Most people have a slight overbite, which means the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth a little when you bite down. In fact, a small overbite (about 10–20% overlap) is normal and even necessary for a proper bite1. However, when the overlap is too large, it’s considered an overbite problem.
A noticeable overbite can influence your smile’s appearance – for example, your lower teeth might be hidden completely when you show your front teeth. It can also subtly impact chewing or speech if severe. The good news is that overbites are a common orthodontic issue and can typically be corrected with the right approach.
Below, we’ll explore what causes an overbite, how to tell if you have one, and the treatment options to fix it. We’ll also cover some everyday tips to keep your smile.
How to know if you have an overbite?
Wondering if your bite is ideal or if you your overbite can be improved? There are a couple of simple ways to gauge this:
Mirror self-check: One easy method is to gently bite down in your natural bite and look in the mirror (or take a photo of your smile). Check how much of your lower teeth you can see. In a normal bite, the top front teeth will overlap the bottom just a little. If your upper front teeth cover most or all of your lower front teeth, you likely have a pronounced overbite1. In practical terms, if your lower teeth virtually disappear when you bite down, that’s an indication of an overbite beyond the ideal range.
Side profile check: You might also notice an overbite by your profile. In some cases, a deep overbite can make the chin appear slightly recessed or the upper lip protrude a bit. This isn’t a definitive test, but if you’re noticing your lower jaw looks pushed back when your teeth are together, an overbite might be part of the reason. Comparing photographs of your side profile with a neutral jaw position can hint at this but be careful – it’s subtle and best assessed by a professional.
Ask your dentist: The most reliable way to know is to have your dentist or orthodontist examine your bite. Dentists routinely check your bite alignment during regular exams1. They may use terms like mild, moderate, or deep overbite to describe what they see. If your dentist has ever noted that your “front teeth overlap quite a bit” or mentioned malocclusion, they’re identifying an overbite. They can measure the overlap precisely. In some cases, they might take a side-view X-ray or photos to analyse your bite. So if you’re unsure from self-checking, a quick dental consultation will tell you for sure.
What causes an overbite: all you need to know
Overbite jaw develops due to a combination of genetic factors and external influences on how your teeth and jaws grow. Here’s a list of the most common causes of an overbite:
Genetics and jaw structure
In many cases, overbites are hereditary. You might simply inherit a jaw shape or size that causes your upper and lower teeth to align poorly2. For example, if your upper jaw is naturally a bit larger or your lower jaw a bit smaller, the upper teeth can overlap the lowers. Genetic factors like these are a primary cause of overbites.
Tongue-thrusting habit
Some people develop a habit called tongue-thrusting, where the tongue presses forward against the front teeth, especially when swallowing. Over years, this constant pressure can move the front teeth and cause an overbite3. Tackling this habit early (often with the help of a pediatric dentist or therapist) can prevent it from affecting the bite.
Teeth grinding or nail biting
Parafunctional habits like chronic bruxism (teeth grinding) or habitual nail biting are also possible contributors to an overbite3. Grinding your teeth can wear down the molars and cause your bite to collapse deeper over time, worsening a vertical overlap. Likewise, constantly biting your nails or chewing on pencils creates forces that might shift tooth position slightly. These habits alone are less likely to cause a major overbite by themselves, but they can exacerbate one or prevent it from correcting naturally.
Tooth crowding or spacing problems
Anything that causes irregular spacing of teeth can affect your bite. For instance, having extra teeth or impacted teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, and large gaps can let teeth shift position1. If your mouth is small or your teeth are large, crowding can occur, sometimes forcing the front teeth to overlap more vertically as they jostle for position. Conversely, if you have missing teeth or very spaced teeth, the remaining teeth might drift and tilt, which can also result in an overbite appearance1.
How to treat an overbite: all possible options
If you do have an overbite, don’t worry – there are many ways how to treat overbite, especially now with modern orthodontics. Most overbites can be corrected without any surgical procedures, typically using appliances that move the teeth over time. Understanding the differences between these treatments is important when deciding which one is right for you.
Invisalign® and overbite: can clear aligners help you?
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces for correcting overbites in patients of all ages. These are transparent plastic trays custom-made to fit over your teeth, which you wear 20-22 hours a day. Each set of aligners is slightly adjusted to move your teeth step by step. Invisalign® clear aligners are used by more people than any other brand4. Aligners can effectively fix mild to moderate overbites by nudging teeth into better positions over time5.
Find out if Invisalign® treatment is right for your overbite
You can learn more about how Invisalign® clear aligners can help you with overbite treatment by clicking the button below to make an appointment with a doctor local to you.
