What Is Deep Bite?
Deep bite is defined as a form of malocclusion in which the upper row of front teeth overlaps the bottom front teeth when the mouth is closed. This orthodontic concern is sometimes referred to as a closed bite or overbite. In some cases, 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 appearance.
If your upper front teeth come down too far over your bottom front teeth when you close your jaw, that’s considered a dental misalignment.
Your front bottom teeth showing a few millimeters or more is normal, but if your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth more than 4 mm, this could be considered a deep bite.
What causes a deep bite?
You may develop a deep bite for several reasons, including from one or more of the following:
- genetics
- missing teeth
- jaw injury
- small jaw
- strong bite developed from grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
- not enough room in your mouth for permanent teeth
A deep bite can happen to anyone, from young children to adults.
Deep bites affect 15 to 20 percentTrusted Source of Americans. The American Association of Orthodontists states that 1 in 4 people seeking orthodontic treatment is an adult.
Why Is Deep Bite Treated?
Aside from the cosmetic benefits of treating a deep bite, it should also be treated for the following reasons:
- To help improve chewing function and reduce pain while chewing
- Help realign crooked or crowded teeth
- Address tooth wear for patients who clench or grind their teeth
- Reduce the risk of tooth loss and gum disease
- Minimize the chance of sores and ulcers
- Alleviate jaw pain, headaches, and other TMD related symptoms
Deep Bite Complications
A deep overbite is usually an esthetic problem, as some people are embarrassed about their smile. However, it can also cause various dental problems.
An untreated, deep overbite can lead to the following complications:
- Excessive wear and damage to the teeth
- Damage to the gum and soft tissue around the upper teeth
- Problems with biting and chewing food
- Headaches and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD)
- Painful sores or ulcers
- Loss of tooth structure
- Tooth decay and loss
- Gum disease due to difficulty brushing and flossing
Dr. Sushila Malik
Changing the face of dentistry in Baner, Dr. Sushila Malik presents her dream CRAFT32, a state of art dental clinic in baner Pune.
Dr Sushila Malik is specialist Endodontist (Gold medalist) and founder of CRAFT32 DENTAL CARE, Pune with around two decades of service behind the smiles of her patients.
She also has national and international presentations and publications to her credit. She researched extensively on root canal morphology of premolar tooth and published in renowned international journal. She also wrote and published book on interacanal medicaments. Dr. Sushila Malik succeasfully conducted many house full endodontic and rubberdam courses for dentist to teach them the latest advancements in dentistry.
She is also consultants to some of the hospitals and clinics.
A gifted clinician, she has earned the respect of her patients and colleagues with her broad spectrum of clinical skill and is notably popular for her excellent chairside manner and empathy for her patients. She keep herself abrest with the latest dental technologies. She believes in preventive regimens and meticulous recalls and diet analysis to prevent any extensive procedures for the little ones.
We are committed to creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere for the patients, while maintaining the strictest hygiene standards. Everything we do is aimed at making you feel comfortable, while we take care of your oral Healthcare.
We provide all dental services under one roof, we take health of your teeth seriously and we are committed to providing the most outstanding care in Pune.