Overbite

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Overbite

Overbite (/ˈoʊvərbaɪt/), also known as deep bite, is a medical condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. It is a type of malocclusion, which refers to the misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close.

Etymology

The term "overbite" is derived from the English words "over," meaning beyond or in excess, and "bite," which refers to the act of gripping or holding something with the teeth. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the condition where the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Classification

Overbite can be classified into two types: vertical overbite and horizontal overbite. A vertical overbite, also known as overjet, is when the top teeth vertically overlap the bottom teeth. A horizontal overbite, also known as overbite depth, is when the top teeth horizontally overlap the bottom teeth.

Causes

Overbite can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, childhood habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier, and poor oral hygiene. It can also be caused by the abnormal growth of the teeth or jaw.

Treatment

Treatment for overbite typically involves orthodontic intervention. This can include the use of braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic appliances to move the teeth into the correct position. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski