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Deep Bite: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A deep bite is a dental misalignment where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. It can cause jaw pain and tooth wear.

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Things worth knowing about "Deep bite"

A deep bite is a dental misalignment where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. It can cause jaw pain and tooth wear.

What Is a Deep Bite?

A deep bite (also referred to as a deep overbite) is a common dental misalignment in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively when the jaw is closed. While a slight overlap of up to two millimeters is considered normal, a more pronounced overlap is classified as a deep bite. In severe cases, the lower teeth may touch the roof of the mouth or become completely hidden behind the upper teeth when biting down.

Causes

A deep bite can arise from a variety of causes, both genetic and behavioral:

Genetic predisposition: A family history of jaw shape or tooth size differences is one of the most common contributing factors.
Jaw development issues: Uneven growth of the upper and lower jaw can lead to a deep bite.
Childhood habits: Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond the age of three, or tongue thrusting can promote the development of a deep bite.
Early tooth loss: The premature loss of baby teeth can interfere with healthy jaw development.
Muscle imbalances: Imbalances in the chewing muscles can alter jaw growth patterns.

Symptoms

A deep bite does not always cause immediate discomfort, but over time it can lead to a range of problems:

Increased tooth wear, especially of the lower front teeth
Jaw joint problems (pain, clicking sounds, limited mouth opening)
Headaches and neck pain due to strain on the chewing muscles
Difficulty chewing or biting
Palate injuries caused by the lower teeth
Aesthetic concerns affecting the facial profile
Speech difficulties in some cases

Diagnosis

A deep bite is typically diagnosed by an orthodontist or dentist using several assessment methods:

Clinical examination: Visual assessment of tooth position and bite alignment
X-rays: Lateral cephalometric radiographs provide detailed information about jaw position and skeletal structure
Dental impressions or digital scans: Three-dimensional models for precise analysis of tooth alignment
Photographs and measurements: Used for documentation and monitoring treatment progress

The severity of a deep bite is assessed using the overjet (horizontal overlap) and overbite (vertical overlap) measurements.

Treatment

Treatment of a deep bite depends on its severity, the age of the patient, and individual factors. Several therapeutic approaches are available:

Orthodontic Treatment

In children and adolescents whose jaws are still growing, orthodontic treatment is particularly effective:

Fixed braces (brackets): Correct tooth position and help equalize the bite
Removable appliances: Such as bite plates or splints that guide jaw growth
Functional orthodontic devices: Myofunctional appliances that harmonize the growth of the upper and lower jaw
Aligner therapy: Transparent aligners that gradually move teeth into the correct position

Orthognathic Surgery

In adults with a pronounced skeletal deep bite, surgical jaw correction may be necessary. This is often performed in combination with orthodontic treatment.

Prosthetic Measures

In some cases, crowns, veneers, or dental build-ups can be used to adjust the bite height and relieve associated symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

A deep bite should ideally be evaluated by an orthodontist during childhood. Adults experiencing jaw joint discomfort, tooth wear, or aesthetic concerns should also consult a dentist or orthodontist. The earlier a deep bite is treated, the simpler and more effective the therapy tends to be.

References

Proffit WR, Fields HW, Larson BE, Sarver DM - Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th Edition, Elsevier (2018)
World Health Organization (WHO) - Oral Health Fact Sheet. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) - Deep Bite Information for Patients. www.aaoinfo.org

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