Case Presentation 9: Braces Series Ep. 3 - Overbite

When an Overbite Does More Than Change Your Smile: How It Can Strain Your Jaw, Muscles, and Daily Life

An overbite may look harmless at first glance—just a small overlap of your upper teeth over the lower ones. But what most people don’t realize is that this tiny misalignment can throw your entire jaw system off balance.

Technically called a Class II malocclusion, an overbite happens when your upper arch protrudes too far forward, and your upper canine doesn’t sit properly behind your lower canine. It might sound like a simple alignment issue—but for your jaw joint, muscles, and even posture, it’s a big deal.

When your bite is off, your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are forced to adapt. That’s when problems start. Over time, this imbalance can lead to TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder), showing up as jaw clicking, neck stiffness, migraines, ear pain, snoring, and even breathing difficulties. What began as a “harmless overbite” suddenly affects how you chew, speak, and sleep.

Think of it like this: your bite is the foundation of your face. If that foundation is uneven, everything else—your muscles, joints, even your posture—has to compensate.

That’s why it’s crucial to treat an overbite early, ideally around age six, when bones are still growing and teeth can be guided to the right position. Early correction is simple and gentle—just small guiding appliances that help the jaw grow evenly.

For adults, treatment might take longer, but modern dentistry has made it more comfortable and precise than ever. With today’s TMJ splints, orthodontics, and non-invasive therapies, even long-standing jaw pain and bite issues can be corrected—without extractions.

At Dr. Rafaelle Dental Clinic (DRDC), we’ve seen countless patients come in thinking their headaches or neck pain had nothing to do with their bite—only to find that fixing their overbite finally brought relief.

The truth is: your smile isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about function, comfort, and long-term health. When your bite works in harmony, your jaw relaxes, your muscles ease, and your entire body feels the difference.

If you’ve been noticing jaw tension, headaches, or that your teeth don’t quite fit right—don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Visit DRDC, where we specialize in TMJD treatments and Orthodontics designed to restore your bite’s natural balance.

I hope this helped you see how something as simple as an overbite can have a bigger story behind it. If you’d like to know more about your case, feel free to reach out at dr.rafaelle@gmail.com, or message us via SMS/WhatsApp/Viber (+639778130101). You can also click this link to Book an Appointment with us today.