A specialist's guide from Dr. AQR , Jumeirah, Dubai
Quick Answer
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than the normal 10–20%. Mild overbites are natural, but excessive overbites can cause tooth wear, jaw strain, and speech issues. Treatment ranges from growth appliances in children to braces, aligners, or surgery in more severe adult cases.
What Is an Overbite?
A normal overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by about 10–20%. An excessive overbite involves significantly more overlap, sometimes covering the lower teeth entirely.
- Vertical overbite (“deep bite”) — too much vertical overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth
- Horizontal overbite (“overjet”) — forward projection of the upper teeth beyond the lower teeth
What Causes an Overbite?
Genetic Factors
- Family history of jaw size and alignment issues
- A smaller lower jaw or larger upper jaw
Childhood Habits
- Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use
- Tongue-thrusting during swallowing
- Nail-biting or pen-chewing
Tooth and Jaw Discrepancies
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth disrupting alignment
Other Causes
- Mouth breathing
- Trauma or injury affecting jaw alignment
Effects of an Untreated Overbite
- Increased tooth wear and enamel erosion
- Higher risk of cavities and gum problems from difficult cleaning
- Difficulty biting or chewing certain foods
- Speech issues such as lisping
- Jaw strain that can contribute to TMJ disorders
- Facial aesthetic imbalance and self-esteem impact, especially in children and teens
Overbite Treatment Options
For Children
- Growth modifiers—functional appliances that guide jaw growth
- Early braces to straighten teeth and correct alignment
For Teens and Adults
- Traditional braces to align teeth and reduce overlap
- Clear aligners for mild-to-moderate overbites
Surgical Options
- Jaw surgery for severe, skeletal-origin overbites
Retainers
- Essential after active treatment to maintain correction and prevent relapse
Not sure if your overbite needs treatment? Book an assessment with Dr. AQR
Final Thoughts
An overbite is common and highly treatable at any age. Book a consultation with Dr. AQR at AQR Orthodontics, Jumeirah, Dubai, to explore your options.
About the Author
Dr. AQR is a specialist orthodontist and founder of AQR Orthodontics, Jumeirah, Dubai.
Is a slight overbite normal?
Yes—a 10–20% overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth is considered normal and healthy.
Can an overbite get worse over time if untreated?
Yes, particularly in growing children and teens, as jaw growth continues.
Do adults need braces to fix an overbite, or are aligners enough?
Many adult overbites can be treated with clear aligners; more severe or skeletal cases may need braces or, rarely, surgery. A specialist assessment determines the right option.
