An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth more than they should. A small overbite is normal – in fact, dentists expect to see a little overlap. But when the overlap becomes too deep, it can cause problems with eating, speaking, smiling, and even jaw health.
Table Of Content
Is It Okay to Have an Overbite?
A mild overbite is normal, and most people have it.
Your top teeth should sit slightly in front of your bottom teeth. But if the overlap is too big, it becomes a deep overbite.
Deep overbites can cause:
- Jaw pain
- TMJ issues
- Tooth wear
- Difficulty biting into food
- Increased risk of tooth injury
- Speech problems
- Mouth breathing
- Uneven smile or facial profile
If your lower teeth almost disappear behind your upper teeth, you may have a severe overbite.
Overbite Symptoms & Causes
Common symptoms include:
- Trouble biting into food
- Tooth wear or chipping
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Lips not closing comfortably
- Mouth breathing while resting
- Bottom lip tucking behind top teeth
- Feeling your teeth “don’t fit right”
Common causes include:
- Genetics
- Thumb-sucking or pacifier habits
- Smaller lower jaw
- Front teeth erupting too far downward
- Overgrowth of the upper jaw bone
Overbite vs Overjet: What’s the Difference?
People often confuse these two:
Overbite (Vertical Overlap)
Your upper teeth cover too much of your bottom teeth.
Overjet (Horizontal Distance)
Your top teeth stick out too far in front of your bottom teeth.
Both can happen together, but they are not the same.
This also helps answer questions like “How do I know if I have an overbite?”
How to Measure Overbite and Overjet
You can check your teeth at home:
Measuring Overbite (Vertical)
Look in the mirror and smile naturally.
- If your top teeth cover more than 3–4 mm of the lower teeth, it may be too deep.
Measuring Overjet (Horizontal)
Measure how far the top teeth stick forward.
- Normal overjet: 2–3 mm
- More than 4–5 mm may indicate a problem
It is recommended to consult a dentist or orthodontist to obtain an accurate measurement.
Can Overbite Be Fixed Without Braces?
Yes!
Braces are not the only way to fix an overbite.
Treatments may include:
- Clear aligners
- Orthodontic appliances
- Retainers
- Jaw growth modification (for kids)
- Surgery (for severe adult cases only)
Many mild or moderate cases can be fixed without metal braces.
Can Mewing Fix an Overbite?
No.
Mewing is not scientifically proven to fix an overbite, especially in teens and adults. It cannot move teeth or change jaw positions safely.
Does Aligners Fix Overbite?
Yes, but with conditions.
Aligners alone do not fix the bite fully, since aligners primarily straighten teeth. However, when combined with rubber bands or special attachments, it may help correct an overbite.
For:
- Mild overbite → Aligners alone may help
- Moderate overbite → Aligners + rubber bands (May be required)
- Severe overbite → Aligners + growth appliances (for kids) (May be required)
- Very severe overbite in adults → Sometimes surgery needed (May be required)
Ways to Fix Overbite With Aligners
aligners can:
- Move upper teeth backward
- Move lower teeth forward
- Improve alignment
- Reduce both overbite and overjet
- Improve smile shape
Sometimes, results appear in as little as 6–12 months, as long as the patient wears aligners for the recommended time.
Real cases show that even strong overjets can be fixed with:
- Proper aligner wear
- Rubber bands
- Attachments
- Consistent follow-ups
How Do I Know If I Have an Overbite?
You might have an overbite if:
- Your bottom lip sits behind your top teeth involuntarily
- You cannot close your lips comfortably
- You notice teeth wearing down
- Your dentist mentions “deep bite” or “excess overlap”
- Your smile looks “top-heavy”
The best way to confirm is to visit a dentist or an aligner clinic for a quick checkup.
For Users in Kerala – Clear Aligner Guidance
If you want a simple, comfortable solution, clear aligners in Kerala are becoming a popular choice.
We’re help you learn:
- What are clear aligners
- Treatment Process
- Aligner Costs
- Dental Misalignment Issues
- Clinics in Kerala offering aligners
This makes it easy to make an informed decision for your smile.
Final Thoughts
An overbite is common and usually easy to treat when caught early.
Whether you choose braces, appliances, or clear aligners, the key is getting a professional evaluation. Most overbites—mild, moderate, or even some severe ones—can be corrected without stress.
Your smile and jaw health both matter, so never ignore bite problems.
