What is an Overbite?
Jim Tehrani, DDS
In simple terms, an overbite is a type of malocclusion — an improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth.
Table of Contents
What is an Overbite?
In orthodontics, “bite” often refers to the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
How Much Overbite is Normal?
An overbite is a dental condition in which the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. A small 1 to 2 mm overlap between the upper and lower teeth is completely normal and necessary.
If the overlap exceeds 3 mm, it is considered excessive and may require orthodontic treatment.
In such cases, the condition is called a severe overbite, requiring specialized treatment.
what does an overbite look like؟
Orthodontists and dentists refer to overbite as a type of malocclusion. Overbite can be classified based on the direction of the overlap—horizontal (protrusion) or vertical (deep bite).
Classification by Overbite Direction
1. Vertical Overbite (Deep Bite)
A vertical overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much in a vertical direction. In severe cases, the lower teeth may touch the roof of the mouth, leading to enamel wear or bone loss.
Treatment: Orthodontic solutions such as braces are common; in extreme cases, jaw surgery may be needed.
2. Horizontal Overbite (Protrusion)
This type occurs when the upper teeth protrude significantly forward beyond the lower teeth. It’s often caused by childhood habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. It may affect facial appearance and speech.
Treatment: Braces or Invisalign are usually effective. Severe cases might require jaw correction surgery.
Classification by Overbite Cause
1. Skeletal Overbite
A skeletal overbite is due to jawbone imbalance—typically when the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw. This structural issue causes excessive tooth overlap.
Treatment: Orthodontic care may help, but in severe cases, corrective jaw surgery is often necessary.
2. Dental Overbite
This type results from incorrect tooth positioning while the jaw structure remains normal. Common causes include crowded teeth, missing molars, or bad oral habits.
Treatment: Fixed or removable orthodontic appliances are used to realign the teeth and improve the bite.
What causes an overbite?
Overbites can result from genetics, environmental factors, or both.
For instance, children who suck their thumbs or use a pacifier beyond the age of five may develop this condition.
Additionally, habits like nail-biting, tooth loss, or excessive chewing in adulthood can contribute to overbite development.
Treatment Options for Overbite
Braces for Overbite Treatment
Braces are a proven solution for treating many overbite issues. Orthodontists begin by evaluating the overbite through dental exams and X-rays, followed by the attachment of braces to both the upper and lower teeth arches. This treatment gradually improves teeth and jaw alignment.
Invisalign for Overbite Correction
Invisalign is a popular choice for correcting mild to moderate overbites, especially among adults. This method uses transparent aligners that move teeth into their correct positions. However, success with Invisalign requires consistent wear — 22 hours daily, changing aligners every two weeks. New advancements, such as elastic loops, have made Invisalign more effective for severe overbites.
Lingual Braces for Discreet Overbite Treatment
Lingual braces are an effective and less noticeable option. These braces are placed behind the teeth, providing a hidden solution for many cosmetic dental issues, including overbite. While effective for most cases, severe overbites may require additional treatment.
When Is Jaw Surgery Necessary for Overbite?
In severe cases of skeletal overbite, jaw surgery may be necessary. This treatment is usually for adults whose jaws and teeth have fully matured, making orthodontic movement more challenging. Surgery is typically combined with orthodontic care to provide the best results.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Overbite Treatment
The best treatment for overbite depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s age. A consultation with an orthodontist is essential to determine the most effective approach for improving both function and appearance.
At Beach Cities Dentistry, our talented and experienced dental professionals work together to provide top-quality care for our patients.
Jim Tehrani, DDS
– USC graduate (1997)
– Invisalign I/II certified
– Laser dentistry certified
– Member of ADA, CDA, Western Dental Society
- In treating overbite, the sooner the orthodontic treatment is done, the better. If a person grinds his teeth or presses his jaw, it causes damage to the teeth.
Some overbites may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Treatment is best during childhood and adolescence.
- An overbite is a condition that can often be corrected with orthodontic treatment. At least two years of treatment are needed to cure overbite.
- Sometimes, surgery is necessary for effective treatment. In addition to braces, tooth extraction or surgery may be performed to treat an overbite.
4 thoughts on “What is an Overbite?”
tnx👍
You’re very welcome, Brahim! 😊 If you ever have any questions about overbites or treatment options, feel free to ask!
Hello how can i know if i need braces or not, does a small misalignment require braces too
Great question! Even a small misalignment can sometimes lead to bite problems, uneven tooth wear, or jaw discomfort over time. The best way to know whether you need braces—or if a more subtle option like Invisalign might work—is to have a personalized dental evaluation.
If you’re near Manhattan Beach, we’d love to help! Feel free to schedule a consultation at Beach Cities Dentistry and find out what’s best for your smile.