If your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth more than they should — or if you’ve been told you have a deep bite you’re dealing with one of the most frequently seen bite problems in orthodontics. Dr. Yelizar is a board-certified Syosset orthodontist who corrects overbites in patients of all ages, using the right combination of techniques for each case. Schedule a consultation to have your bite evaluated and understand your options.
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are closed together. Some degree of overbite is completely normal, most people have a slight overlap, and it’s considered healthy when the upper teeth cover roughly 1–3 mm of the lower teeth, or about 10–20% of the lower tooth height.
The problem arises when this overlap becomes excessive. A deep bite — the clinical term for a significant overbite — occurs when the upper front teeth cover 50% or more of the lower front teeth when biting down. In severe cases, the lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth, the gum tissue behind the upper front teeth, or are nearly hidden entirely behind the uppers.
It’s also worth clarifying what an overbite is not. Overjet is often confused with overbite — overjet refers to horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth (how far they jut forward), while overbite is the vertical measurement. Both can be present at the same time and both are correctable, but they’re different problems with different treatment considerations.
A mild overbite is normal. A significant deep bite — left uncorrected — carries real risks that extend beyond aesthetics:
The right treatment for an overbite depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the overbite, and whether the cause is primarily dental or skeletal. At Beyond Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Yelizar evaluates all of these factors before recommending a course of treatment.
Braces are one of the most effective tools for correcting a deep bite. They allow Dr. Yelizar to control tooth position in three dimensions — intruding (moving up into the bone) the upper or lower front teeth, extruding the back teeth to open the bite, and controlling the torque and angulation of individual teeth to achieve a stable, balanced result. For significant overbites, braces often provide the most precise control. Learn more about traditional braces.
Ceramic braces work identically to metal braces — the same mechanics, the same precision — with tooth-colored brackets that are far less visible. For patients who want effective overbite correction without the appearance of metal, ceramic braces are an excellent option. Learn more about clear ceramic braces.
Modern clear aligner systems can correct many overbite cases, including some that are moderate in severity. Aligners use attachments and carefully sequenced movements to intrude front teeth and improve bite depth. Results depend on the nature of the overbite and patient compliance — aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day to work as designed. Dr. Yelizar will give you an honest assessment of whether aligners are appropriate for your specific overbite at your consultation. Learn more about clear aligners.
For children and teens whose overbite has a skeletal component — where the lower jaw is positioned too far back — functional appliances like the Herbst or MARA can be used during active growth to guide the lower jaw forward. This addresses the jaw relationship rather than just moving the teeth, and it’s only possible while growth is still occurring. Early evaluation matters here: the window for this type of correction closes in the mid-teen years.
Adult overbite correction is entirely achievable through orthodontic treatment — braces or aligners can correct the tooth positions and bite depth effectively. The key difference from treating growing patients is that jaw-level changes are no longer possible through appliances alone. For adults with a significant skeletal component to their overbite — where the jaw relationship itself is the primary driver — comprehensive orthodontic treatment can significantly improve the bite and appearance, and in cases where the discrepancy is severe, surgery may be discussed as an option.
Most adults with a deep bite, however, have a correction well within what orthodontics alone can achieve. Dr. Yelizar will be clear about what treatment can realistically accomplish for your specific case.
Our office is located at 63-109 Saunders St #BA2, Rego Park, NY 11374, and we serve patients from Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Elmhurst, Corona, and across Syosset.
Whether you’ve known about your overbite for years or you’re just starting to look into it, contact Beyond Smiles Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. Dr. Yelizar will evaluate your bite thoroughly, explain what he sees, and walk you through the options that make sense for your case — no pressure, no rush.
Questions about overbite treatment in Syosset? Here are the ones we hear most often from patients at their first consultation. If you need more information, please contact our office.
We accept the vast majority of orthodontic insurance plans. Even if you don’t see your provider listed on our website, it’s worth calling our office to double-check your coverage. Orthodontic insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, after all, and you won’t have to worry about paperwork – we’ll handle your claims on your behalf.
