Overbite: What’s Normal, What Isn’t, and How Adults Fix It (Invisalign, Braces or Bonding)

Wondering whether your overbite is normal or something to fix? Dr. Liza Wakim explains what a healthy overbite looks like, the problems a deep bite can cause, and how adults correct it with Invisalign, braces or bonding.

Almost everyone has some overbite, and that is a good thing. Your upper front teeth are supposed to overlap your lower ones a little. The question patients usually ask me is whether theirs is “too much,” and whether it matters if it does not bother them.

In this post I will explain what a normal overbite looks like, how it differs from an overjet or deep bite, the problems I see in the chair when the overlap is excessive, and how adults can fix it.

The short version

• An overbite is how much your upper front teeth vertically overlap your lower front teeth. A small overlap is normal.
• A deep bite, where the uppers cover much of the lowers, can lead to worn or chipped teeth, gum irritation and jaw strain.
• Many adult overbites can be corrected with Invisalign or braces; bonding or veneers only change appearance, not the bite.
• A dentist can measure your bite and tell you whether treatment is worthwhile.

What an overbite is, and what is considered normal

An overbite is the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over your lower front teeth when you bite together. A small overbite is normal and healthy. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a bite becomes a concern when the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth, which is called a deep bite. In the most severe cases, the lower front teeth can bite into the gums behind the upper teeth.

Overbite vs. overjet vs. deep bite

These terms get mixed up constantly, including online:

The AAO describes these as some of the most common bite problems, and many people have a combination, such as a deep bite with an overjet.

What causes an overbite

• Genetics: jaw size and shape are largely inherited
• Childhood habits: thumb sucking, pacifier use or tongue thrusting can push teeth out of position
• Missing teeth: when back teeth are lost, the bite can collapse and the front overlap deepens
• Grinding and wear: worn-down back teeth can let the bite close further

The Cleveland Clinic notes that overbites are very common and usually have a combination of causes.

Can an overbite cause problems?

A mild overbite usually causes no problems at all. A deep bite is a different story. These are the issues I look for chairside:

• Wear and chipping of the front teeth, especially the lower incisors and the backs of the upper incisors
• Gum trauma behind the upper front teeth or in front of the lower teeth, from teeth biting into soft tissue
• Broken veneers or bonding, because a deep bite puts extra force on front-tooth restorations
• Jaw strain and muscle tension in some patients

If your bite feels uncomfortable, my post on whether crooked teeth can cause pain explains other signs your bite is under stress.

How adults fix an overbite

It is never too late. Research on clear aligners for deep bite correction shows they can reduce overbite in adults, although results depend on the case and severe deep bites can be harder to correct with aligners alone.

A word on cosmetic shortcuts. Bonding or veneers can make front teeth look more even, but they do not fix a deep bite. Placed on a deep bite, veneers take a lot of force and are more likely to chip or break. If the bite is the problem, I would rather fix the bite first. Learn more on our Invisalign, composite bonding and veneers pages.

Before and after: what realistic change looks like

After overbite correction, the upper front teeth overlap the lowers less, the lower teeth become more visible when you smile, and the bite feels more even. The change is often subtle in photos but meaningful for wear and comfort. Retainers afterward are essential, because teeth tend to drift back.

When to see a dentist

Book a visit if:

• Your front teeth are chipping, wearing down or getting shorter
• Your gums behind the upper front teeth or in front of the lower teeth are sore or receding
• You have jaw tension, clicking or morning headaches
• You are thinking about veneers or bonding and want to know if your bite can support them

Frequently asked questions

Is a small overbite normal?

Yes. A small vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth is normal and healthy. It only becomes a concern when the overlap is excessive, called a deep bite, or when it causes wear, chipping, gum irritation or jaw discomfort. A dentist can measure your bite and tell you if it is in a healthy range.

What is the difference between an overbite and an overjet?

An overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lowers. An overjet is the horizontal distance, when upper front teeth stick out in front of the lowers. People often call both “buck teeth,” but they are different problems and are often treated differently.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Many mild to moderate overbites can be corrected with Invisalign. Research shows clear aligners can reduce overbite in adults, though severe deep bites may need braces or a combination of treatments. A dentist can assess your bite and tell you whether aligners are a good fit.

Can an overbite cause jaw pain?

A deep overbite can put extra strain on the jaw muscles and joints in some people, contributing to tension or discomfort. It is rarely the only cause of jaw pain, though, so other factors like clenching and grinding should also be checked.

Can veneers fix an overbite?

No. Veneers change how the front teeth look, not how the jaws and teeth fit together. Placed on a deep bite, veneers take extra force and are more likely to chip or break. If the bite itself is the problem, orthodontic treatment is usually the better first step.

How long does it take to fix an overbite as an adult?

It depends on how severe the overbite is and the treatment chosen. Many adult cases take several months to a couple of years. Your dentist or orthodontist can give you a timeline after an exam and, for Invisalign, a digital treatment plan.

Find out if your bite needs attention

If you are in or around Washington, PA, you can request an appointment at Enhanced Wellness or call us at (724) 225-5070. We will look at your bite, your teeth and your goals before recommending anything.

Sources

• American Association of Orthodontists. What is a deep bite?
• American Association of Orthodontists. 7 common bite problems.
• Cleveland Clinic. Overbite.
• Clear aligner treatment and deep bite correction. PubMed Central.

Elizabeth Wakim

Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS, is the founder of Enhanced Wellness. She’s a compassionate and highly-regarded dentist with her own practice in Washington, Pennsylvania, known for providing modern, comprehensive dental care, botox and facial aesthetics with a focus on patient comfort and anxiety reduction, serving general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry needs.