Ovidental Editorial Team
hola@ovidentalgo.com
Deep bite, also known as excessive overbite, is a dental malocclusion where the upper anterior teeth overlap excessively over the lower anterior teeth when the mouth is closed.
This condition can cause aesthetic, functional, and periodontal issues if left untreated.
Over the past five years, advancements in orthodontic techniques and appliances have introduced innovative solutions for addressing this malocclusion effectively.
Etiology of Deep Bite
The causes of deep bite are multifactorial and include:
- Genetics: A hereditary predisposition can influence the development of deep bites, making it more likely in individuals with a family history of this condition.
- Prolonged Habits: Oral habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use during early childhood can alter normal jaw and teeth alignment, leading to a deep bite.
- Skeletal Discrepancies: Growth abnormalities, such as a shorter maxilla or longer mandible, can result in excessive overlap of teeth.
- Dental Malpositions: Improper alignment of teeth, such as protruding upper incisors or retruded lower incisors, contributes significantly to the development of deep bite.
- Tooth Loss: Premature loss of primary or permanent teeth can cause changes in occlusal relationships, predisposing to deep bite.
► Read also: Unilateral Condylar Hyperactivity: Latest Treatment Advances and Early Intervention Benefits
Updated Treatment Approaches
Recent advancements have provided several techniques for addressing deep bite effectively:
- Clear Aligners: Aligners, such as Invisalign®, offer an aesthetic and precise method for treating deep bites, providing controlled movements of teeth while maintaining patient comfort.
- Mini-Implants for Anterior Intrusion: The use of mini-implants provides stable anchorage for controlled intrusion of anterior teeth, a technique particularly effective in adults with periodontal issues.
- Anterior Bite Planes: Bite planes are effective in intercepting deep bite during growth phases, guiding proper mandibular positioning while preventing further vertical overlap.
- Orthognathic Surgery: For severe skeletal discrepancies, surgical repositioning of the jaws is often the most effective approach to achieve functional and aesthetic correction.
- Biomechanical Modifications: Use of reverse curve wires and modified utility arches helps in leveling the curve of Spee and correcting anterior-posterior discrepancies effectively.
Recent Clinical Cases
Conclusion
Deep bite is a multifaceted dental condition requiring a tailored treatment approach based on individual etiology and severity.
Recent advancements, including clear aligners, mini-implants, and advanced biomechanical techniques, offer effective and less invasive options for managing deep bite.
Combining these with a comprehensive understanding of patient-specific needs ensures optimal outcomes in both function and aesthetics.
References
- "Deep Bite Treatment with Aligners: A New Protocol." MDPI, 2022.
- "Evaluation of the Best Method for Orthodontic Correction of Skeletal Deep Bites in Growing Patients." PubMed Central, 2023.
- "Comprehensive Deciphering the Complexity of the Deep Bite." PubMed Central, 2023.
