Most commonly, patients seek orthodontic treatment for “crowding” or “crooked teeth”. During the consultation process, they are surprised to hear terms such as “deep bite” or “overbite” corrections. A deep bite is a type of malocclusion where there upper front teeth excessively overlap the bottom teeth (when the jaw is closed). A deep bite can be an aesthetic concern for some patients, however its presence means that there are other problems that should be addressed as well.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists a deep bite is usually created by having a small lower jaw. In this scenario, the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw and as a result the upper teeth protrude forward. Another cause of a deep bite is from a missing lower tooth. This creates a situation similar to having a short lower jaw. Lastly, a deep bite can also be caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth. Patients with extremely strong biting muscles can deepen the bite through these habits.

It is important to fix a deep bite to prevent the loss of tooth structure. Fixing a deep bite can also prevent a patient from biting into the roof of their mouth where pain sores can develop.

An orthodontist can fix a deep bite and will know the appropriate method through orthodontic treatment to do so. Often it can be solved through a plan with braces or clear aligners. At York Mills Orthodontics, we will take the time to evaluate your oral health condition, teeth and jaws to determine a personalized treatment plan that works best for you. Contact us in North York to learn more!

-The York Mills Orthodontics Tea