Is the overlap of your front teeth a matter of looks, of function, or of both? That question shapes every choice that follows. Coming from Burlington, you can have the vertical relationship, the contacts, and your goals reviewed before deciding on monitoring or orthodontic care.
You might simply dislike how much the upper teeth cover the lower ones when you smile. Or you might have noticed that your bottom teeth press into the gum behind your top teeth. Those are different reasons to ask about an overbite, and they lead to different conversations. Sorting your motive out early makes the rest of the planning far easier.
Clinically, overbite is the vertical overlap between upper and lower front teeth, and some of it is perfectly normal. Front teeth that project forward are a different measurement, called overjet, though the two often travel together. The exam establishes which is present, how pronounced it is, and whether it is causing any harm.
Bring your Burlington dentist's notes or old orthodontic records if you have them, along with your own observations. We will explain what we look at, what our findings suggest, and whether an orthodontist's opinion would help. Any change we propose should come with a reason you understand, before comparing appliances or treatment lengths.
The smile in the mirror is one clue. Soreness, worn spots, and changes you have noticed help reveal whether the overlap has functional significance.
If this is mainly an aesthetic concern, say so openly. Ask how the depth of overlap will be judged and whether it carries any health implication. A photograph explains what you want to change, while the exam determines whether change is warranted.
Describe any spot that feels bruised, inflamed, or touched with every bite. Ask whether the overlap is contributing and what deserves priority. Soft tissue contact is a functional finding and should be assessed even if the teeth look straight.
Mention shortened front edges, small chips, or past repairs, and any interest in bonding or veneers. Ask how your bite affects these decisions. Cosmetic work placed into a heavy contact needs planning that accounts for those forces.
Jaw pain, clicking, and headaches deserve their own investigation. An overbite is not automatically the explanation, and reducing it cannot promise those symptoms will improve.
By the end of the assessment you should be able to say, in your own words, how your teeth meet and whether that is a problem. Ask if the clinician favours observation or treatment, and what treatment would be expected to change. Being told you have a deep bite is not, by itself, a recommendation.
Separating appearance goals from bite goals is especially useful here. A neater-looking smile line may not require any change in vertical overlap, and reducing overlap may not transform how the smile looks. Knowing which you are after keeps expectations realistic and comparisons fair.
Ask which tooth or soft tissue contacts are significant and how the advice addresses them. Check whether any existing damage needs separate attention. Each part of the plan should answer a specific observation, not merely a number or a product.
Where a child or teen is concerned, growth and erupting teeth can affect the best timing. In adults, jaw relationships and previous dental work weigh more heavily. The approach should reflect the person rather than assume a single appliance fits all ages.
Thinking about veneers or bonding? Ask whether bite planning should come first and which cosmetic decisions depend on it. A thoughtful order helps avoid designing a restoration without knowing the contacts it will face.
Care might involve watching over time, orthodontic records, or specialist advice. Ask what the first visit includes and how the recommendation will be explained before anything starts.
Explain whether your concern is appearance, comfort, or both. Describe sore areas and any changes in chewing. Share earlier orthodontics, injuries, wear, and restorations, and mention any dental treatment already planned or underway.
Both arches are examined together, alongside the health of your gums and teeth. Records such as photographs or scans may be suggested. Ask which findings describe vertical overlap, which describe projection, and whether anything else in the bite is relevant.
Discuss possible movements, appliances, risks, your own commitments, and alternatives including no active treatment. Find out if the plan is a limited or a comprehensive one, and whether specialist input is sensible. Confirm stages and fees, accepting that timelines are estimates.
The treating clinician reviews progress and responds to problems as they arise. Report breakages or new discomfort. As treatment finishes, discuss the final contacts, any cosmetic follow-up, and how retainers will help maintain tooth positions.
Your role depends on the appliance and the stage of care. Ask to see how things are done and to receive written instructions for anything you will look after yourself.
Wear your appliance and any prescribed extras for the time you have been asked to. If elastics are part of the plan, learn exactly where they attach and what they are for. Resist adjusting anything yourself to speed things up, and check what to do after a lapse.
Learn how to clean around your appliance and which areas are prone to buildup. Continue regular dental care alongside orthodontic visits. Speak up about soreness, bleeding, or difficulty cleaning so it can be assessed instead of ignored.
Confirm retainer wear and review, and whether any cosmetic or restorative work is still to be scheduled. Let the team know if your bite later feels different or a retainer becomes loose or tight. Finishing should leave you with a maintenance plan you understand.
Patient information: British Orthodontic Society — retention after active treatment
Deep bite, overlap, and overjet are easy to confuse. Ask the clinician to show you what they see and explain the purpose of any change.
Come to our Bronte Street practice to talk through vertical overlap, tooth and gum contacts, and the changes you would like. We will explain our findings and whether monitoring, an orthodontic referral, or coordinated cosmetic care is the most fitting next step.
We can only advise on whether to treat, which appliance fits, how long it may take, referral, and fees once we have examined you. Cosmetic results and symptom relief are not guaranteed.
