What Is an Overbite and Can Jaw Surgery Fix It?
An overbite is one of the most common reasons people seek orthognathic surgery. Here is what you need to know.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. While a small overbite is normal, a severe overbite can cause functional problems and is often linked to a recessed lower jaw.
- Types of overbite:
- Dental overbite β caused by the angle of the teeth; often treatable with braces alone
- Skeletal overbite β caused by the lower jaw being set too far back; this requires jaw surgery to correct
- How jaw surgery fixes an overbite:
- The lower jaw (mandible) is moved forward into the correct position
- This is done through a mandibular osteotomy (BSSO)
- Moving the jaw forward opens the airway, which can also help with sleep apnea
Signs Your Overbite May Need Surgery
- Your lower jaw appears recessed or "weak"
- You have difficulty biting into food
- Your lower teeth touch the roof of your mouth
- You have jaw pain or TMJ symptoms
- You snore or have sleep apnea symptoms
- Braces alone have not been able to fix the problem
When to See a Surgeon
If you have a severe overbite and have already tried orthodontics, or if your overbite is causing functional problems, see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a consultation. They will take X-rays and photographs to determine if surgery is the right solution.
Clinical Guidance
A severe overbite caused by a recessed lower jaw can be corrected with orthognathic surgery by moving the lower jaw forward. This fixes the bite, improves facial profile, and can help with sleep apnea. Not all overbites need surgery β only those that are skeletal in nature.