What’s the Difference Between a Normal and Excessive Overbite?

In an ideal bite, your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth by about 2-3 millimeters—roughly 20-30% of the lower tooth height. When the overlap is significantly more than that, it’s considered an excessive overbite.
An overbite is different from an overjet (protruding teeth), though the two often occur together:

  • Overbite is vertical overlap—how much your upper teeth cover your lower teeth
  • Overjet is horizontal overlap—how far your upper teeth stick out in front of your lower teeth

You can have one without the other, or both at the same time.

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What Causes an Excessive Overbite?

Overbites can develop from several factors:
  • Genetics (jaw size and tooth position often run in families)
  • Childhood habits like thumb sucking or extended pacifier use
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Missing lower teeth, which allow upper teeth to drop down further
  • The natural growth pattern of your jaws

Sometimes it’s just how your teeth and jaws developed naturally without any particular cause.

Why Treat an Overbite?

While a mild overbite doesn’t necessarily need treatment, moderate to severe overbites can cause several problems:

  • Tooth wear: The excessive pressure and unusual contact between upper and lower teeth can cause premature wear on your tooth enamel.
  • Gum damage: When your overbite is severe, your lower teeth might hit the gum tissue behind your upper front teeth, causing irritation, recession, or even damage to the tissue.
  • TMJ problems: The unnatural jaw position required to close your teeth with a significant overbite can put extra stress on your jaw joints.
  • Speech issues: Some people with severe overbites have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds clearly.
  • Self-consciousness: Many patients with noticeable overbites feel self-conscious about their smile, especially if the overbite makes their chin appear smaller or their profile look unbalanced.

How Dr. Henry Corrects Overbites

Dr. Henry creates a personalized treatment plan based on what’s causing your overbite and how severe it is:

  • Braces or Invisalign can effectively correct overbites by gradually repositioning teeth and, when needed, guiding jaw growth in younger patients who are still developing.
  • Elastics (rubber bands) are often used during treatment to help bring the upper and lower jaws into better alignment. You’ll wear these between your upper and lower teeth following Dr. Henry’s instructions.
  • Bite turbos or ramps might be placed on your teeth temporarily to help reposition your bite and prevent your back teeth from fully closing while your overbite is being corrected.
  • Functional appliances for younger patients can help guide jaw growth to reduce overbite naturally while they’re still developing.
  • Tooth movement strategies that bring lower teeth up, move upper teeth up into the gums slightly, or allow back teeth to erupt more—whatever combination will create the healthiest, most stable result for you.

What About Severe Overbites?

Most overbites can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. In rare cases of severe skeletal overbite in adults (where the issue is mainly jaw size discrepancy rather than tooth position), jaw surgery might be discussed as an option. However, this is uncommon, and Dr. Henry will always explore non-surgical options first.

Overbite Treatment for Children vs. Adults

Overbites can be corrected at any age, but treatment in children who are still growing sometimes offers more options. If a child’s overbite is related to jaw growth patterns, Dr. Henry can sometimes guide that growth in a favorable direction.
For adults, treatment focuses on moving teeth into better positions within the existing jaw structure. Modern orthodontic techniques make this very effective, and adult patients achieve excellent results every day.

What to Expect

During your consultation at our St. Johns office, Dr. Henry will evaluate the severity of your overbite, what’s causing it, and how it’s affecting your oral health. He’ll show you what treatment would involve and approximately how long it would take.
Most overbite cases are corrected within 12-24 months, though the exact timeline depends on your individual situation. You’ll have regular appointments so Dr. Henry can monitor your progress and make any adjustments needed to keep your treatment on track.

Schedule Your Overbite Evaluation

If you or your child has an overbite—or you’re not sure if your bite overlap is normal—Dr. Henry can provide a thorough evaluation and explain your treatment options. Contact Henry Advanced Orthodontics in St. Johns, conveniently located near St. Augustine and serving the Jacksonville area.

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Testimonials

Not only do both my children go to Dr Henry’s but I do as well. We are all treated with kindness by a staff that’s very friendly and patient. Juggling each of our own needs, personalities and tolerance to the “adjustments”, I know we are in the best hands in St Johns County.

K Geary

We are only a few months into our first kid’s treatment but are very happy so far! Easy to get in for an appointment, never have to wait long and the office staff is super friendly and professional! Can’t wait to see how good my son’s teeth look in about a year! I was also very impressed that Dr Henry didn’t force early treatment for my daughter but took a wait & see approach…the questionable tooth shifted and that conservative approach saved us a couple thousand dollars. She will still need braces and we will definitely be using Dr Henry!

Meredith

Dr. Henry has a great way of making visits a fun adventure for my son. He always looks forward to going for his check ups. Wonderful staff all around!

April

I love going to Henry Advanced Orthodontics! Dr Henry is very good at what he does and my daughter loves going to the orthodontist! How many parents can say that? His staff are the nicest people and treat everyone like they are family! 100% recommend to anyone needing orthodontic care!

Andrea