An overbite is a situation where the upper teeth overlaps excessively over the lower teeth. We need to assess what is causing the overbite, as it could be due to many reasons such as:
1) crowding of the teeth
2) underdeveloped or smaller lower jaw, or protruding upper jaw (or a combination of both)
3) Habits such as thumb-sucking (mainly for the younger patients)
Unfortunately, braces or invisalign would be the best ways to correct an overbite. If it is due to an imbalance of the jaws, jaw surgery can be an option to reduce the overbite. However, this is best done in combination with braces or Invisalign to achieve a better bite.
In a small proportion of cases, overbite can be increased due to excessive wearing down of the back teeth due to grinding or clenching habits.
Building up the surfaces of the worn down posterior teeth may help to increase the overbite again, your dentist or orthodontist will be able to advise you more on that. However, we seldom see this in patients as young as you. :)
Hope this helps!
Warm regards,
Dr Geraldine Lee, Orthodontist
