What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is the vertical distance that your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth when you bite down. A small overlap of 1 to 3 millimeters is considered normal and helps the front teeth function properly during chewing and speech.
When that overlap exceeds about 4 millimeters or covers more than one-third of the lower tooth, orthodontists call it a deep bite or excessive overbite. The condition is distinct from an overjet, which measures how far the upper teeth project forward of the lower teeth horizontally. Many patients use these terms interchangeably, but they describe different problems and sometimes need different treatments.
Malocclusion, the broader category that includes overbites, is one of the most common reasons children and adults seek orthodontic care. A national survey of 7,000 U.S. participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) found that only about one-third of adults had well-aligned teeth, while many showed some form of bite irregularity, including deep overbite.[5]
What Causes an Overbite?
Overbites develop from a mix of inherited jaw structure, childhood habits, and dental changes that occur over time. Most cases involve more than one cause working together.
Genetic and Skeletal Factors
The size and shape of your jaws are largely inherited. If the upper jaw grows longer than the lower jaw, or if the lower jaw is set back relative to the upper jaw, the front teeth tend to overlap more than they should. This is called a skeletal deep bite.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, family history is one of the strongest predictors of bite problems in children.[6] Children whose parents had a deep bite often develop a similar pattern, though severity can vary.
Childhood Habits
Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond age 3, and tongue thrusting can change how teeth and jaws develop. These habits typically push the upper front teeth forward and reshape the roof of the mouth, which can produce an open bite, an increased overjet, or in some patterns a deep bite.
Stopping the habit before permanent teeth come in usually allows the bite to self-correct or simplifies later orthodontic care. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends early evaluation if a child still has a sucking habit after age 3 or shows visible bite changes.[6]
Dental Causes in Adults
Adults can develop or worsen an overbite after losing back teeth. When molars are missing or worn down, the bite collapses and the front teeth take on more force than they were designed to handle. Over time, the upper teeth begin to overlap the lower teeth more deeply.
Severe grinding (bruxism), untreated gum disease, and orthodontic relapse from skipped retainer wear can also deepen an existing overbite in adulthood. When teeth wear down or shift due to bone loss, the front teeth often drift into a deeper bite over months to years.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
A deep overbite often causes visible tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and gum irritation, though many people have no symptoms at first. An orthodontist diagnoses overbite using a clinical exam, photographs, dental impressions, and X-rays.
What Patients Notice
Common signs of a deep overbite include lower teeth that bite into the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth, chipped or worn enamel on the lower incisors, and the upper teeth nearly hiding the lower teeth when smiling. Some patients also report:
- Jaw soreness or clicking, especially in the morning
- Frequent biting of the inside of the lower lip
- Speech changes, including a slight lisp
- Headaches that begin near the temples
- Difficulty fully closing the lips at rest
How Orthodontists Diagnose Overbite
An orthodontist measures the vertical overlap of the front teeth in millimeters and as a percentage of lower incisor height. They also use cephalometric X-rays, which show the relationship between the jaws and the skull, to determine whether the deep bite is dental, skeletal, or a combination of both.
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging may be used in complex cases to evaluate root positions and bone structure before planning treatment. CBCT shows three-dimensional anatomy that flat X-rays cannot, which can help the orthodontist plan tooth movement and identify roots that may be at higher risk during treatment. CBCT is reserved for cases where the added detail will change the plan, since the radiation dose is higher than a standard X-ray.
When to Seek Care
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening by age 7.[6] At that age, an orthodontist can identify developing bite problems early, when growth modification is still possible. Adults should consider an evaluation if they notice tooth wear, jaw pain, or visible bite changes.
How Is an Overbite Corrected?
Treatment depends on the patient's age, the severity of the overbite, and whether the cause is dental or skeletal. Options range from simple aligner therapy in mild cases to combined orthodontic and surgical treatment in severe skeletal deep bites.
Traditional Braces
Fixed braces remain the most predictable option for correcting deep overbites, especially in growing children and teens. They allow the orthodontist to control tooth movement in three dimensions and can be combined with elastics or auxiliary appliances to reduce overbite depth.
A Cochrane systematic review of orthodontic treatment for deep bite and retroclined upper front teeth in children, which assessed multiple randomized trials, found that fixed appliances reduced overbite, though the evidence on which specific appliance works best remains limited and long-term stability varied across studies.[1]
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners can correct mild to moderate overbites in cooperative patients. The aligners gradually move teeth into a planned position over a series of trays, typically worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Aligners are less effective for deep skeletal bites or cases requiring significant vertical tooth movement.
Evidence comparing aligners and braces for deep bite correction is mixed. Some studies suggest aligners perform well for mild cases, while others report braces are more predictable for cases needing significant vertical change. Results vary by case complexity and patient compliance, and patients who do not wear their trays as directed often see slower progress and may need additional refinement trays.
Growth Modification in Children
In children whose jaws are still growing, orthodontists can use functional appliances to influence jaw development. Devices such as the bite plate, twin block, or Herbst appliance encourage the lower jaw to grow forward and reduce the depth of the bite.
Early treatment, sometimes called Phase 1 orthodontics, generally begins between ages 8 and 11. Clinical practice guidelines suggest that intervention timed to peak growth can reduce the need for more invasive treatment later, though not every child benefits equally and some cases are better managed with a single phase of treatment in the teen years.[6]
Orthognathic Surgery
Adults with severe skeletal deep bites may need orthognathic (jaw) surgery combined with orthodontics. The surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to create a healthy bite relationship. Braces are typically worn before and after surgery to align the teeth within the new jaw position.
Surgical correction is reserved for cases where tooth movement alone cannot achieve a stable result. The decision involves the orthodontist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and sometimes other specialists. Risks include nerve numbness, infection, and the need for further treatment, so surgery is usually considered only after non-surgical options have been ruled out.
Comparing Treatment Options
All overbite treatments aim to reduce vertical overlap, distribute biting forces evenly, and protect long-term oral health. The right option depends on the diagnosis, age, and patient preference. A 1997 American Board of Orthodontics review of finished cases found that successful outcomes correlated with thorough diagnosis and individualized planning rather than a single appliance system.[4]
Recovery and Aftercare
Active overbite treatment typically lasts 12 to 30 months, followed by lifelong retainer wear to keep the teeth in their new position. Recovery from non-surgical treatment is generally straightforward, with mild soreness during adjustments.
After Braces or Aligners Come Off
Once braces or aligners are removed, your orthodontist will provide retainers. Retainers can be removable (clear plastic trays) or bonded (a thin wire glued behind the front teeth). Both work well when used as directed.
A 5-year randomized controlled trial comparing vacuum-formed and bonded retainers found that both maintained tooth position effectively when patients followed wear instructions, though minor relapse occurred in both groups.[2] Without retainers, teeth tend to drift back toward their pre-treatment positions, especially in the first year.
Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up visits with the orthodontist are typically scheduled every 3 to 6 months in the first year after treatment, then annually. Routine cleanings and exams with your general dentist remain essential. Patients with bonded retainers should pay extra attention to flossing around the wire to prevent tartar buildup.
A literature review on the relationship between malocclusion, fixed orthodontic appliances, and periodontal disease concluded that fixed appliances do not cause permanent periodontal damage in patients who maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.[3]
Cost of Overbite Treatment
Overbite treatment in the United States typically ranges from about $3,000 to $8,000 for braces or clear aligners, while orthognathic surgery for severe skeletal cases can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more before insurance. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
What Drives the Price
Several factors influence the final cost of overbite treatment:
- Severity of the overbite and the length of active treatment
- Type of appliance (metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners)
- Whether jaw surgery is required
- Diagnostic imaging fees, including CBCT scans
- Geographic location and the orthodontist's experience
- Retainers and follow-up visits after active treatment
Insurance and Financing
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum, often between $1,500 and $3,500. Coverage is typically more generous for children than adults, but specifics vary by plan. Patients should request a pre-treatment estimate from both the orthodontist and the insurance carrier.
Most orthodontic offices offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment without interest. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can typically be used to cover orthodontic care.
Specialist vs. General Dentist
Overbite correction is the focus of orthodontists, who complete 2 to 3 years of additional training after dental school in tooth movement and jaw growth. While some general dentists offer clear aligner therapy for mild cases, deep or skeletal overbites should be evaluated by a specialist.
Orthodontists routinely manage complex bite problems and have the diagnostic tools, appliance options, and surgical referral networks to handle severe cases. They also work closely with oral surgeons when jaw surgery is part of the plan. According to the American Dental Association, patients with significant bite problems benefit from coordinated care between the general dentist and the specialist.[7]
Visit the orthodontics page to learn more about how orthodontists train and what to expect at a consultation.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
If you suspect that you or your child has a deep overbite, a consultation with an orthodontist is the next step. Use My Specialty Dentist to find board-certified orthodontists in your area, compare credentials, and book a visit. Most offer free or low-cost initial evaluations to help you understand your options before committing to treatment.
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