A small amount of vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth is normal — it's actually part of a healthy bite. An overbite becomes a concern when that overlap is excessive, to the point where the lower front teeth barely show, or bite into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth. Dr. Kim evaluates the degree of overbite as part of every comprehensive exam.
What causes an overbite?
An overbite can be dental — caused by the position of individual teeth — or skeletal, meaning it stems from the relationship between the upper and lower jaw themselves. Distinguishing between the two matters, because it shapes the treatment timeline and approach.
Why it's worth addressing
A significant overbite puts uneven pressure on the lower front teeth and the gum tissue behind the upper teeth, which can lead to excess wear and irritation over time. It can also place strain on the jaw joint. In children, a pronounced overbite leaves the upper front teeth more exposed and more vulnerable to injury.
Beyond function, a deep overbite is one of the more common things patients want addressed for confidence — it can make the lower face look shorter or the chin appear less prominent than it actually is.
Treatment options
Early Orthodontics
For children with a developing skeletal overbite, growth-guidance appliances can influence how the jaws develop relative to each other — a window that closes once growth is complete.
About early treatment →Braces with Elastics
Rubber bands worn with braces apply gentle, continuous force to bring the bite into better alignment — one of the most effective ways to correct a dental overbite.
About braces →Clear Aligners
Modern aligner systems can correct many mild to moderate overbites using attachments and precise, incremental tooth movement.
About clear aligners →When it's more than teeth
Some overbites are driven primarily by the jaw bones rather than the teeth. When that's the case for you or your child, we'll say so clearly — and walk you through what that means for treatment. Visit our jaw alignment concerns page for more on skeletal cases.
Common questions about overbites
Is a little bit of overbite normal?
Yes. Some vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth is a normal, healthy part of a functional bite. An overbite becomes a treatment concern when the overlap is excessive.
Can adults have their overbite corrected, or is it too late?
Adults can absolutely have overbites treated. The main difference from childhood treatment is that we can no longer guide jaw growth, so correction relies more on tooth movement — braces, aligners, or elastics — and in significant skeletal cases, coordination with a jaw surgeon.
Does my child need early treatment for their overbite?
Not always — it depends on whether the overbite is skeletal and whether growth guidance would meaningfully change the outcome. We'll evaluate this at your child's first visit and be honest about whether early intervention offers a real benefit.
What's the difference between an overbite and an overjet?
An overbite describes vertical overlap — how far the upper teeth extend down over the lower teeth. Overjet describes horizontal protrusion — how far the upper teeth stick out in front of the lower teeth. Many patients have some degree of both, and we evaluate them together.
Want to know if your overbite needs treatment?
Not every overbite requires intervention. Come in at your scheduled time and we'll tell you clearly whether yours does — and what the best path forward looks like.
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