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An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. We correct overbites with braces, clear aligners, and elastics for patients of all ages.
An overbite (also called overjet or deep bite) is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by more than 2–3 mm. A mild overbite of 1–2 mm is actually normal, but a deep overbite — where the upper teeth cover more than one-third of the lower teeth — needs orthodontic treatment to prevent jaw pain, enamel wear, and bite problems. Overbites are very fixable with braces or clear aligners, often combined with elastics to reposition the jaw.
An overbite — clinically referred to as overjet (horizontal) or deep bite (vertical) — occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly beyond the lower front teeth, creating excessive overlap that affects both function and appearance.
Overbites are one of the most common bite issues treated in orthodontics. They can be classified as either dental (caused by tooth position) or skeletal (caused by jaw size discrepancy). A dental overbite means the teeth have erupted at an improper angle, while a skeletal overbite indicates the upper jaw is positioned too far forward or the lower jaw is too small. Many patients have a combination of both. Genetics is the primary cause — if a parent had an overbite, their children are more likely to develop one. Childhood habits such as thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and tongue thrusting can also push the upper teeth forward and deepen the bite over time.
When left untreated, a deep overbite can cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, leading to tissue damage and chronic discomfort. The excessive overlap also places uneven stress on the front teeth, accelerating enamel wear and increasing the risk of chipping or fracture. Jaw pain, tension headaches, and TMJ dysfunction are common in patients with untreated overbites. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment — including braces, clear aligners, Invisalign, and early intervention for children — can correct an overbite at any age with predictable, lasting results.
When you bite down, the upper front teeth cover more than one-third of the lower teeth or completely hide them from view.
In deep overbites, the lower front teeth contact the palate (roof of the mouth), causing soreness, irritation, or tissue damage.
An overbite puts strain on the jaw joint (TMJ), leading to chronic jaw pain, clicking sounds, tension headaches, or earaches.
The edges of the lower front teeth wear down unevenly from constantly hitting the back of the upper teeth when biting and chewing.
Biting into foods like apples or sandwiches feels awkward because the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly at the front.
The upper front teeth stick out noticeably beyond the lower lip, affecting facial profile and increasing the risk of dental injury.
Dr. Brandon Zipper develops a customized treatment plan based on your overbite type (dental vs. skeletal), severity, age, and goals. Here is our typical approach to correcting an overbite.
We take 3D digital scans, panoramic X-rays, and bite records to measure the exact degree of overbite and determine whether the cause is dental, skeletal, or both. Dr. Zipper explains all findings and discusses treatment options with you.
For mild to moderate overbites, clear aligners like Invisalign with elastics (rubber bands) can reposition the teeth and improve bite alignment. Deeper overbites often benefit from traditional braces with bite turbos or elastics for more precise vertical correction. For children ages 7–11, Phase 1 early treatment can guide jaw growth and reduce the overbite before all permanent teeth erupt.
Teeth are gradually repositioned and the bite is corrected over 12 to 24 months. Elastics are a key part of overbite correction — they connect the upper and lower arches to shift the jaw relationship. Regular check-ups every 4 to 8 weeks track progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
After active treatment, custom retainers maintain the corrected bite and tooth positions. Dr. Zipper recommends consistent retainer wear to prevent the overbite from relapsing, especially in the first two years after treatment completion.
Overbites affect patients of all ages. The best treatment approach depends on whether the overbite is still developing, the patient's jaw growth stage, and the severity of the overlap.
The cost of overbite treatment at Zipper Orthodontics depends on the severity of the bite discrepancy, the type of appliance chosen, and the estimated treatment duration.
Mild overbites treated with clear aligners and elastics typically fall on the lower end of this range, while deep overbites requiring braces with longer treatment times may approach the upper end. Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover $1,000 to $2,500 of the total cost. We also offer flexible monthly payment plans and interest-free financing. Your exact cost is determined at your free consultation — no surprises.
An overbite is most commonly caused by genetics — inheriting a smaller lower jaw or larger upper jaw from your parents. Childhood habits like prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use beyond age 3, and tongue thrusting can push the upper teeth forward and worsen an overbite. Missing lower teeth or early loss of baby teeth can also allow the upper arch to over-erupt. Dr. Zipper identifies the root cause during a free consultation to design an effective treatment plan.
No — an overbite will not correct itself and typically worsens with age. In children, jaw growth may slightly reduce a mild overbite, but moderate to severe overbites always require orthodontic intervention. In adults, the bone has stopped growing, so braces or clear aligners are the only way to reposition the teeth and improve the bite. Treating an overbite earlier generally means simpler, shorter treatment.
Both braces and clear aligners can correct an overbite, but the best choice depends on severity. Mild to moderate overbites often respond well to Invisalign or Spark aligners combined with elastics (rubber bands). Deep overbites with significant vertical overlap may require traditional braces with bite turbos for more precise vertical control. Dr. Brandon Zipper evaluates each patient individually and recommends the most effective approach at your free consultation.
Most overbite cases take 12 to 24 months to correct. Mild overbites may be resolved in as little as 9 to 15 months with clear aligners and elastics. Deep overbites requiring significant vertical correction with braces typically take 18 to 24 months. Dr. Zipper provides a personalized treatment timeline at your free consultation based on 3D digital scans and a thorough clinical evaluation of your bite relationship.
Yes — the AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early treatment (Phase 1) between ages 7 and 11 can guide jaw growth and reduce a developing overbite while the bones are still actively growing. Growth modification appliances can encourage the lower jaw to catch up, which may shorten or simplify later treatment with braces or aligners. Dr. Zipper evaluates whether early intervention is the right strategy for each child.
Yes, most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover a portion of overbite treatment — typically $1,000 to $2,500 toward the total cost. Coverage varies by plan, and Zipper Orthodontics accepts most major insurance providers. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment starts so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible monthly payment plans and interest-free financing to make overbite correction affordable.
Dr. Brandon Zipper, DMD, MS — board-certified orthodontist and AAO member — treats overbites for patients of all ages in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and throughout South Florida.
