--- title: "Overbite UK: Causes, Deep Bite & Treatment Options" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite description: "An overbite means the upper front teeth overlap the lower more than normal. A deep bite can wear teeth down, and braces or aligners usually correct it." updated: 2026-10-15T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- # Overbite Treatment UK An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth more than usual. Orthodontic treatment such as [clear aligners](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) or [braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) can often improve how the teeth meet depending on severity and jaw relationship. ## Signs of an overbite Upper teeth cover most of the lower teeth when biting together The lower teeth may be barely visible when smiling Front teeth may experience increased wear or chipping The bite may feel deep or uncomfortable ## What does an overbite mean? An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth more than usual, and while a small overlap is normal, a deeper overbite can place extra pressure on certain teeth and often benefits from treatment. A deeper overbite may increase wear on teeth, cause chipping, or make the bite feel uncomfortable. Orthodontic treatment focuses on improving how the upper and lower teeth meet. ## What causes an overbite? **Tooth position:** upper teeth tipped forward or lower teeth tipped back. **Jaw relationship:** the upper jaw may sit further forward than the lower. **Growth patterns:** bite relationships can develop during childhood. **Compensation:** teeth can shift over time to accommodate the bite. ## Conditions often related to overbites **Underbite** The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. [Learn about underbite →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/underbite) **Open bite** Front teeth do not meet when biting together. [Learn about open bite →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/open-bite) **Crowded teeth** Limited space can affect how the bite fits together. [Learn about crowded teeth →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth) **Teeth sticking out** Protruding teeth can influence bite position. [Learn about protruding teeth →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-sticking-out) ## What treatments correct an overbite? **Clear aligners:** often suitable for mild-to-moderate overbite correction. [Clear Aligners Overview](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) **Braces:** commonly used for deeper overbites requiring stronger bite control. [Braces Overview](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) Check Your Bite Upload guided photos to understand how your bite fits together. A clinician reviews the assessment before treatment options are suggested. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) Related Problems [All Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Crooked teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crooked-teeth) [Crowded teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth) [Crowded teeth treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth-treatment-cost) [Gaps in teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth) [Gaps in teeth treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth-treatment-cost) [Overbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite) [Overbite treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite-treatment-cost) [Underbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/underbite) [Underbite treatment options](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/underbite-treatment-options) [Crossbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crossbite) [Crossbite treatment options](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crossbite-treatment-options) [Open bite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/open-bite) [Teeth sticking out](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-sticking-out) [One tooth out of line](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/one-tooth-out-of-line) [Relapse after braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/relapse-after-braces) [Retainer does not fit](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/retainer-does-not-fit) [Clear aligner not fitting](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/clear-aligner-not-fitting) [Missing teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/missing-teeth) [Teeth straightening for adults](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-straightening-adults) [See your future smile](https://virtualconsultant.online/tools/smile-visualisation) [All Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) [Adult braces near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/adult-orthodontist-near-me) [Clear braces near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces-near-me) [Emergency orthodontist near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/emergency-orthodontist-near-me) [Clear Aligners](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) [Ceramic Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/ceramic-braces) [Lingual Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/lingual-braces) [Invisible Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/invisible-braces) [Retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/retainers) [Retainers near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/retainers-near-me) [Replacement retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/replacement-retainers) [Do You Need Braces?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/do-you-need-braces) [How Long Do Braces Take?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-long-do-braces-take) [Braces for Adults](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-for-adults) [Orthodontic Quote Online](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-quote-without-visiting) [Adult braces UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/adult-orthodontics-uk) [Am I suitable for clear aligners?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/am-i-suitable-for-clear-aligners) [How to compare orthodontists](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-to-compare-orthodontists) [Lost or broken retainer](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/lost-or-broken-retainer) [Fixed vs removable retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/fixed-vs-removable-retainers) [Broken braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/broken-braces) [Loose bracket](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/loose-bracket) [Orthodontic emergency advice](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-emergency-advice) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [Braces Cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) [Braces cost near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/cheap-braces-near-me) [Clear aligners cost near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [How to take orthodontic photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Frequently asked questions Is an overbite always a problem? Not always. A small overbite is considered normal — the upper front teeth typically overlap the lower front teeth by 1–3mm vertically. Treatment becomes relevant when the overbite is deep enough to cause the lower teeth to bite into the gum behind the upper teeth, cause significant tooth wear, affect confidence about the smile, or create jaw discomfort. A clinician can measure the depth of your overbite and advise whether it falls within a normal range or requires correction. Can aligners fix an overbite? Clear aligners can treat mild-to-moderate overbites, particularly those that are primarily dental in origin — where the teeth, rather than the jaw, are the main cause. Aligners can intrude (push down) the back teeth and apply controlled forces to reduce overbite depth. More severe overbites, or those with a significant skeletal component, often respond better to fixed braces which can apply more targeted forces, sometimes alongside bite turbos or other auxiliaries. Will fixing an overbite change my face? Overbite correction can subtly change the lower face appearance, particularly the relationship between the upper and lower lips and the chin position. Reducing a deep overbite may allow the lower jaw to rotate slightly forward, improving the profile for some patients. Significant skeletal changes are more likely in growing patients and in cases requiring jaw surgery. For most adult orthodontic cases, the aesthetic changes are modest but can still be meaningful. How long does overbite correction take? Treatment time for an overbite depends on the depth of the bite and whether other issues are being corrected simultaneously. A mild overbite alongside general alignment can often be treated within 12–18 months. A deeper overbite requiring significant bite intrusion or jaw repositioning may take 18–24 months. Skeletal cases requiring surgical correction have longer overall timelines including pre-surgical orthodontic preparation. Your orthodontist will estimate treatment time after a full assessment. What causes an overbite? Overbites are often hereditary — jaw size and tooth position patterns tend to run in families. Contributing factors can include thumb sucking or dummy use in early childhood, which can increase the depth of the overbite. In some adults, overbites deepen over time due to tooth wear or forward drift of the lower front teeth. Can an overbite cause other problems if left untreated? A significant overbite can cause the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth or the gum behind the upper front teeth, causing discomfort or gum damage over time. Deep overbites can also contribute to excess wear on the lower front teeth. More severe overbites carry these longer-term risks if left uncorrected. Does NHS treatment cover overbite correction? NHS orthodontic treatment is available for under-18s in England who meet the IOTN grade 4 or 5 threshold. A deep overbite — particularly one where the lower teeth bite into the palatal gum — can contribute to a grade 4 or 5 DHC score, especially when combined with crowding or a large overjet. Adults are not routinely eligible for NHS orthodontics unless the overbite is part of a case requiring jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). Your dentist can assess whether your overbite meets the clinical threshold and make a referral if it does. ## Treatment Costs — What to Expect in the UK Costs below are rough guidance only and vary between practices. This page contains general information, not clinical advice or a diagnosis. Clear Aligners ### £1,500–£4,000 Private treatment. Range depends on complexity, brand, and number of aligners required. [Clear Aligner Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/clear-aligners-cost) Braces ### £1,500–£3,500 Private treatment. Metal, ceramic, and lingual braces vary in price. Complexity affects duration and cost. [Braces Cost Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) --- NHS Orthodontic Treatment Significant overbites may qualify for NHS treatment in under-18s where the IOTN score meets the threshold. Adults with an overbite are usually seen privately. Severe cases may involve a referral to a specialist orthodontist. NHS orthodontic treatment is free at the point of care for eligible patients. Adults are generally treated privately in the UK. [Check NHS Eligibility](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) Understanding Bite Alignment ### How Overbites Are Usually Treated Orthodontic treatment begins by understanding how the upper and lower teeth meet. Once the bite pattern is understood, teeth can be guided gradually into a more balanced relationship. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) Takes about 5 minutes • No obligation 1. Assess the bite Bite pattern is evaluated. 2. Choose the treatment Treatment depends on bite pattern. 3. Guide the teeth Teeth shift gradually. 4. Maintain the result Retainers maintain results. Treatments [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) Problems [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) Costs [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. Explore [Get Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) [Browse Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Teeth Straightening](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/teeth-straightening) [Browse Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) [Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [How To Take Orthodontic Photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Online Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/online-orthodontist-uk) [Research Papers](https://virtualconsultant.online/research) [Social Channels](https://virtualconsultant.online/social) ## Want to see if overbite can be treated? A guided photo assessment can show whether your alignment looks like crowding, relapse after braces, or a bite pattern that orthodontic treatment could improve. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Explore Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) Takes about 5 minutes No obligation Citation details Title Overbite UK: Causes, Deep Bite & Treatment Options Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-10-15 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite)