Question: What is an overbite and when does it need fixing?
Explanation: An overbite is the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over the lowers when you bite down. Some overlap is normal and ideal — about 10–30% coverage. A “deep bite” is when uppers cover most or all of the lower incisors, sometimes with lower teeth biting into the palate. Deep overbites can wear down front teeth, traumatize gum tissue behind the upper teeth, contribute to jaw muscle strain, and complicate restorative work. Treatment, when warranted, uses braces or aligners to intrude front teeth or erupt back teeth, occasionally with auxiliaries — timing in adolescence is easiest, but adult correction is routine.
Related Questions:
Is overbite the same as buck teeth? No — protruding front teeth describe overjet (horizontal). Overbite is vertical overlap. Many people confuse the two, and some have both.
Can a deep overbite damage teeth? Yes — lower incisors grinding against the backs of uppers wears both, and lowers can bite into palate tissue.
Can aligners fix a deep bite? Mild to moderate ones, often yes, using precise attachments and bite ramps; severe deep bites may respond better to braces.