Overbite
An overbite is when your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth considerably. It’s normal for your top teeth to slightly overlap your lower ones, but if you can see less than half of your lower front teeth, you may have an overbite.
Overbites are sometimes referred to as a deep bite or ‘buck teeth’. The diagram shows what an overbite might look like.
What causes an overbite?
There are many reasons why you may develop an overbite. These include:
- Genetics: overbites are often hereditary
- Pushing your tongue against your top teeth
- Sucking a dummy or sucking your thumb for too long as a child
Whatever your reason for developing an overbite, you’ll need to see a dentist or orthodontist to confirm whether you have one and what the best treatment would be for you.
What problems can an overbite cause?
Overbites can vary from hardly noticeable to very prominent. If your overbite is significant, you may want to correct it for cosmetic reasons – to boost your confidence. Overbites can also cause:
- Difficulty chewing
- Problems with speech, particularly as you age
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Increased risk of developing jaw pain in later life, which may require corrective surgery
- Snoring or sleep apnoea: Overbites can cause your jaw to pinch your airway, causing the throat to vibrate (which we know as snoring)
Overbites won’t correct themselves and often worsen over time. You can have an overbite fixed at any age, but having it sorted early can prevent problems such as jaw pain and speech difficulties that often develop with age.
Can braces fix an overbite?
Braces can fix most overbites. The type of treatment you can have will depend on your individual needs and your orthodontist will talk you through everything during your initial consultation.
Common treatment options available include fixed braces (including traditional, ceramic and lingual braces) and clear, removable aligners such as Invisalign treatment.
If you’re interested in braces to fix an overbite, book a free consultation with your local Total Orthodontics practice using the form below.
0% finance for up to 36 months*
Finance applicant must be a UK resident aged 18 or over, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Find out more
Underbites
Underbites are when your lower teeth extend beyond your top teeth. They’re commonly fixed with braces..
Teeth straightening
Everything you need to know about getting a straighter, healthier and more confident smile.
Orthodontic treatments
Discover our teeth straightening treatments, from traditional fixed braces to removable and discreet options.
*Finance terms and conditions:
Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.
The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.
Total Orthodontics is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration number 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through fca.org.uk.
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
