A deep overbite is more than a cosmetic concern.
When the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too far, it places long-term strain on both your teeth and your jaw joints. Specialist orthodontic assessment identifies the cause and determines the right approach for your age and situation.
What an overbite is and why it develops.
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when biting together. Some degree of overlap is normal — typically around two to three millimetres. A deep overbite is diagnosed when the upper teeth cover significantly more than this, sometimes covering the lower teeth entirely.
Overbites develop for a number of reasons. Jaw growth patterns play a significant role — if the lower jaw is proportionally smaller than the upper jaw, or if it grows in a more downward direction, the front teeth tend to overlap excessively. Genetics is a primary driver, though childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use can also contribute.
At Claremont Orthodontics, Dr Denize assesses not just the tooth positions but the underlying skeletal pattern. This distinction matters because a dental overbite (tooth position only) and a skeletal overbite (jaw relationship) require different treatment strategies.
The long-term effects of an untreated deep overbite.
A deep overbite places sustained pressure on the lower front teeth and the gum tissue behind the upper teeth. Over years and decades, this can cause measurable damage that becomes increasingly difficult to manage.
Many patients in Claremont and Perth's western suburbs are unaware that their chipped lower teeth, receding gums, or jaw joint discomfort may be related to an overbite that has gone unaddressed. A specialist assessment provides clarity on whether treatment would be beneficial in your case.
How overbites are corrected at different ages.
Children and early treatment
In growing children, functional appliances can be used to guide jaw development and reduce the severity of a deep overbite before the permanent teeth have fully erupted. This interceptive approach can simplify or shorten later treatment. Dr Denize recommends an initial assessment around age seven for children with a noticeable overbite.
Teenagers
Teenage patients often benefit from braces or aligners combined with bite-opening mechanics such as bite turbos or reverse-curve archwires. Because some growth remains in the teenage years, treatment can harness this growth to achieve a more stable correction. Many teen patients from Subiaco, Cottesloe, and Mosman Park are treated at our Claremont practice.
Adults
Adult overbite correction relies on orthodontic mechanics alone, since jaw growth has ceased. Braces or aligners are used to intrude the upper or lower front teeth and level the bite. In cases with a significant skeletal component, combined orthodontic and surgical planning may be discussed. Dr Denize will explain the options and their respective outcomes honestly.
Severe skeletal overbites
When the overbite is caused by a significant discrepancy between the upper and lower jaw, orthodontics alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, Dr Denize works with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to plan a coordinated approach. This is the kind of complex case where specialist orthodontic training matters most.
Full bite assessment including clinical examination, photographs, X-rays, and measurement of the overbite depth relative to normal parameters.
Treating overbites in growing patients often yields more straightforward correction. Adult treatment is effective but may take longer.
Specialist orthodontist with over 15 years of experience managing deep overbites at Claremont Orthodontics.
Frequently asked questions about overbite treatment.
What is a deep overbite?
A deep overbite — sometimes called a deep bite — is where the upper front teeth cover more than half of the lower front teeth when biting together. In severe cases, the lower teeth can bite into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth. This excessive overlap places strain on both the teeth and the jaw joints over time. Dr Denize measures the degree of overbite at your Claremont consultation and explains what it means for your particular case.
Can an overbite correct itself as a child grows?
In most cases, a deep overbite does not resolve on its own with growth. It can actually become more pronounced if left untreated, particularly if the lower jaw is small relative to the upper jaw. Early assessment — ideally around age seven — allows Dr Denize to determine whether interceptive treatment could simplify correction while the child is still growing. Families from Nedlands, Dalkeith, and across Perth's western suburbs bring their children to Claremont Orthodontics for exactly this reason.
How long does overbite correction take?
Treatment duration depends on the severity of the overbite and the patient's age. In children and teenagers who are still growing, functional appliances may be used for 9 to 18 months, sometimes followed by a phase of braces or aligners. In adults, comprehensive orthodontic treatment typically runs 18 to 24 months. Dr Denize will provide an estimated timeline at your initial assessment.
Does overbite correction hurt?
There is usually mild discomfort for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, or when switching to a new set of aligners. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain, and it settles quickly. If functional appliances are used in younger patients, there is a short adjustment period as the mouth adapts to the appliance. Dr Denize and the team at Claremont Orthodontics explain what to expect at every stage.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Clear aligners can address mild to moderate overbites effectively in many patients. However, deeper overbites with a significant skeletal component may require braces or a combination of appliances for predictable correction. Dr Denize will assess whether aligners are appropriate for your overbite, or whether an alternative approach would achieve a more stable result. The recommendation is always based on the clinical presentation rather than patient preference alone.
What happens if I don't treat my overbite?
An untreated deep overbite can lead to excessive wear on the lower front teeth, damage to the gum tissue behind the upper teeth, and increased strain on the jaw joints. Over many years, this can contribute to chipping, tooth sensitivity, and TMJ discomfort. While not every overbite requires treatment, a specialist assessment helps you understand the long-term trajectory and make an informed decision.
Concerned about an overbite? Let's take a proper look.
Take our free 3-minute assessment or call our Claremont practice to arrange a consultation with Dr Denize. Overbites are always assessed by the specialist.