Overbite: Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment

An overbite is more than just a dental term—it's a condition that can influence not only your smile but also your facial structure, dental health, and even your quality of life. Whether you're concerned about aesthetics, comfort, or function, understanding overbite is the first step towards better oral health. This article takes you through the symptoms, types, causes, and modern treatments for overbite, drawing on recent research and clinical evidence.

Symptoms of Overbite

An overbite can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. While some signs are visible, others may be subtle, affecting oral function or leading to secondary complications. Here’s what you need to know.

Symptom	Description	Severity	Source(s)
Excess Tooth Overlap	Upper front teeth cover lower teeth excessively	Mild to Severe	1, 2, 4
Facial Profile Changes	Altered lower face height; chin appearance	Moderate	1, 4
Jaw Discomfort	Strain or discomfort in jaw muscles/joints	Mild to Severe	4
Speech Difficulties	Issues with pronunciation or articulation	Variable	4
Tooth Wear	Accelerated enamel loss, especially on incisors	Moderate	4, 9

Table 1: Key Symptoms

Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms of overbite often start subtly. The most notable is when the upper front teeth cover more of the lower front teeth than is typical, sometimes overlapping by several millimeters. This excessive overlap can be measured using dental tools or cephalometric radiographs, giving a precise assessment of severity 1, 2, 4.

Facial and Functional Indicators

The skeletal relationships in the jaw can change the facial profile. People with deep overbites may notice a reduced lower facial height, which can give the chin a more retruded appearance and make the lower face look shorter 1, 4. Over time, the bite imbalance may cause jaw discomfort or even pain, especially if the muscles and joints are strained by the misalignment 4.

Secondary Effects

A deep overbite can lead to abnormal tooth wear—particularly on the incisal edges of the lower teeth—which may result in increased sensitivity or risk of fracture 4, 9. In some cases, speech may be affected, especially if the teeth interfere with tongue placement during pronunciation 4.

Types of Overbite

Overbites can present in several forms, each with distinct dental and skeletal characteristics. Identifying the specific type is essential for selecting the right treatment plan.

Type	Primary Feature	Underlying Cause	Source(s)
Dental Overbite	Teeth misalignment (incisor overlap)	Tooth position	4, 5
Skeletal Overbite	Jaw bone structural discrepancy	Jaw development	1, 4
Deep Bite	Excessive vertical overlap	Dental/Skeletal	1, 4
Open Bite	No vertical overlap	Skeletal/Dental	1, 2, 3

Table 2: Overbite Types

Dental vs. Skeletal Overbite

Dental overbite refers to cases where the excessive overlap is primarily due to the position and angle of the teeth, not the underlying jaw bones. This is often easier to correct with orthodontic appliances, as the jaw structure itself is usually normal 4, 5.

Skeletal overbite is caused by discrepancies in the growth or size of the upper and lower jaw bones. For example, a smaller lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw can contribute to a pronounced overbite. Skeletal causes often require more complex treatments and sometimes involve orthopedic or surgical intervention 1, 4.

Deep Bite and Open Bite

A deep bite is an extreme form of overbite where the upper incisors significantly cover the lower incisors vertically—sometimes to the point that the lower teeth are nearly invisible when biting 1, 4. This is contrasted by an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not touch at all in the front, leaving a gap when the mouth is closed. Open bites can share some etiological factors with overbites but often require different management strategies 1, 2, 3.

Causes of Overbite

Understanding what leads to an overbite helps in both prevention and tailored intervention. The factors range from genetics to environmental influences and developmental habits.

Cause	Mechanism/Description	Impact	Source(s)
Genetics	Inherited jaw shape/size, tooth alignment	Major	1, 2, 4
Jaw Development	Disproportionate growth of upper/lower jaws	Major	1, 4
Tooth Eruption Patterns	Improper eruption or delayed loss of baby teeth	Moderate	4
Oral Habits	Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use	Moderate	4, 8
Tooth Loss/Missing Teeth	Changes bite relationship over time	Moderate	4
Muscular Influences	Imbalance in muscle function (e.g., strong masseter)	Minor	1

Table 3: Causes of Overbite

Genetic and Developmental Factors

Genetics play a central role in determining jaw size, tooth size, and their relative positions. If there’s a family history of overbite or malocclusion, there’s a higher likelihood of developing similar traits 1, 2, 4. Likewise, disproportionate growth of the jaws—for instance, a shorter lower jaw—can result in a skeletal overbite 1, 4.

Habits and Environmental Influences

Childhood habits like thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can exert constant pressure on the teeth and jaws, leading to dental overbites or even contributing to skeletal changes if persistent over time 4, 8. Early loss of baby teeth without proper space maintenance can also cause neighboring teeth to shift, affecting the eruption path of permanent teeth and leading to overbite 4.

Muscular and Other Factors

Muscle imbalances, such as strong biting muscles or poor tongue posture, may subtly influence jaw growth and tooth position, further contributing to overbite development 1. Additionally, missing teeth or tooth loss in adulthood can cause adjacent teeth to drift, changing the bite relationship and resulting in a secondary overbite 4.

Treatment of Overbite

Modern dentistry and orthodontics offer a variety of evidence-based treatments for overbite. The choice depends on the type, severity, age of the patient, and underlying causes. Here’s a snapshot of current options.

Treatment Option	Mechanism/Approach	Effectiveness	Source(s)
Clear Aligners	Gradual tooth movement (incisor focus)	Moderate-High	5, 6, 7
Braces	Comprehensive dental alignment	High	4, 5
Elastodontic Devices	Functional appliances guiding eruption	Moderate	8
Miniscrews/Implants	Direct incisor intrusion (adults)	High	9
Jaw Surgery	Skeletal correction in severe cases	High	4
Habit Intervention	Stopping causative oral habits	Preventive	4, 8

Table 4: Overbite Treatment Options

Orthodontic Solutions

Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) are increasingly popular, especially for adults. They primarily correct overbite by repositioning the incisors. Studies show a median overbite improvement of 1.5 mm in deep bite patients, with most changes due to incisor intrusion or extrusion. However, aligner precision varies, and overcorrection or additional refinement phases are often needed 5, 6, 7. Most overbite correction is achieved in the first set of aligners, with subsequent refinements offering diminishing returns 7.

Braces remain the gold standard for comprehensive correction, especially when both dental and skeletal components are involved. They can adjust tooth position thoroughly and are suitable for both children and adults 4, 5.

Functional and Fixed Appliances

Elastodontic devices are particularly effective in growing children. These appliances guide the eruption of teeth and influence jaw growth, reducing overbite and overjet. Research comparing different devices showed significant improvements in overbite after a year of consistent use 8.

Miniscrews (temporary anchorage devices) allow for targeted intrusion of upper incisors in adults with deep overbite. Using one or two miniscrews, clinicians can achieve 2.7–3.8 mm of incisor intrusion with good long-term stability and minimal relapse. Root resorption is a consideration but generally ceases after active treatment 9.

Surgical and Preventive Approaches

For severe skeletal overbites, especially in adults, orthognathic surgery may be required to reposition the jaws. This is usually reserved for cases where orthodontic methods alone are insufficient 4.

Addressing contributory habits early—such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting—can prevent or reduce the severity of overbite in children 4, 8.

Conclusion

Overbite is a multifaceted dental condition that can impact appearance, oral health, and quality of life. Here’s a summary of key points:

• Symptoms range from excessive tooth overlap to jaw discomfort, altered facial profile, and tooth wear 1, 4, 9.
• Types include dental and skeletal overbites, deep bite, and open bite, each with unique features and causes 1, 2, 4.
• Causes span genetics, jaw development, oral habits, and environmental factors 1, 2, 4, 8.
• Treatment options are diverse—clear aligners, braces, elastodontic appliances, miniscrews, and surgery—tailored to age, severity, and underlying cause 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Empowering yourself with knowledge about overbite is the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. If you recognize any of these symptoms, consult with your dental professional for a personalized assessment and treatment plan.