If your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth more than they should, you might have what orthodontists call a deep bite. Here at Sturgill Orthodontics in Johnson City, we see this issue more often than you’d think – and more importantly, we know how to fix it.
While it might just seem like your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth a bit too much, a deep bite can actually impact your oral health in ways you might not expect. From worn-down teeth and unexpected headaches to problems with eating and speaking, the effects can go far beyond just how your smile looks.
Let’s explore why this common orthodontic problem shouldn’t be ignored – and what treating an overbite in Johnson City can do to help you get back to smiling, eating, and living comfortably.
What is a Deep Bite?
A deep bite occurs when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth vertically. While some might dismiss this as merely a cosmetic concern, our experience treating patients throughout Johnson City and the Tri-Cities area has shown us that deep bites can lead to various oral health complications.
Other Names for Deep Bite
In the dental and orthodontic world, you might hear a deep bite referred to by several different terms:
- Overbite
- Closed bite
- Deep vertical overlap
- Excessive vertical overlap
- Type II malocclusion
- Deep overbite
- Vertical overlap malocclusion
These terms are often used interchangeably in dental offices, though some are more technical than others.
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we make sure to explain these terms in clear, simple language so our patients fully understand their condition.
@sturgillortho You’ve probably heard the term, “Deep Bite” but do you really know what it means? 🦷 Take a look at Dr. Williams’s most recent video and she’ll share with you everything you NEED to know when it comes to Deep Bites! 😁 #deepbite #deepbites #bite #orthodontics #ortho #orthocare #sturgillorthodontics #sturgillortho #braces #invisalign #teeth #straightteeth #healthyteeth #happyteeth #boardcertifiedorthodontist #orthodontist #educationalvideo #talkswithdrwilliams #chatswithdrwilliams ♬ original sound – Sturgill Ortho
The Impact of Deep Bites
Dental Wear and Damage
When upper and lower teeth overlap too much, the bottom teeth can make contact with the backside of the upper teeth. This constant contact isn’t natural and wasn’t how your teeth were designed to function.
Think of it like wearing down the treads on your shoes – except these “treads” are your precious tooth enamel that doesn’t grow back.
Over time, this excessive contact can lead to noticeable wear patterns on your teeth. We often see patients whose lower front teeth have become shorter and flatter than they should be.
This wear isn’t just cosmetic – it can expose deeper layers of your teeth, making them more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and more susceptible to cavities.
The damaged enamel can also make your teeth more prone to chipping or cracking.
Common issues include:
- Excessive wear on the lower teeth
- Increased susceptibility to cavities
- Long-term dental damage
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Higher risk of tooth chipping and cracking
Gum Tissue Problems
The impact of a deep bite on your gum tissue can be particularly troublesome. When your lower teeth press against the gum tissue behind your upper front teeth, it’s like constantly poking at your gums. This persistent irritation can cause your gums to recede, pulling away from your teeth.
Many of our Johnson City patients don’t realize their gum problems are related to their bite until we point it out. Gum recession isn’t just about aesthetics – it can expose sensitive root surfaces, make your teeth appear longer than normal, and create pockets where bacteria can collect.
Key gum-related concerns include:
- Gum recession
- Tissue damage and inflammation
- Increased sensitivity
- Exposed root surfaces
- Greater risk of bacterial infection
- Compromised gum health
TMJ and Jaw Issues
Your jaw is like a finely tuned machine, and a deep bite can throw this entire system out of balance. When we see patients complaining about jaw pain or headaches, one of the first things we check is their bite alignment.
Often, the connection between their deep bite and their discomfort isn’t obvious to them.
A misaligned bite forces your jaw to work harder than it should. Imagine trying to close a door when the hinges aren’t properly aligned – that’s similar to what’s happening with your jaw.
This extra stress can lead to chronic headaches, tooth grinding (bruxism), clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, and even persistent neck and shoulder pain.
Common TMJ and jaw problems include:
- Chronic headaches
- TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
- General jaw discomfort
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Tooth grinding
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Limited jaw movement
Functional Impacts
The daily impact of a deep bite extends far beyond just how your smile looks. We’ve had patients tell us they’ve adapted how they speak to compensate for their bite, often without realizing it. Some find themselves constantly adjusting their jaw position to feel comfortable, while others have developed habits like biting their cheeks or lips.
Eating can become particularly challenging. Some patients report difficulty biting into sandwiches or apples, while others notice they’re not chewing their food as thoroughly as they should.
This can affect not just your enjoyment of meals but also your digestion and overall nutrition.
Daily challenges often include:
- Speech difficulties
- Chewing problems
- Overall oral function limitations
- Difficulty biting into certain foods
- Compensatory jaw movements
- Cheek and lip biting habits
- Compromised eating enjoyment
What Our Patients Say – 5 Star Review
Before we dive into treatment options, we’d like to share a recent patient experience that shows just how life-changing proper bite correction can be:
“This was my second time having braces, and Dr. Sturgill fixed my bite which the first orthodontist didn’t,” shares Deidre, one of our patients. “I absolutely adore my new smile, and every single person at Sturgill Orthodontics! I always say Sturgill is the Chick-Fil-A of Orthodontics. 10/10 RECOMMEND!!!”
Deidre’s story isn’t unusual – we often see patients who’ve had previous orthodontic treatment but still struggle with bite issues.
Treating an Overbite in Johnson City at Sturgill Orthodontics
Our Johnson City orthodontic team offers several treatment options for correcting deep bites:
- Traditional braces
- Clear aligners
- Customized treatment plans based on individual needs
Why Choose Sturgill Orthodontics for Deep Bite Treatment?
Our practice brings together the expertise of four highly qualified board certified orthodontists with decades of combined experience:
- Dr. Jeremiah Sturgill: Extensive experience in complex cases
- Dr. Allison Williams: Known for her research in 3D printing and orthodontics
- Dr. Anne Miller Harper: Combines scientific expertise with artistic precision
- Dr. Emma Anderson: Our newest team member bringing fresh perspectives to patient care
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re concerned about a deep bite, our Johnson City office is here to help.
Contact Sturgill Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists.
Why We Love Serving Johnson City
Our team doesn’t just work in Johnson City – we live here too! Dr. Sturgill grew up just over the mountain in Big Stone Gap, Dr. Anderson is a Kingsport native, and now our whole team is proud to call the Tri-Cities home.
You might spot us hiking the local trails, cheering at ETSU games, or grabbing coffee downtown. We love bumping into our patients at the Johnson City Farmers Market or at local events – it’s one of the best parts about practicing in a community like ours.
With offices in Johnson City, Bristol, and Norton, we’re here to make orthodontic care convenient for all our neighbors in the Tri-Cities area.
Whether you’re coming from Science Hill High School, ETSU, or anywhere in between, we’ll work with your schedule to find appointment times that work for you.
Call to Action
Don’t let a deep bite affect your oral health and quality of life. Contact our Johnson City office today at (423) 528-9931 to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists.