Overbite: Causes, symptoms & treatment

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What is excessive overbite vs normal overbite?

Normal overbite

A normal overbite is a slight overlap, usually between 1-3mm, where your top front teeth cover a small portion of your bottom teeth. This overlap is actually helpful. It keeps your bite stable, protects your front teeth when chewing, and allows your jaw to move smoothly.

Excessive overbite (deep bite)

When the upper teeth cover too much of the lower ones, often hiding them completely, it's called an excessive overbite or deep bite.

This can cause:

The deeper the bite, the more pressure it puts on your teeth and jaw, which can lead to long-term discomfort or damage without treatment.

What causes an overbite

Overbites can develop from a mix of genetics, jaw structure, and habitual behaviors. Let's break down the main causes:

Genetics

Sometimes, you simply inherit an overbite. If one or both parents have a deep bite, their child may naturally have a similar jaw alignment or tooth positioning.

Jaw structure

When the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates, it can cause misalignment. For instance:

This skeletal imbalance is one of the most common structural causes of an overbite.

Childhood habits

Certain habits during early development can also push teeth out of position, such as:

These habits can gradually move the front teeth forward, deepening the bite over time.

Other dental factors

Even in adults, everyday habits can worsen or cause an overbite:

Symptoms & problems associated with overbite

An overbite isn't just about how your smile looks, it can quietly affect how your jaw moves, how your teeth meet, and even the shape of your face over time. It's one of those things that starts small but can cause bigger troubles if ignored.

Jaw & TMJ disorders

When the upper teeth overlap too much, your jaw joint, what dentists call the TMJ, starts to take the strain. You might feel a little ache or stiffness when you open your mouth, or even hear a faint click or pop now and then. Sometimes, it brings on tension headaches too. These are gentle warnings from your body that your bite isn't quite where it should be.

Tooth wear

Over time, teeth that don't align properly rub against each other the wrong way. That constant friction can wear away the enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and fragile. It's like using the same side of a shoe for too long; eventually, it thins out.

Chewing difficulties

A misaligned bite can make chewing less natural. You might notice it's harder to bite into a crisp apple or a sandwich; things just don't meet as easily as they should.

Gum irritation

Sometimes, when the top teeth press too far down, they touch the gums of your lower teeth. That can cause redness, soreness, or even make the gums pull back a bit over the years.

Facial aesthetics

A deep overbite can change how the lower part of your face looks. The chin may seem smaller or tucked in, which can throw off your natural balance. Fixing it doesn't just protect your teeth, it brings back the harmony to your smile and your face.

How to fix overbite

The good news? Overbites are highly treatable and modern dentistry offers more comfortable options than ever before. Here are some overbite treatment options:

Clear aligners

Clear aligners (like those from Caspersmile) are a discreet, removable, and effective way to fix mild to moderate overbites. They gradually move both teeth and jaw alignment through a series of custom-made trays.

Benefits:

Skip the hassle of braces

Caspersmile clear aligners can fix your overbite discreetly and affordably.

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Braces

For moderate to severe overbites, traditional braces provide more precise tooth movement. They can correct deeper structural issues and are sometimes used alongside elastics to reposition the jaw.

Habit correction (in children)

If thumb sucking or tongue thrusting caused the problem, addressing these habits early can prevent the need for future orthodontics. Special appliances or behavior training may be recommended.

Surgical intervention

In adults with severe skeletal overbites, jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be required to realign the jaws. This option is rare and reserved for significant bone discrepancies.

Combination treatments

In some cases, orthodontists combine clear aligners, braces, and restorative treatments (like crowns or bonding) for optimal bite correction and aesthetics.

How can Caspersmile help in addressing overbite?

Caspersmile offers an affordable & effective overbite correction. Caspersmile Clear Aligners have proven to be the most effective and discreet way to correct an overbite without traditional braces. Our aligners offer a highly comfortable and nearly invisible solution to gradually align teeth into their proper position.

When to see a dentist or orthodontist

You should schedule an orthodontic consultation if you notice any of these signs:

Early detection can make treatment faster and less invasive, especially in teens and young adults, when jawbones are still developing.

Overbite vs. Overjet

People often confuse an overbite with an overjet, but they're different conditions.

Many people have both issues together, and clear aligners can correct both at the same time.

Read more about overjet and how it differs from an overbite.

Should an overbite be fixed?

A little overbite is fine. Everyone's got a slight overbite, it helps with chewing and keeping teeth safe. But when teeth go too far over each other, then it starts hurting the jaw and makes your smile awkward. Now with new orthodontic solutions like clear aligners, fixing overbite is super easy, no big braces, no long doctor visits, no metal mess. But whichever method you choose, remember that overbite is fixable. And you do not have to compromise on your dental health.

Frequently asked questions

Is having an overbite a bad thing? +

Not always. A slight overbite (1–3mm) is perfectly normal. It's only considered a problem when it causes discomfort, enamel wear, or jaw strain.

Does an overbite go away? +

Not on its own. It usually requires orthodontic treatment, like aligners or braces to correct.

Do overbites get worse with age? +

Yes, untreated overbites can worsen over time due to tooth wear, jaw tension, and shifting bite alignment.

Does an overbite need braces? +

In some cases, yes. Braces or clear aligners are the most common and effective solutions for correcting overbites.

At what age should an overbite be treated? +

Early teens are ideal, but adults can also see great results with aligners or braces.

How to naturally fix an overbite? +

You can prevent worsening by avoiding habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, but complete correction usually requires orthodontic help.

How to tell if my overbite is bad? +

If your top teeth hide most of your lower teeth when you smile or bite, it's worth consulting a dentist.

Can clear aligners fix an overbite? +

Yes, clear aligners can correct mild to moderate overbites by gradually shifting teeth into alignment.

What happens if an overbite goes untreated? +

It can lead to jaw pain, enamel erosion, and gum recession, along with aesthetic concerns.

Is an overbite attractive? +

A mild overbite can look natural, but excessive overlap may affect facial balance. Correcting it often enhances your smile's harmony.

What braces are best for an overbite? +

Traditional metal or ceramic braces are effective for deep bites, while clear aligners work best for mild to moderate cases.