Overbite vs. Overjet: What Most People Get Wrong
Most people use “overbite” to describe any situation where the upper teeth are “too far forward.” In orthodontics, overbite and overjet are two different measurements that often travel together but require different mechanics to correct.
Overbite is vertical — how far the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth from top to bottom. A normal overbite is 2 to 4 mm, roughly 25 to 30% coverage of the lower incisor height. Anything greater than 4 mm or more than 50% coverage qualifies as a deep bite.
Overjet is horizontal — how far the upper front teeth protrude in front of the lower front teeth, measured front to back. Excessive overjet makes the teeth look “buck” or “protruding” and raises the risk of a traumatic injury to the upper front teeth.
A patient can have a deep overbite, excessive overjet, both at once, or neither. The distinction matters because the mechanics used to close a deep bite vertically are not the same mechanics used to retract protruded upper teeth horizontally. Dr. Greenberg and Dr. Cao record both measurements at every consultation, confirmed on the Vatech Green 3D CT scan so the skeletal geometry is part of the diagnosis rather than just the visible tooth position.
How Severe Is Your Overbite?
Severity drives both the treatment plan and the realistic timeline. Mild deep bites are often an Angel Aligners or Invisalign case; moderate deep bites usually need braces with intrusion mechanics or an aligner plan built around bite ramps and attachments; severe deep bites with a skeletal component are multi-phase cases — sometimes beginning with growth modification in a child, sometimes ending with coordinated jaw surgery in an adult. The Vatech Green CBCT and iTero digital scan together let Bold Bite classify severity on measurements rather than on visual estimation.
Mild (4–6 mm)
Upper teeth cover 50–75% of lower teeth. Usually no symptoms. Primarily a cosmetic concern. Frequently correctable with clear aligners.
Treatment time: 12–18 months
Moderate (6–8 mm)
Lower teeth barely visible when smiling. Beginning to wear on the back surfaces of the upper front teeth. Jaw fatigue and early TMJ strain are possible.
Treatment time: 18–24 months
Severe (8+ mm / Complete)
Lower teeth contact the palate or gum tissue behind the upper teeth (traumatic overbite). Wear, chipping, and TMJ pain are likely. A skeletal component is common.
Treatment time: 18–24+ months, sometimes with jaw surgery.
Dental Overbite vs. Skeletal Overbite
This distinction determines the entire treatment plan. The Vatech Green 3D CT scan reveals which category the case falls into, and many patients have elements of both.
Dental Deep Bite
The upper and lower jaws are correctly sized and positioned, but the teeth are in the wrong place. Upper front teeth have erupted too far downward, lower front teeth have erupted too far upward, or the back teeth are too short to support normal bite height. This is a tooth-position problem, not a bone problem.
How it is corrected: Intrusion of the overerupted front teeth and/or extrusion of the back teeth to open the bite. The tools include braces with intrusion arches or reverse curve of Spee wires, Angel Aligners or Invisalign with built-in bite ramps, and bite turbos that prevent tooth overlap during active treatment.
Prognosis: Excellent. Dental deep bites are correctable at any age with the right mechanics.
Skeletal Deep Bite
The lower jaw (mandible) is smaller than normal or set too far back relative to the upper jaw. That produces a Class II skeletal relationship in which the deep bite is a symptom of the jaw discrepancy, not just a symptom of tooth position. A small or retruded mandible often pairs with excessive overjet and a receded chin profile, and may also contribute to airway compromise that Bold Bite screens for separately at the consultation.
How it is corrected: In growing children, typically ages 10 to 13, a Herbst or MARA appliance advances the lower jaw forward while the mandible is still responsive to growth stimulation. In non-growing adults with a severe skeletal component, treatment options are orthodontic camouflage (dental compensation that masks the jaw discrepancy) or orthognathic surgery coordinated with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Prognosis: Best when caught in the active growth window. More complex — but still correctable — in adults when surgical coordination is on the table.
Combined Dental and Skeletal
The most common pattern in adults. The jaws are mismatched and the teeth have compensated by tipping in the opposite direction, partially camouflaging the underlying skeletal problem. Decompensation during treatment often looks temporarily worse before it looks better, which is why Bold Bite walks every combined case through the full before-and-after sequence on the CBCT-integrated treatment simulation before the family commits to a plan.
When Phase 1 Treatment for an Overbite Makes Sense (Ages 7–10)
Bold Bite recommends Phase 1 treatment when the doctors believe that delaying care would cause larger problems later than intervening early. The practice is selective: early intervention must offer a genuine clinical benefit that waiting cannot provide, not simply address a minor irregularity that growth may self-correct. When Phase 1 is indicated, the doctors choose the simplest, least invasive approach that addresses the structural concern.
What Happens If a Deep Bite Is Not Treated
Deep Bites Get Worse With Age
As the lower incisors wear down from repeated contact with the upper teeth, they become shorter, which deepens the bite further. Lost back teeth remove posterior support, causing the bite to collapse vertically. Nighttime grinding accelerates the cycle. A deep bite that is manageable at 25 can become a functional problem requiring restorative dentistry by age 40 or 50.
Lower Tooth Wear and Chipping
The lower front teeth contact the back surfaces of the upper front teeth with every bite. Over years, this wears the enamel thin and leads to chipping, fracture, and sensitivity. Eventually, restorative work (bonding, crowns, or veneers) is needed, but without correcting the bite first, those restorations will fail for the same reason the original enamel did.
Gum Damage (Traumatic Overbite)
In severe cases, the lower front teeth bite directly into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth, causing chronic irritation, recession, and even ulceration. This is a traumatic overbite, and it is an indication for orthodontic treatment regardless of cosmetic concern.
TMJ Problems
A deep bite restricts forward movement of the lower jaw. Over time, that restriction can strain the temporomandibular joints and contribute to jaw pain, clicking, and headaches, especially in patients who also grind their teeth at night.
How Bold Bite Diagnoses and Treats Overbite
Overbite cases are deceptively variable. Two deep bites that look identical from the front can require completely different mechanics once the jaw geometry is measured in three dimensions. The diagnostic-and-treatment sequence at Bold Bite Orthodontics is built around that variability rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Vatech Green 3D CT Scan (Free at the First Visit)
The Vatech Green CBCT captures the upper and lower jaw, airway, sinuses, and root positions at a fraction of the radiation dose of older 3D scanners. For overbite, that scan answers the three diagnostic questions that change the treatment plan: is the overbite dental, skeletal, or combined; is the mandible small, retruded, or both; and is the airway volume adequate, or is an ENT referral warranted before orthodontic treatment begins. AI-assisted review flags abnormal airway, adenoid, and TMJ findings that would otherwise be missed on a 2D panoramic film.
iTero Digital Scan and Treatment Simulation
An iTero intraoral scan produces a digital 3D model of the teeth and soft tissue, replacing traditional gooey impressions. For overbite cases, the iTero scan integrates directly with the Angel Aligners iOrtho and Invisalign ClinCheck platforms so the proposed bite-opening plan can be visualized tooth by tooth before a single attachment goes on. Patients see the expected endpoint on the screen at the same visit, with a clear view of how bite ramps, attachments, or a Herbst / MARA appliance would reposition the occlusion over time.
Two Orthodontists on Every Case
Dr. Martin Greenberg (DMD, MS — ABO Board Eligible, clinical exam scheduled Fall 2026) and Dr. Trang Cao (DMD, CAGS — ABO Board-Certified Diplomate, 15+ years of clinical experience) co-plan every overbite case. The husband-and-wife practice means a deep-bite case receives two specialist opinions before the plan is finalized — with Dr. Cao's CAGS training (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Jacksonville University) contributing the surgical-orthodontic perspective for severe Class II cases that may need an oral surgeon. Dr. Greenberg's eight-plus years of general dentistry before specializing adds a whole-mouth context: wear patterns, restorative implications, and the likelihood that existing bonding or veneers will fail under a persistent deep bite.
Treatment Options for Overbite
| Treatment | Best For | Mechanism | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Moderate to severe deep bite | Intrusion arches, reverse curve of Spee wires, Class II elastics | $4500 |
| Clear Ceramic Braces | Moderate to severe (aesthetic preference) | Same mechanics as metal | $4700 |
| Invisalign | Mild to moderate dental deep bite | Built-in bite ramps open the bite | $5500 |
| Angel Aligners ← Primary aligner | Mild to moderate dental deep bite | Bite ramps, posterior intrusion, anterior extrusion | $4500 |
| Herbst / MARA | Growing children with small or retruded lower jaw | Forward repositioning of the mandible during growth | +$1,000 add-on |
| Bite Turbos | During active aligner or braces treatment | Composite buildups prevent tooth overlap while the bite opens | Included |
| Orthognathic Surgery + Braces | Severe skeletal deep bite in adults | Surgical repositioning of the lower (and sometimes upper) jaw | Coordinated with surgeon |
For Growing Children: Growth Modification with Herbst or MARA
When the deep bite has a skeletal component — a small or retruded lower jaw — and the child is still growing, a Herbst or MARA appliance advances the mandible forward during active growth. Both appliances deliver continuous forward posturing of the lower jaw, converting a Class II skeletal pattern toward Class I while the growth plates are still responsive. Bold Bite offers both Herbst and MARA and selects between them on hygiene, patient comfort, and case-specific anatomy. Treatment typically runs 9 to 12 months and is often followed by a full braces or aligner phase to fine-tune the tooth-level alignment. The Herbst or MARA add-on to comprehensive treatment is billed at +$1,000 so families see the full cost up front at the consultation.
For Teens and Adults: Intrusion Mechanics
Deep bite correction in a non-growing patient works by controlling vertical tooth position rather than moving bone.
Intrusion, pushing the overerupted front teeth up into the bone. This is the most precise method and the most difficult to execute correctly.
Intrusion forces must be light and sustained; heavy forces cause root resorption (permanent root shortening) rather than faster movement. Dr. Greenberg starts intrusion cases on the smallest practical archwire so initial forces stay within the biological range, then progresses slowly.
Posterior extrusion, bringing the back teeth down to open the bite by rotating the mandible. This is simpler mechanically but increases lower-face height, which is not desirable in every facial type. The choice between intrusion and extrusion is made on facial analysis, CBCT measurements, and long-term stability, not on whichever moves the front teeth fastest.
Bite turbos, small composite buildups on the back teeth that prevent the front teeth from overlapping during treatment. Turbos open the bite mechanically right away so the archwire or aligner sequence can reposition the teeth without the lower incisors hitting the upper brackets or attachments. They come off at the end of treatment.
Clear Aligners for Mild to Moderate Overbite
Angel Aligners is the primary clear-aligner platform at Bold Bite and is the typical recommendation for mild-to-moderate dental deep bites. The aligners use built-in bite ramps — plastic inclines behind the upper incisors that guide the lower jaw into an opened position — combined with posterior intrusion and anterior extrusion to open the bite. The Angel iOrtho treatment simulation is CBCT-integrated, so the plan is built on the full 3D anatomy rather than a surface scan alone. Invisalign is also offered and is the right tool for some cases, particularly teens with Class II elastics and patients who prefer the Invisalign system. For moderate-to-severe deep bites, deep bites with a significant skeletal component, or cases requiring true intrusion of the incisors against the alveolar bone, braces with intrusion arches and bite turbos remain the more predictable choice.
When Does an Overbite Need Jaw Surgery?
The dividing line for Bold Bite is whether the problem lies in the teeth or in the jaw bones themselves. Mild to moderate discrepancies and growing patients can often be corrected with orthodontics alone, sometimes combined with growth modification or expansion. When an adult has a true skeletal discrepancy too large to resolve by moving teeth, such as a severe underbite or a significant jaw-size mismatch, the practice plans the case for orthognathic surgery and coordinates the orthodontic phases with oral surgery partners. CBCT imaging guides that call rather than a visual estimate.
Dr. Cao's CAGS training at Jacksonville University included advanced coordination of surgical-orthodontic cases. For adult deep bites with major skeletal discrepancy, airway compromise, or facial imbalance that orthodontic camouflage cannot safely address, Bold Bite handles the pre-surgical and post-surgical orthodontics in-house and partners directly with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the surgical phase. The decision between camouflage and surgery is made on the CBCT measurements, the patient's priorities, and an honest conversation about what each option can and cannot deliver long-term.
Typical Treatment Timeline
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Records & planning | 1–2 visits | iTero and Allied Star digital scan, free 3D CBCT, facial analysis, dental-vs-skeletal classification |
| Phase 1 (growing children only) | 9–12 months | Herbst or MARA for mandibular advancement if skeletal |
| Bite opening | 3–6 months | Bite turbos plus intrusion or extrusion mechanics |
| Alignment & detailing | 6–12 months | Level arches, refine the occlusion, close any remaining overjet |
| Retention | Indefinite nighttime wear | Includes two sets of Essix retainers; Retainer Club for reorders |
What to Expect at Your Consultation
- Digital intake. Medical history, TMJ screening, wear-pattern review, and what the patient or parent wants corrected.
- Comprehensive records. iTero and Allied Star digital intraoral scan, clinical photos, and a free 3D CBCT for dental-versus-skeletal classification.
- Diagnosis with Dr. Greenberg or Dr. Cao. Overbite and overjet measured on-screen; dental, skeletal, or combined identified and explained in plain language.
- Treatment options and timeline. Braces, Invisalign, Angel Aligners, Herbst/MARA, and surgical coordination all discussed when they apply. Phase 1 recommendations for children include a written rationale.
- Exact pricing. Insurance estimate, financing options, and any family, teacher, or military discount applied right there. No same-day contract required.
Before & After
See more overbite corrections in the Bold Bite smile gallery.
How Much Does Overbite Treatment Cost?
Metal braces: from $4500 (comprehensive)
Clear ceramic braces: from $4700 (comprehensive)
Angel Aligners: from $4500 (comprehensive) ← Lower entry
Invisalign: from $5500 (comprehensive)
Herbst or MARA add-on: +$1,000 when indicated by a skeletal Class II pattern
Phase 1 growth-modification fees for children are quoted at the consultation once the dental-vs-skeletal classification is made.
Insurance & Financing
Orthodontic treatment for a diagnosed deep bite is typically covered by dental insurance when documented as a malocclusion, not just a cosmetic concern. Bold Bite verifies benefits before treatment begins and files the claim as a courtesy so families only pay their estimated out-of-pocket portion at each visit. In-house 0% APR financing: no credit check, custom down-payment and term. CareCredit and Cherry third-party financing are also accepted. Pay in full receives a 5% discount. Military, teacher, and family discounts apply and stack where eligible. See the insurance guide and discounts page for specifics.
Common Appliances Used at Bold Bite
Frequently Asked Questions About Overbite
What is the difference between an overbite and an overjet?
Overbite is vertical, how far the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth from top to bottom. Overjet is horizontal, how far the upper teeth protrude in front of the lower teeth, measured front-to-back. Normal overbite is 2–4 mm (about 25–30% coverage). Over 4 mm or more than 50% coverage is a deep bite.
The two measurements are related but independent, and both are recorded at every new-patient exam at Bold Bite.
Can Invisalign or Angel Aligners fix an overbite?
Both platforms can correct mild-to-moderate dental deep bites using built-in bite ramps and posterior intrusion. For moderate-to-severe deep bites, especially those with a skeletal component, braces with intrusion arches or a growth-modification appliance in children are more predictable.
The CBCT scan and iTero and Allied Star digital impression at the first consultation are how Dr. Greenberg decides which platform is the right tool for a given case.
Does an overbite get worse with age?
Yes. The lower incisors shorten from year after year of contact, the back teeth may be lost to decay or fracture, and nighttime grinding deepens the bite further. A deep bite that is manageable at 25 can require restorative dentistry, or combined ortho-surgical correction, by 40 or 50. Earlier correction is usually simpler and less expensive.
How is a deep bite actually corrected?
By intruding the front teeth (pushing them up into the bone), extruding the back teeth (bringing them down to open the bite), or both. Growing children with a skeletal component are candidates for Herbst or MARA appliances that advance the lower jaw during growth. Intrusion forces must be light and sustained.
Heavy forces cause root resorption rather than faster movement, which is why mechanics selection matters more than the brand of bracket or aligner.
Is overbite correction painful?
Most patients report mild soreness for three to five days after each archwire change or aligner switch. Bold Bite always begins with the smallest practical wire so initial forces stay in the light range. Wax, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen handle the adjustment discomfort for the majority of cases.
At what age should my child's overbite be evaluated?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7. For skeletal deep bites specifically, Herbst or MARA appliances are most effective between ages 10 and 13, while the mandible still has active growth. Evaluating at 7 does not commit a family to starting treatment at 7.
Most children seen at that age are placed on complimentary growth-monitoring recall until the timing is right.
Will I need jaw surgery for my overbite?
Only for severe skeletal deep bites with significant facial imbalance or airway involvement, and only in non-growing patients where camouflage with braces or aligners would produce an unstable or aesthetically unacceptable result. The majority of overbites, including many that look severe from the outside, are correctable with orthodontics alone.
When surgery is the right answer, Bold Bite handles the pre- and post-surgical orthodontics and partners directly with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Can an overbite cause TMJ or jaw pain?
A deep overbite restricts how far forward the lower jaw can translate during chewing and speaking. That restriction loads the temporomandibular joints asymmetrically and can contribute to clicking, limited opening, morning jaw fatigue, and tension headaches, particularly when nighttime grinding is also present.
Correcting the bite often reduces these symptoms, though not every patient's TMJ pain is driven by the bite alone. Bold Bite screens for TMJ involvement at the consultation rather than assuming the bite is the cause.
Related Conditions
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Free 3D CBCT scan, iTero and Allied Star digital scan, honest recommendation, and exact pricing. No obligation, no same-day contract. Community discounts apply.
Schedule Free Consultation*For new patients only. Patients in treatment $100, deductible from comprehensive treatment fee.