What is Deep Bite?
A deep bite is a malocclusion in which the upper row of front teeth overlaps the bottom front teeth when the mouth is closed. We sometimes call this orthodontic concern a closed bite or overbite. Sometimes, a deep bite can affect a person’s ability to speak, breathe, and chew properly. It can also change the shape of a person’s face, causing it to appear rounder, shorter, or older.
In our office, we can correct deep bites using various orthodontic treatment options. Correcting a deep bite typically takes anywhere from one to two years. After patients correct their deep bite, many report increased self-confidence and a better-functioning smile.
What Causes A Deep Bite?
A deep bite results from misalignment of the teeth and jaw, often caused by hereditary factors. More specifically, a deep bite is often the result of a small lower jaw. When the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw, the upper teeth appear more forward than the lower teeth. In some cases, the appearance of a deep bite can be exacerbated by damaged teeth, overcrowding, missing teeth, or poor dental work.
A deep bite can also be caused by poor jaw development during the formative years. Habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, prolonged bottle feeding, and nail-biting can contribute to a deep bite. Deep bite is a very common bite misalignment issue. It is estimated to affect about 20% of the population.
Why Do You Treat A Deep Bite?
A deep bite can cause a variety of issues if left untreated. Aside from the cosmetic benefits of treating a deep bite, it should also be treated to address systemic health concerns.
Left untreated, a deep bite can cause damage to patients’ natural tooth enamel. It may also cause mouth sores, ulcers, jaw pain, headaches, and TMD. Gum disease and potential tooth loss are common side effects of deep bites, as tooth misalignment makes it difficult to properly clean and care for one’s smile. One of the common side effects of a deep bite is teeth grinding, however, aligning your smile may reduce this.
Correcting deep bites will improve the function of patients’ bites, making it easier to speak clearly and chew. It also restores aesthetics to patients’ smiles, which increases their self-confidence. Treating deep bites minimizes the risk of potential dental concerns while restoring function and aesthetics to patients’ smiles.
How Do You Treat A Deep Bite?
Early deep bite treatment can reduce your risk of tooth and jaw damage. A deep bite can progress when left untreated, leading to a wide range of oral health and dental function issues. During your visit to Flower Mound Orthodontics, Dr. Sankey can evaluate your teeth, jaw, and mouth to determine if you have a deep bite and devise a plan to fix it. He always examines your smile and discusses each option for treatment before beginning anything.
Treatment for a deep bite revolves around jaw alignment and tooth placement. This often requires a comprehensive treatment plan with multiple phases. Our team at Flower Mound Orthodontics takes pride in providing conservative solutions for patients needing orthodontic treatment. Dr. Sankey takes the time to evaluate your needs and develop the right treatment plan for you.
Comprehensive treatment for a deep bite may include one or more of the following:
Two-phase treatment
A two-phase orthodontic treatment can address a deep bite by first using braces or other orthodontic appliances to reposition and align the teeth in the initial phase. The second phase, often after a waiting period, focuses on further fixing and maintaining the corrected bite. This approach effectively resolves deep bite problems by addressing them systematically. To learn more about how this treatment works, see Two-Phased Orthodontic Treatment.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an effective treatment to correct a deep bite. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to slowly reposition the teeth. These aligners apply controlled force to shift the upper and lower teeth into the correct bite alignment over time. Regular adjustments ensure the deep bite is corrected, improving dental function and aesthetics. To learn more about Invisalign, see Invisalign Clear Braces.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are a common treatment to fix a deep bite. Your orthodontist will place the metal brackets on the teeth and connect them with wires. These braces apply consistent pressure on the teeth, gradually repositioning them to achieve a proper bite alignment. Your orthodontist adjusts the braces periodically to achieve the desired deep bite correction. To learn more about metal braces, see Types of Dental Braces.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is a custom orthodontic appliance that addresses a deep bite. It works by gently widening the upper jaw’s arch. The expander will help correct the bite alignment over time by gradually increasing the space between the upper teeth. This will reduce the deep bite issue and allow for better dental occlusion. To learn more about a palatal expander, see Orthodontic Appliances.
Generally, we treat a deep bite in three main phases. The first phase of treatment is moving the upper, lower, or both sets of teeth into the supporting jawbone. Next, we extend the side and back teeth to open the bite and create space for the teeth to shift. Lastly, we will shift the upper teeth backward and the bottom teeth forward to have the teeth meet properly for an optimal bite.
After treating a deep bite, patients can care for their smiles more effectively. Patients’ smiles are much healthier and function better than if a deep bite is left untreated. Treating deep bites reduces patients’ risk of teeth grinding and enamel damage.
Preventing Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth start shifting back to their original position after orthodontic treatment is complete. In many cases, after treatment is complete, we give patients retainers to wear to prevent relapse. We always schedule our patients for follow-up appointments after treatment to check in on the success of their treatment. We do our best to prevent orthodontic relapse using various methods in our office. If relapse does occur, we catch it early and can correct it.
Deep Bite FAQs
Do you have further questions about deep bite treatment? Continue reading to learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
Can you fix a deep bite with Invisalign?
Yes, Invisalign aligners can fix a deep bite. Invisalign aligners typically treat minor tooth alignment issues. However, clear aligners can address various bite issues if caught early and addressed promptly. Invisalign is also a discrete form of treatment that helps to align teeth quickly.
What happens if you don’t treat a deep bite?
A patient’s lower teeth may become damaged if a deep bite is not treated. Over time, the top teeth may wear down on the lower teeth. This can also cause canker sores and ulcers in a patient’s mouth. Deep bite may also make digestion difficult for some patients as their teeth are not properly aligned to chew food properly.
How do orthodontists fix deep bites?
In general, fixing a deep bite is a three-step process. The first step is to move the lower and upper teeth into their supportive bones. Then, an appliance or braces elongate the back teeth to open up the bite. This corrects the front teeth and allows them to shift into place. Each phase of treatment typically takes a few months to complete.
How do you diagnose a deep bite?
To diagnose your deep bite, your orthodontist will visually examine your teeth. You will also need dental X-rays and a bite assessment completed to get a good idea of the extent of your deep bite. Then, your orthodontist can suggest the best treatment option for you.
How long will it take to fix my deep bite?
The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your deep bite. Once your orthodontist examines your bite and assesses and examines your X-rays, he can choose the best treatment. A typical treatment for a deep bite can range from several months to a few years.
Find Treatment For A Deep Bite in Flower Mound, TX
Even though we highly suggest early intervention, we can address a deep bite at any age. For more information on how to treat a deep bite, visit our trusted team at Flower Mound Orthodontics. Dr. Sankey is a trusted orthodontist with a reputation for creating beautiful straight smiles in Lewisville and is dedicated to helping you improve the health of your smile. To schedule a consultation, call 972.833.8212 or request an appointment online.