Overbite

An overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper front (incisor) teeth over the lower front teeth. A small amount of overlap is normal, but a pronounced or ‘deep’ overbite — where the upper teeth cover a large portion of the lower teeth or contact the lower gum — can arise from jaw growth patterns, tooth alignment, early tooth loss, or oral habits such as thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use.

Symptoms can include difficulty biting or chewing, uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort and, in some cases, speech changes or gum irritation. Diagnosis is clinical and often supported by dental X-rays; treatment depends on age and severity and may include orthodontic approaches like braces or clear aligners, growth guidance in children, or restorative options such as crowns or veneers to correct tooth shape and function.