What Is an Overbite?
An overbite describes how your upper and lower front teeth fit together when you close your mouth. A small overbite is completely normal and helps your teeth function properly. However, a deeper-than-normal overbite can sometimes contribute to tooth wear, jaw problems, or other oral health concerns.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over your lower front teeth.
When you bite together, it’s normal for the upper front teeth to cover part of the lower front teeth.
A healthy overbite helps protect your teeth during chewing and speaking.
Is an Overbite the Same as an Overjet?
No.
Although the terms are often confused, they describe different things.
- Overbite measures the vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth.
- Overjet measures how far the upper front teeth project forward in front of the lower teeth.
Some people have one without the other.
Is Every Overbite a Problem?
No.
Most people have a small, healthy overbite.
Treatment is only considered when the overbite contributes to problems such as:
- Excessive tooth wear
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Jaw discomfort
- Difficulty chewing
- Gum recession
- Damage to the lower front teeth
Many mild overbites never require treatment.
What Causes an Overbite?
Several factors can contribute to an overbite, including:
- Genetics
- Jaw growth and development
- Childhood oral habits
- Tooth position
- Missing teeth
Some overbites develop gradually, while others have been present since childhood.
Can an Overbite Damage Teeth?
Sometimes.
A deep overbite may place excessive pressure on certain teeth.
Over time, this can contribute to:
- Worn teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Damage to fillings or crowns
- Gum recession behind the upper front teeth
Not every overbite causes these problems, but they are important to monitor.
Can an Overbite Cause Jaw Pain?
It may.
Some patients with a significant overbite experience:
- Jaw discomfort
- Muscle fatigue
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding or clenching
Because jaw pain has many possible causes, a comprehensive evaluation is important before recommending treatment.
How Is an Overbite Evaluated?
During your examination, we evaluate:
- Your bite
- Tooth wear
- Jaw function
- Signs of grinding or clenching
- Existing dental restorations
- Your overall oral health
Understanding how your bite functions helps us determine whether the overbite is contributing to your symptoms.
Can an Overbite Be Treated?
Yes.
Treatment depends on:
- The severity of the overbite
- Your age
- Whether it’s causing symptoms
- Your oral health goals
Depending on your situation, treatment may include:
- Monitoring
- Orthodontic treatment, such as Fastbraces®
- Restorative dentistry when needed
- A custom nightguard if grinding is contributing to tooth wear
We’ll discuss the treatment options that are appropriate for your individual needs.
Our Total Oral Health Approach
At Total Dentistry, we believe your bite plays an important role in the long-term health of your teeth.
Rather than treating an overbite based on appearance alone, we evaluate how it affects your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and overall oral health.
Our goal is to recommend treatment only when it improves function, protects your teeth, or supports long-term oral health.
The Bottom Line
A small overbite is a normal part of a healthy bite.
However, a deep overbite may contribute to tooth wear, gum problems, jaw discomfort, or other oral health concerns.
If you’re concerned about your bite or have been told you have a deep overbite, contact Total Dentistry to schedule an examination. We’ll evaluate your bite, explain what we find, and discuss whether treatment may benefit your long-term oral health.