Feb 18, 2026
What Is an Overbite and How Do Specialist Orthodontists Correct It?
If you have noticed your top front teeth sitting well in front of your lower teeth, you might be wondering whether that is an overbite, an overjet or simply normal.
Bite issues can be subtle in the mirror, yet they often show up in daily life as tooth wear, speech frustrations or jaw fatigue.
In this guide, we explain:
- What an overbite is in plain language
- How it is measured
- How it differs from overjet
- How Specialist Orthodontists diagnose it
- Treatment options for children, teens and adults
We will also help you decide whether to act now or monitor over time.
Overbite vs Overjet - What Is the Difference?
Understanding the difference is essential because treatment goals vary.
Overbite
Overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
A small overbite is normal. It is typically measured as a percentage - for example, upper teeth covering 20 to 30 percent of the lower teeth.
A deep overbite usually refers to coverage beyond what is healthy, often more than 50 percent, sometimes causing lower teeth to contact the palate.
Overjet
Overjet is the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth, measured in millimetres.
Increased overjet means the upper teeth sit forward of the lower teeth.
You can have:
- Increased overbite only
- Increased overjet only
- Both together
Accurate measurement ensures treatment targets the correct vertical or horizontal relationship.
Signs You Might Notice at Home
You may not need a ruler to suspect a bite issue. Common signs include:
- Front teeth wearing flat or chipping easily
- Upper teeth hiding most of the lowers when biting together
- Lip strain when closing comfortably
- Speech changes such as a lisp
- Jaw discomfort or tension headaches
- Soreness behind upper front teeth or along lower incisors
If you recognise several of these, a professional assessment is worthwhile.
How Specialist Orthodontists Diagnose an Overbite
Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical examination assessing tooth position, bite contacts and jaw movement.
Modern digital tools typically include:
Clinical photos
To evaluate smile arc, tooth display and facial profile.
X-rays
To assess roots, jaw relationships and impacted or missing teeth.
iTero digital scans
To create an exact 3D model of your bite.
3D simulations
To preview predicted tooth movements before treatment begins.
This digital workflow supports a personalised treatment plan and can allow virtual check-ins when appropriate.
Treatment Options by Age and Severity
No two overbites are the same. Treatment depends on growth stage, severity and your goals.
Growing Children - Interceptive Care
Early treatment may be recommended when there is:
- Deep overbite
- Increased overjet with trauma risk
- Palatal contact from lower incisors
Options may include:
- Removable functional appliances
- Arch development
- Selective eruption guidance
- Limited braces
Early care is not about finishing everything early. It focuses on preventing damage and setting up healthier development before comprehensive teen treatment if needed.
Adolescents
During growth spurts, treatment may involve:
- Fixed braces with elastics
- Functional appliances in selected cases
- Clear aligners for suitable, compliant patients
Growth timing can help improve efficiency in certain bite corrections.
Adults
Adult correction often involves:
- Braces with elastics
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign®
- Tooth-coloured attachments
- Bite-opening mechanics
For severe skeletal discrepancies, surgical orthodontics may be recommended. This combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to correct the underlying jaw relationship.
Can Invisalign® Fix an Overbite?
In many cases, yes.
Invisalign® uses a series of custom aligners designed to control tooth movement in small increments. Attachments and elastics may be added to manage vertical and horizontal positioning.
Success depends on:
- The cause and severity of the overbite
- Gum and bone health
- Consistent wear, typically 20 to 22 hours per day
More complex skeletal issues may be better treated with braces or surgical orthodontics. Your Specialist Orthodontist will recommend the most predictable approach.
Braces, Functional Appliances and Surgical Orthodontics
Braces with elastics
Provide strong control for deep-bite correction and arch coordination.
Functional appliances
Used in growing patients to influence jaw posture and support bite correction.
Surgical orthodontics
For adults with significant skeletal discrepancies. Teeth are aligned orthodontically before and after jaw surgery for functional and aesthetic balance.
When to Watch and Wait vs Start Early
Observation may be appropriate when:
- Overbite is mild
- There is no trauma risk
- No functional concerns are present
Start earlier if:
- Upper front teeth are at risk of chipping
- Lower teeth contact the palate or gums
- Lip strain or speech issues persist
- Jaw discomfort is ongoing
- Social confidence is affected
A Specialist Orthodontist will explain timing options clearly.
What Happens If an Overbite Is Not Treated?
Potential risks may include:
- Progressive tooth wear
- Chipping or fractures
- Gum recession around lower incisors
- Jaw or muscle strain
- Increased trauma risk to protrusive upper incisors
Not everyone develops these issues, but risk increases with severity.
Your Quick Checklist
- Do your upper teeth cover more than half of your lower teeth?
- Are your front teeth wearing flat or chipping?
- Do your lips feel strained to close?
- Is there jaw clicking or morning headaches?
- Are you worried your child may chip their front teeth?
If you answered yes to two or more, consider booking a consultation.
FAQs
What is an overbite?
It is the vertical overlap of upper front teeth over lower front teeth. Some overlap is normal, but excessive overlap can cause wear and discomfort.
How do Specialist Orthodontists fix an overbite?
With a personalised plan that may include braces with elastics, clear aligners such as Invisalign®, functional appliances for growing patients, or surgical orthodontics for severe adult cases.
What happens if an overbite is not treated?
Possible outcomes include tooth wear, gum issues, jaw strain and increased trauma risk.
Can Invisalign® fix an overbite?
Often yes. Suitability depends on severity and consistent wear. A Specialist Orthodontist will confirm the best approach.
When should overbite treatment begin for children?
Early treatment may be advised if there is trauma risk, gum or palate damage, speech difficulty or functional concerns. Otherwise, monitoring until adolescence may be appropriate.
Should I let my child get braces?
If recommended to protect teeth or improve function, early limited braces can be beneficial. If not urgent, waiting until more adult teeth erupt may be appropriate.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of a healthy, comfortable bite.
With digital iTero scans, 3D simulations and Specialist-led planning, you will understand your options clearly before making a decision.
If you are noticing signs of an overbite in yourself or your child, book your consultation with Auckland City Orthodontics and receive personalised guidance tailored to your smile.