Smile in front of a mirror and look closely at your front teeth. In most people, the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones a little. Now imagine the lower front teeth almost disappearing behind the upper ones, or biting into the gum on the roof of your mouth. That is a deep bite, and many people live with it for years without knowing it has a name.
It rarely hurts at first, which is why it gets ignored. Over time, though, it can wear down teeth and damage the gums behind them. This guide explains what it is, how to tell if you have one, what causes it, and the deep bite treatment options orthodontists use for children and adults.
What Is a Deep Bite?
A deep bite, also called an excessive overbite, is one where the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much vertically. The American Association of Orthodontists describes it as a type of malocclusion, which simply means the teeth do not meet the way they should.
Some overlap is normal. Orthodontic teaching material commonly treats a vertical overlap of more than 4 mm, or lower teeth that touch the back of the upper front teeth near the gum, as excessive. In the most severe form, sometimes called a traumatic or impinging bite, the lower front teeth actually bite into the gum on the roof of the mouth.
If you are trying to work out which bite problem you have in general, our main clinic site has a detailed guide to overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite. This article focuses on vertical overlap specifically.
Signs You May Have a Deep Bite
Only an orthodontic examination can confirm it, but these are common signs worth mentioning at your visit:
- When you bite together, you can barely see your lower front teeth
- Sore spots or marks on the gum behind your upper front teeth
- Lower front teeth that look worn, short or chipped
- Gum recession behind the upper front teeth or in front of the lower ones
- Discomfort around the jaw
What Causes a Deep Bite?
Orthodontists usually group the causes into three types, and the type decides the treatment.
Dental causes
Front teeth that have over-erupted, back teeth that are short or worn, missing or tipped back teeth, gum disease and tooth wear can all let the bite close too far.
Skeletal causes
The way the jaws grow can create a deep bite, for example when the lower jaw rotates forward and upward as it grows, or when the jaw bones are not in proportion.
Muscular causes
Very strong chewing muscles can press the bite closed over time. Tooth grinding can make the problem worse in adults.
Missing or tipped back teeth, one of the dental causes above, can let the bite close further. If you have gaps at the back of your mouth, ask about replacing them as part of your plan.
Why a Deep Bite Is Worth Treating
The AAO lists several problems it can cause, and notes that it usually does not correct itself.
| Problem | What happens |
|---|---|
| Tooth wear | Front teeth, especially the back surface of the upper ones, wear down early |
| Gum damage | Lower teeth press on the gums behind the upper teeth, which can cause recession |
| Painful sores | Sores can form on the roof of the mouth where the lower teeth bite |
| Chipping | Front teeth are more likely to chip |
| Jaw discomfort | Some people feel discomfort around the jaw joint |
| Crowding | It can make crowding or spacing worse |
Deep Bite Treatment Options
Deep bite correction depends on the cause, your age and how severe the overlap is. These are the main approaches orthodontists use, often in combination:
Fixed braces
The most common treatment, according to the AAO. Specially shaped wires gradually level the bite by moving front teeth up into the bone (intrusion), letting back teeth come down, or both. Our orthodontic treatment page lists every type of brace we offer.
Clear aligners
Custom removable trays can correct many cases when they are worn for the hours prescribed. Your orthodontist will tell you honestly if your bite is better suited to fixed braces. Read more about clear aligners and Invisalign in Kolkata.
Bite turbos (bite ramps)
Small bumps of tooth-coloured material placed on the teeth that stop the bite closing fully while the braces work. They are temporary and removed once the bite opens.
Mini-screws (TADs)
Tiny temporary screws placed in the bone give the orthodontist a fixed anchor to push front teeth upward. A 2026 review of 26 studies on adult deep bites found two mini-screws placed beside the lateral incisors achieved the most intrusion.
Jaw surgery for severe skeletal cases
When the jaw bones themselves cause a severe overlap and growth has finished, the AAO notes that surgical orthodontics may be needed alongside braces.
The same 2026 review notes a trade-off: most ways of pushing front teeth upward also tip them forward a little, and some root shortening was seen across all intrusion methods. That is why deep bite correction needs careful planning and regular monitoring by an orthodontist. Our article on orthodontist vs dentist explains why specialist training matters for cases like this.
Deep Bite in Children vs Adults
Children and teens
- Jaws are still growing, so growth can be guided
- Functional appliances may be used in some cases
- Early check-ups help spot skeletal causes in time
- See our guide on early orthodontic evaluation
Adults
- Growth has stopped, so teeth are moved rather than jaws guided
- Braces, aligners, bite turbos and mini-screws are all used
- Missing back teeth may need replacing as part of the plan
- See our guide on adult orthodontic treatment
Adults often ask if it is too late. It is not. The approach is different from a child’s, and the AAO lists braces, clear aligners and, for severe skeletal cases, surgery as options once growth has finished.
Keeping the Result
Once the bite is level, it needs holding there while the bone and gums settle. That means wearing a retainer exactly as your orthodontist prescribes. Our guide to retainers after braces explains the types and how long to wear them.
If you grind your teeth at night, mention it. Grinding can push a corrected bite closed again, and your orthodontist may suggest a night guard as well.
References
- American Association of Orthodontists. Understanding Deep Bites: Causes, Concerns, and Corrections. Updated 2026.
- Pattanachak N. Effectiveness of Treatment Modalities for Deep Bite Malocclusion in Adults. Archive of Orofacial Data Science, 2026.
- Deep overbite: definition and aetiology. Orthodontic lecture notes, Al-Mustaqbal University College.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deep bite?
A deep bite, or excessive overbite, is when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much vertically. Orthodontic teaching commonly treats more than 4 mm of overlap as excessive.
Is a deep bite serious?
It often causes no pain at first, but it can wear down teeth, damage the gums behind the front teeth and cause sores on the roof of the mouth. The AAO notes that a deep bite usually does not correct itself.
Can a deep bite be fixed without braces?
Mild cases can sometimes be corrected with clear aligners. Severe skeletal cases in adults may need jaw surgery along with braces. Your orthodontist will recommend the option that suits your bite.
How long does deep bite correction take?
It depends on the cause and severity. Deep bite correction is usually part of a full orthodontic treatment, so your orthodontist will give you a timeline after examining you.
Can adults fix a deep bite?
Yes. Adults are treated with braces, aligners, bite turbos and sometimes mini-screws. Severe skeletal cases may need surgery once growth has finished.
Is a deep bite the same as buck teeth?
No. A deep bite is about vertical overlap. Teeth that stick out forward are called overjet. Many people have both, so an orthodontist measures them separately.
Also Read
Think You Might Have a Deep Bite?
Book an orthodontic consultation at any Teeth Care branch in Kolkata. We will measure your bite and explain the options that suit it.
Book an AppointmentCall +91 98315 26251Available at our Chinar Park, New Town, Ballygunge, Dunlop and Charnock branches. This article is for general information and does not replace a clinical examination.