What is Overbite?
An overbite, also called a deep bite, occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal. While a mild overbite may not need treatment, a more severe overbite can affect your bite, wear down teeth, cause jaw discomfort, and impact your smile. Early treatment can improve bite function, comfort, and long-term oral health.
Why Overbite Happens
Several factors may contribute to an overbite. During your consultation, we evaluate your teeth, jaw alignment, and facial development to determine the most effective treatment plan.
- Genetics and family history
- Jaw growth imbalance
- Thumb sucking during childhood
- Missing or crowded teeth
- Tongue thrust habits
Overbite Treatment Options
Every overbite is different, so treatment is customized to your bite, age, jaw development, and smile goals. Options may include metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners to improve tooth alignment and bite function. In some cases, palatal expansion or other orthodontic appliances may be recommended to create space and support proper jaw development. After treatment, retainers help maintain your new bite and long-term results.
Benefits of Overbite Correction
Correcting an overbite can improve your bite, comfort, smile, and long-term oral health. A more balanced bite may reduce jaw strain, improve chewing, and help protect the teeth from uneven wear.
- Improved bite function
- Reduced jaw strain
- Healthier teeth
- Better smile balance
With more than 45 years of orthodontic experience, advanced surgical training, and extensive expertise in complex bite and jaw problems, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Kendrick provides highly personalized treatment for patients of all ages. Patients travel from across Florida and beyond for his experience and comprehensive approach to orthodontic care.
Your Journey to a Better Bite
Your journey to a better bite begins with a detailed consultation and evaluation. Dr. Kendrick will assess your bite, jaw alignment, facial balance, and treatment goals before creating a personalized plan. Treatment may include braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances, depending on your needs. Progress is monitored throughout treatment, and retainers help protect your results once active treatment is complete.
Orthodontic FAQs
Have questions about overbite correction? Here are a few common questions we hear from patients and parents.
In many cases, yes. Braces, clear aligners, or orthodontic appliances can often improve an overbite without surgery. Dr. Kendrick will recommend the best approach after evaluating your bite and jaw alignment.
A more severe overbite may contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, gum irritation, and bite problems over time.
Treatment time depends on the severity of the overbite, your age, and the type of treatment used. Dr. Kendrick will provide a personalized timeline during your consultation.
An overbite can be evaluated at any age. Early orthodontic evaluations may help identify bite and jaw development concerns sooner, but adults can also benefit from personalized treatment.
A more severe overbite may place extra strain on the teeth and jaw. Correcting the bite can help improve function and comfort, depending on the cause.
Yes. Adults can often improve an overbite with braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatment. Treatment recommendations depend on the teeth, jaw alignment, and overall bite.
In some cases, yes. Because the bite affects how the jaws relate to each other, correcting a significant overbite may improve facial profile and balance. Dr. Kendrick evaluates facial structure as part of every treatment plan.
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