What is a Deep Overbite? Causes, Prevention & Treatment

A small overbite is normal. However, when it is too big, it can become a problem.

What is a deep overbite?

A deep overbite is a malocclusion in which the upper front teeth almost completely overlap the lower front teeth.

This often causes the lower front teeth to bite into the palate or gum tissue behind the upper front teeth.

A deep overbite is not just an aesthetic issue (patients may be embarrassed about their smile or the appearance of their jaw), but it also causes dental problems like:

• Gum and soft tissue damage
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Wear and loss of tooth structure
• Tooth loss

Overbite vs. Overjet

Both overjet and overbite are types of malocclusion, but they refer to different issues:

• Overjet: This is a horizontal misalignment where the upper teeth stick out past the lower front teeth. It's sometimes referred to as "buck teeth."‍
• Overbite: This is a vertical misalignment where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than normal. It's often called a "deep bite."

What causes a deep overbite?

A deep overbite can be caused by different factors such as:

• A small or underdeveloped lower jaw
• Genetic conditions
• Thumb-sucking in children
• Long-term term use of a pacifier in toddlers
• Oral injury or trauma
• Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
• Not enough room in your mouth for all your permanent teeth (teeth crowding)

Can Overbite Be Prevented?

Some individuals may naturally have an overbite due to their genetic makeup, which cannot be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your child developing an overbite during their formative years:

• Monitor thumb-sucking and pacifier Use: While thumb-sucking and pacifier use are normal behaviours for young children, they can negatively affect oral development if continued beyond a certain age. Aim to discourage these habits by the age of 3. Consult your child’s dentist or paediatrician for effective strategies to help your child break these habits.
• Establish regular dental check-ups: Your child’s first dental visit should occur by age 1 or when their first tooth erupts. Regular dental check-ups enable the dentist to identify potential oral health issues early on and provide guidance on proper oral care practices that support healthy development.
• Encourage balanced chewing: Teach your child to chew on both sides of their mouth while eating. This practice promotes balanced jaw development and can help prevent misalignment of the teeth.
• Foster good posture and jaw alignment: Encourage your child to maintain proper head and neck posture, especially when using electronic devices. Poor posture can contribute to jaw misalignment over time.
• Use mouthguards during sports: If your child participates in sports or activities with a risk of injury, ensure they wear a mouthguard. This protective gear can help prevent trauma to the teeth and jaw, which could lead to alignment issues.
• Discourage nail-biting and chewing on objects: These habits can negatively impact dental alignment over time. If your child tends to bite their nails or chew on pencils, toys, or other objects, gently encourage them to find healthier coping mechanisms or distractions to break the habit.
• Address teeth grinding: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can lead to tooth wear and misalignment. If you notice signs of grinding in your child—such as worn tooth surfaces or jaw discomfort—consult a dentist. They may recommend solutions like a nightguard to protect teeth during sleep and alleviate strain on the jaw.‍
• Address crowding early: If your child has crowded teeth, seeking early orthodontic evaluation can be beneficial. An orthodontist can assess the situation and recommend interventions, such as space maintainers or early braces, to create enough space for proper alignment of permanent teeth. Early treatment can help prevent more significant issues down the road.

How to fix a deep overbite?

Deep overbites can be corrected with orthodontic treatment – in both adult’s and children. Braces fix deep bites by slowly applying pressure to the jaws to move them into place and thus reduce the teeth overlap.

The type of treatment varies depending on the patient’s age, the severity of malocclusion, and aesthetic goals.

We have a range of treatments available at Hampstead Orthodontic Practice.

During your first consultation, we will conduct a thorough orthodontic examination of your mouth so that we can recommend the best treatment for your individual needs.

Often, a deep bite is treated either with braces like Damon braces, Incognito braces, and Symetri Clear braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign.

It’s always better to start the treatment as early as possible to minimise the severity.

FAQs about deep overbites

Can Invisalign fix a deep overbite?

Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can fix a deep overbite. This is especially effective for children and teens as the earlier you correct the overbite, the better. Invisalign is designed to push teeth back into place, so it is perfect for correcting overbites.

Can braces fix a deep overbite?

Yes, braces are one of the most popular treatments for a deep overbite. The use of braces to fix deep overbites has been used for many years with continued success. Braces can be fixed to pull the teeth in the desired direction. This gives the orthodontist much more control over where the teeth will end up.

How long does it take to correct a deep overbite?

On average, it will take 18–24 months to correct a deep overbite. However, you can use an OrthoPulse appliance to speed up the process slightly.

Complex cases involving jaw surgery may take a longer time. If you don’t have any other orthodontic issues except for the deep overbite, then you can likely get it corrected in less than a year.

When is jaw surgery needed?

Jaw surgery is needed to correct a skeletal overbite and is usually only performed on adults. Surgery can reposition the jaw when braces aren’t enough to correct it. This surgery is often done after braces have been worn and it is not unheard of that corrective braces are used post-jaw surgery to ensure alignment.

To learn more about the orthodontic treatments we offer, visit our treatments page.

Or if you’d like, you can receive a FREE online consultation that will include an orthodontic examination of your teeth carried out by Dr. Alvanos and our Orthodontic Team.

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