An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. A small degree of overlap is considered a normal part of bite anatomy, but excessive overlap may affect function, comfort, and appearance.
When the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth in a vertical direction, this is referred to as an overbite — sometimes called a deep bite. While some degree of overlap is entirely normal and expected, an excessive overbite may contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, or difficulty biting effectively.
The severity of an overbite can vary considerably. Mild cases may cause no symptoms at all, while more pronounced overbites can lead to functional or aesthetic concerns that benefit from professional assessment. A qualified dentist can evaluate your bite relationship and discuss whether any management may be appropriate.
Understanding the potential causes and effects of an overbite can help you make informed decisions about seeking professional advice. This page provides an overview of what an overbite involves, its possible causes, and the assessment and treatment options that may be available.
In a typical bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of and above the lower front teeth. This natural vertical overlap is generally around two to three millimetres, allowing the teeth to come together comfortably for biting and chewing.
When this vertical overlap becomes excessive — sometimes covering more than half of the lower teeth — it is classified as a deep overbite. This increased overlap can affect how the teeth function together and may place additional stress on certain teeth, the gum tissue, or the jaw joints.
It is important to distinguish between an overbite and an overjet, as the two terms are sometimes confused. An overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth, while an overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. Both are independent measurements that a dentist assesses when evaluating overall bite alignment.
A mild overbite may require no intervention, whereas a more significant overbite may benefit from orthodontic assessment to determine whether correction could improve function or comfort.
An overbite can develop for a variety of reasons, and the underlying cause often differs from person to person. In many cases, a combination of factors may contribute to the development of excessive vertical overlap.
Inherited variations in jaw size and shape can influence how the upper and lower teeth align, contributing to an excessive overbite.
Prolonged thumb or finger sucking during early years may exert pressure on the developing teeth and jaw, potentially contributing to an overbite.
A pattern of pushing the tongue against the front teeth during swallowing or at rest can gradually affect the position of the teeth over time.
Missing teeth, particularly in the lower arch, may allow surrounding teeth to shift and alter the bite relationship.
Differences in growth rate between the upper and lower jaws during development can result in increased vertical overlap of the front teeth.
A professional dental assessment can help identify the likely contributing factors in your individual case and inform any recommendations for management.
Not all overbites produce noticeable symptoms. However, when the vertical overlap is excessive, the following effects may be observed:
When the upper teeth overlap significantly, the lower front teeth may come into contact with the palate or the backs of the upper teeth, leading to accelerated enamel wear.
An imbalanced bite may place additional stress on the jaw joints and muscles, potentially leading to discomfort, stiffness, or tension.
Excessive vertical overlap can affect the ability to bite into food effectively, particularly with the front teeth.
In deeper overbites, the lower front teeth may contact the gum tissue behind the upper teeth, causing irritation or soreness.
Some individuals may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth or smile due to a pronounced overbite.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a dental assessment can help determine whether they are related to your bite alignment and what options may be available.
A dentist can evaluate your bite alignment through a clinical examination, which may include digital scans or imaging to provide a detailed view of how your teeth and jaws relate to one another. This assessment helps determine the severity of any overbite and whether treatment may be beneficial.
The degree of overbite is measured as a proportion of how much the upper teeth cover the lower teeth. This measurement, along with an assessment of overall bite function, helps your dentist determine the most appropriate course of action.
In some cases, early assessment — particularly during adolescence when the jaws are still developing — may simplify management by taking advantage of natural growth patterns. However, orthodontic treatment for overbite can also be effective in adults.
Professional evaluation ensures that any underlying factors are identified and that treatment recommendations are tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
The most suitable approach to managing an overbite depends on its severity, the underlying cause, and your individual dental and orthodontic needs. Treatment aims to create a balanced bite relationship that may improve function and comfort. Options may include:
Traditional fixed braces use brackets and wires to gradually adjust tooth position and improve bite alignment over a planned treatment period.
For suitable cases, clear removable aligners may be used to help correct mild to moderate overbites with a more discreet treatment approach.
Your dentist or orthodontist will develop an individualised treatment plan that aims to create a balanced bite relationship, taking into account the severity and cause of the overbite.
After active orthodontic treatment, retainers are typically recommended to help maintain the corrected tooth positions and bite alignment.
Your dentist or orthodontist will discuss which approach may be most appropriate for your situation and explain what each option involves in terms of the treatment process.
If you are concerned about bite alignment or excessive overlap of your teeth, a dental assessment can determine whether orthodontic treatment may be appropriate. Our dental team can evaluate your bite and discuss the options that may be suitable for your needs.
Orthodontic assessment and overbite treatment are available at our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional dental evaluation.
South Kensington Medical & Dental is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
