What can be done to correct overbite after porcelain veneers? (photos)

Question

I had 10 veneers placed about 8 months ago, and I’ve recently noticed that my bite feels off, with my upper teeth positioned too far forward compared to my lower ones, similar to what I've read about overbites. Since then, I’ve been experiencing jaw pain, and I’m starting to feel unhappy with my smile all over again. I have an appointment scheduled, but I’d really appreciate any insights or suggestions for possible solutions.

Miller Vieira Paula, DDS · Answer

Overbites can sometimes be unintentionally affected by veneers if their design or placement changes the way your teeth meet. This may be causing the jaw pain you're experiencing.
To correct this:
1. Occlusal Adjustment: Your dentist may be able to rebalance your bite with minor reshaping.2. Orthodontics: Clear aligners (like Invisalign) may be needed if the overbite is significant.3. Replacement Veneers: In rare cases, new veneers designed to correct your bite might be required.4. Splint Therapy: A nightguard can relieve jaw pain while a long-term solution is planned.
It's great that you have an appointment scheduled. Be sure to mention your concerns about your bite and jaw pain, and if needed, seek a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist experienced in occlusion. This issue is fixable, and your smile can look and feel great again!
Best regards, Dr. Miller Vieira Paula.

Ivan A. Valcarenghi, DDS · Answer

I like Dr. Citrin's answer and would only add a couple of things: first, LVI, Las Vegas Institute was one of the first and oldest training facilities, way before Kois, Dawson and others, began to train dentists in cosmetic dentistry, and would be the credential I would look for in a cosmetic dentist. In addition LVI trains dentists not only in cosmetic dentistry but also understands the functional problems, called neruomuscular dentistry, that seems to be what you are experiencing. This is probably the biggest problem I see with patients getting cosmetic dentistry or veneers, is that there is no specialty in cosmetic dentistry, and therefore hard for the lay person to find who is really competent in this area, and almost any dentistry, even the smallest filling can cause or trigger some of what you are sensing or feeling. It could be a preexisting issue that now is coming to the surface because of the changes that were done. Normally moving the upper teeth out rarely causes the symptoms you are experiencing, but is not unusual. One thing I highly recommend is to use an orthosis. It is similar to a nightguard but positions your jaw on the appliance in a position that relieves symptoms, if assessed and fabricated properly. An LVI trained cosmetic dentist would know how to achieve this position and would relieve symptoms at least temporarily while wearing the orthosis and maybe that's all you might need. This is the case with me. I only have to wear my orthosis 1-2 times per month when I feel the symptoms begin or in periods of stress when I am clenching or grinding my teeth more, and then I am okay the rest of the month. Others my need to do what Dr. Citrin stated and sometimes build up the back teeth and change your bite. But always do the simplest, most conservative treatment first and that would be an orthosis. Best, Dr. Ivan

Jenny Citrin, DMD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your jaw discomfort and dissatisfaction with your smile. First, I want to say that, from my perspective, your smile is beautiful! Bite issues can be complex and often go beyond what is covered in general dental training. I recommend consulting with a prosthodontist or a dentist who has advanced training in occlusion from programs like Kois, Dawson, Pankey, or Clinical Mastery.
Before addressing the overbite, it’s important to understand your specific concerns and evaluate your bite. In some cases, an overbite may not be an issue from a health perspective. Your upper teeth are a good length for your smile, so the main options for correcting the overbite would involve moving the lower teeth downward or adding height to the back teeth to open the bite.
Wishing you the best of luck!

What can be done to correct overbite after porcelain veneers? (photos)

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What can be done to correct overbite after porcelain veneers? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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