A deep bite, also known as deep overbite, may not always be visibly obvious, but it may lead to discomfort, jaw pain, tooth wear and long-term complications if left untreated.
While some people are born with deep bite, others develop it over time due to tooth loss, grinding or malalignment.
Regardless of the cause, this condition deserves attention, not just for aesthetic reasons, but for your oral health and overall well-being.
What is a deep bit and why does it matter?
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth when you bite down. In severe cases, the lower teeth may not even be visible when the patient bites down.
Many patients believe that this is just another aesthetic concern. But NO! It can have serious implications such as:
1. Tooth wear due to constant trauma on the lower front teeth.
2. Jaw pain due to undue stresses on the jaw joint, which may cause tension, headaches or even TMJ disorders.
3. Gum trauma
4. Shortened facial appearance or aged look due to collapse in the vertical dimension
If left untreated, it can gradually worsen, especially when the patient already has missing teeth or has parafunctional habits such as teeth grinding, which changes the natural balance of the bite.
What causes a deep bite?
There are several factors contributing to deep bite and sometimes, it’s a combination of 2 or more factors.
1. Genetics and jaw structure.
2. Early loss of posterior teeth leading to collapse in the bite.
3. Long-term habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged use of pacifiers during childhood.
4. Malocclusion( bad bite).
5. Tooth wear and grinding which will reduce the vertical height of teeth.
6. Skeletal discrepancies involving the upper and lower jaw.
Understanding the root cause of deep bite is important in order to plan a treatment that provides effective and stable results in the long-term results.
Symptoms patients might experience:
1. Difficulty chewing comfortably
2. Facial pain and tightness in the jaw muscles
3. Shortened or worn out front teeth
4. A clicking or locking jaw
5. Frequent headaches
6. Sensitivity of teeth due to exposed layer of dentine
7. Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to teeth crowding.
If you’re facing any of the above issues, it’s time to consider visiting Prakash Dental Care. Here, we will take comprehensive approach, in order to restore harmony across the entire oral and facial system.
