headaches, and associated health issues like ear problems.
Here’s what to look for:
Characteristics of an Overbite
A child with an overbite will experience one or more of these characteristics:
- Tooth Overlap: Upper teeth overlapping lower teeth by 4 mm or more.
- Vertical Misalignment: The upper front teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth, creating an imbalance in alignment.
- Upper Teeth Protrusion: The upper front teeth may also extend at an unnatural angle over the bottom teeth, causing them to jut forward.
- Irregular Bite Alignment: The upper and lower teeth fail to meet properly, causing an unusual and potentially problematic bite.
- Change In Facial Appearance: A pronounced overbite may cause the lower jaw to appear recessed, leading to a less defined chin and jawline. This can give the face a convex profile, sometimes perceived as a “weak chin”.
Physical Symptoms
As well as the physical signs of an overbite, your child may experience one or more of the following physical symptoms:
- Pain in the upper or lower jaw
- Popping or clicking in the jaw joint
- Trouble chewing or biting food
- Headaches or earaches not linked to other causes
- Difficulty speaking or articulating their words
How is a Paediatric Overbite Diagnosed?
An overbite in kids is diagnosed through a clinical examination, where a dentist or orthodontist evaluates the alignment of the upper and lower teeth. Dental impressions may be taken to create detailed bite models, and X-rays are often used to assess the underlying bone structure and tooth development.
What are the Treatment Options for a Child’s Overbite?
A treatment plan to correct an overbite may include one or more of the following interventions:
- Baby Teeth Extraction: Removing the baby teeth allows room for the permanent teeth to grow in proper alignment.
- Orthodontic Treatments: Braces, Invisalign aligners, or retainers may be used to correct misalignment and maintain the correct alignment. In severe cases, palate expanders can widen the mouth to allow for more room, or headgear may be used to correct improper positioning of the jaw bones.
- Surgical Intervention: Jaw surgery is reserved for severe cases, and it’s usually performed only once the jaw bones have fully developed.
What are The Consequences Of Untreated Overbite In Children?
If overbites aren’t treated by a dental professional, they can result in poor oral health, tooth decay, gum disease, jaw disorders, eating and speaking problems, and an unusual appearance that can damage a child’s confidence.
| Consequences | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Oral Health Issues | Overbites can cause abnormal wear on tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also be harder to clean, increasing the chance of cavities. |
| Disorders of the Jaw | A misaligned bite may contribute to chronic jaw pain and headaches, as the muscles and tendons in the jaw can become strained when not aligned. |
| Unusual Appearance | Overbites can affect your smile’s appearance, making it look unsymmetrical. It can also make you appear to have a “weak chin.” |
| Lack of Confidence | Severe overbites can impact self-esteem and confidence, especially in children. |
| Functional Impairments | An overbite can make chewing difficult, which increases the chance of choking. In severe overbite cases, children may eat less, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies. Normal speech development may also be affected. |
Paediatric Overbite FAQs
Should I Wait Until My Child Has Permanent Teeth Before Treatment to Fix an Overbite?
It’s not always necessary to wait until all permanent teeth have erupted to begin overbite treatment. Early orthodontic evaluation, around age 7, can identify issues that can be treated with early intervention techniques. Treating certain conditions early can prevent more severe problems later on.
What’s the Difference Between an Overbite and an Overjet?
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth, while an overjet describes the horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth beyond the lower front teeth. Both are types of malocclusion but differ in their orientation and impact on dental alignment.
Can an Overbite Correct Itself as My Child Grows?
A minor overbite may improve as a child grows, but serious overbites don’t often self-correct and may even worsen over time. Early assessment by an orthodontist is recommended to determine if intervention is necessary to prevent potential complications.
Early consultation with an orthodontist can provide guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs. Contact Brisbane Paediatric Dentist today and let us help you take the next step towards excellent oral health for your little one!
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