What is deep bite and how is it treated?
Deep Bite is actually a form of overbite of teeth that is seen in different people. Deep bite is the most common malocclusion in children and adults.
Those who suffer from this malocclusion are usually not satisfied with their face. Because it does not have its true form. Although deep bite treatment can have a cosmetic aspect, the purpose of treating this problem is more than aesthetic concepts.
In addition to affecting the design of the smile, deep bite may lead to many complications and problems related to the teeth, jaw and face if not treated and handled. Depending on the severity of deep bite, with different treatment methods, people’s faces can be corrected to a normal state.
Accurate definition of the problem
A deep bite occurs when there is an abnormal vertical overlap between the upper and lower teeth. In a normal bite, the front teeth of the upper jaw are about 1 to 2 mm ahead of the front teeth of the lower jaw. In overbite, this distance increases to 3 mm and a little more. And the depth of the disaster is in Deep bite. Where this distance will increase to 4 to 10 mm.
Therefore, this malocclusion is a severe overbite that causes far more problems for people. In some cases, this problem is so great that the upper teeth completely hide the lower teeth.
This severe malocclusion can affect chewing, speaking and even breathing. In general, a deep bite affects the shape of a person’s face, making it shorter and rounder, and often makes the appearance appear older.
Reasons
In most cases, the increase in overbite or its severity is rooted in genetics. Genetic problems can have a significant impact on the formation and growth of jaws and teeth.
In some cases, this problem can be caused by the following situations:
- Excessively large jaw
- The teeth are larger than normal
- Improper formation of the jaw during the growth period
- thumb sucking
- Excessive use of bottles or pacifiers
- Chewing nails and pencils and…
How do I know if I have a deep bite?
Regular and initial dental visits allow your dentist to diagnose and treat your problems as soon as possible.
Deep Bite is no exception to this and can be easily recognized in initial visits. If you or your child have such a problem, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist.
In addition, deep bite malocclusion can cause symptoms, which you may recognize even if you haven’t visited the dentist:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Headache
- Grinding teeth and teeth wear
- Tooth sensitivity
- Difficulty in chewing
- Swallowing problems
- Difficulty in speaking and pronouncing words
All these symptoms indicate this problem. If you experience any of these on a regular basis, see your dentist for further evaluation.
Why does deep bite need treatment?
As mentioned at the beginning, deep bite treatment is not only limited to beautifying the appearance of the face and smile. Failure to treat this problem on time can have complications for a person. The following are acceptable and logical reasons for treating this problem:
- Excessive wear of teeth on top of each other can lead to tooth decay and the loss of the enamel layer. This condition can lead to gum infection.
- The impact of the front teeth of the lower jaw in this malocclusion will cause damage to the upper jaw and the roof of the mouth.
- Deep bite will lead to jaw pain, headache and temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Chewing and eating food may be difficult and this will lead to malnutrition and digestive problems.
- You may have difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully.
- The condition can also affect your speech.
- Deep bites can also contribute to sleep apnea.
Treatment options
While deep bite treatment can be done at any age, the treatment process will be much easier in childhood. Because the flexibility of teeth and bones in childhood will allow the orthodontist to better apply the desired changes in the child’s mouth.
Early and timely treatment reduces the risk of damage to teeth and enamel. The more you try to treat this problem, the more your problems will increase.
The primary goal of treatment is to align the teeth and jaws together. In most cases, more than one treatment method is needed to solve the problem.
In most cases, the first treatment options will be the use of palate openers and turbo brackets. These appliances allow the back teeth to grow to help improve the deep bite.
Other orthodontic treatments such as braces help a lot to change the position of the front teeth in the jaw. While aligners with Invisalign can be used to treat mild cases of malocclusion, more severe cases require traditional braces. Because to correct more severe conditions, it will be necessary to apply more force to the teeth.
If the lower jaw is small or has grown properly and caused a deep bite. A special device may be used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw. In adults who have not yet treated the problem, orthognathic surgery for jaw problems or tooth extraction may be necessary.
In most cases, deep bite can cause damage to the surface of the teeth. This problem usually requires composite and porcelain laminates or crowns.
