Many people mistakenly believe that the edges of the top and bottom front teeth should touch when biting. This is not true. In an ideal dental occlusion, there is a vertical and horizontal overlap of front teeth (incisors). The vertical overlap, or the amount the top teeth overlap the bottom ones, is called overbite. The horizontal overlap or how far the top front teeth are “ahead” of the bottom front teeth is called overjet although many people refer to it mistakenly as overbite. The overbite in an ideal normal bite is usually 1-2 mm.  This ensures proper function of front teeth (like cutting a sandwich), provides a nice cosmetic appearance and prevents damage to tooth structure. If the front teeth do not meet upon teeth closure leaving a gap between the top and bottom teeth, this is referred to as negative overbite or openbite. An increased overlap is usually referred to as deep overbite, or simply, deep bite. Deep bite is one of the most common malocclusion problems. It may be present with or without other dental problems. Once a deep overbite develops, it usually stays. This means that if you notice that your child has a deep bite, it most probably will not self correct even if the child grows.

Even though they may be unsightly, deep bites can be harmless if not severe. But in many cases they should be addressed and corrected to prevent further dental and periodontal problems. A very deep bite may result in damage to palatal tissues (if the bottom teeth touch the palate upon closure) or may cause damage to the teeth themselves because of excessive forces on the teeth in undesirable directions. This may lead to “loose teeth” if not corrected soon. On the other hand, deep bites may be problematic if some restorative procedure (like placing an implant or crown) is planned in the incisor area.

Deep overbites can be easily diagnosed by the orthodontist or the dentist as soon as the incisor teeth erupt at about 7-8 years of age which is the best time for orthodontic screening. Treatment, however, may be delayed until all the permanent teeth replace the baby teeth, unless it was decided by the dentist or the orthodontist that an early “phase I” treatment is necessary.

Treatment of deep overbites is usually easier if the child is still growing because growth can be harnessed to correct the problem. Deep bites in adults can be treated but could be more challenging. Treatment usually involves the use of “braces” with or without other orthodontic appliances like headgears, functional appliances or miniscrews. Some cases of severe deep bites associated with skeletal problems may even require jaw surgery to be corrected but those are usually associated with other severe problems.