Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 5 minutes
Your child’s bite plays an important role in how their mouth develops and functions. When the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly, it can lead to issues with chewing, speech, and jaw growth. Understanding the difference between a normal bite and an overbite can help you know when to schedule an orthodontic visit.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
Table of Contents
What a Normal Bite Looks Like
In a healthy, balanced bite, the upper front teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth by about one to two millimeters, and the upper and lower molars line up properly when chewing. The jaw appears even, and the lips close comfortably without effort.
This ideal alignment allows for efficient chewing, clear speech, and even wear on the teeth. When everything fits together correctly, your child’s bite supports proper jaw growth and overall oral health.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Some overlap is perfectly normal, but when it exceeds around 3–4 mm, it’s considered a deep overbite.
There are two main types:
- Dental overbite: Teeth are misaligned, often from habits like thumb sucking or pacifier use.
- Skeletal overbite: Caused by differences in jaw growth or bone structure, often inherited.
Overbites can develop gradually, especially during the early years as baby teeth are replaced by permanent ones.
Signs Your Child May Have an Overbite
Not sure if your child’s bite needs attention? Here are some signs to look for:
- Upper teeth cover most of the lower teeth when smiling or biting
- Difficulty fully closing the mouth
- Chipped or worn front teeth
- Speech issues, like a slight lisp
- Jaw discomfort or clicking
- Chin appears small or “pushed back”
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s worth bringing your child in for an orthodontic evaluation. Early detection can make treatment much easier.
Common Causes of Overbites
Overbites can develop for a variety of reasons, some genetic, some habit-related:
- Genetics
- Thumb or pacifier habits
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Tongue thrusting or prolonged bottle-feeding
- Uneven tooth eruption or missing teeth
No matter the cause, early orthodontic care can help guide jaw and tooth development before problems get worse.
Why Overbites Should Be Corrected
An untreated overbite can lead to more than just cosmetic issues. It may cause uneven tooth wear or enamel damage, gum irritation or recession, jaw strain and headaches, and problems with speech or chewing. In more severe cases, it can even contribute to sleep or breathing issues. Correcting the bite early helps prevent these problems and allows your child’s smile to grow healthy and strong.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your child’s age and how severe the overbite is. Options may include:
- Braces or clear aligners to move teeth into proper position
- Growth modification appliances to guide jaw development
- Retainers to maintain results after treatment
At Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team provides custom orthodontic plans designed to fit your child’s growth stage and comfort.
| When to See an OrthodontistThe American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child visit an orthodontist by age 7. Early evaluations can identify overbites and other bite issues before they cause long-term damage. |
Setting the Foundation for a Healthy Smile
Addressing bite concerns early helps your child eat, speak, and smile with confidence as they grow. Our orthodontic team can assess your child’s bite and create a plan that supports healthy, lasting alignment.
Contact Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQs
What’s considered a normal overbite?
A normal overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones by about 1–2 mm. Anything more can indicate a bad bite (also called a type of malocclusion), which may require orthodontic care to restore proper bite alignment and protect long-term dental health.
How can I tell if my child has an overbite?
If your child’s upper teeth cover most of the lower ones or their upper jaw looks slightly forward when they bite down, it could be an overbite. Other types of malocclusion include open bites, where front teeth don’t touch when biting),and crossbites. An orthodontic exam can determine which one your child has and how to correct it.
Can an overbite fix itself?
Mild overbites may improve slightly as your child grows and their jaw develops, but most won’t correct themselves completely. Without orthodontic guidance, the bite often stays misaligned, which can lead to uneven tooth wear or strain on the jaw over time.
What happens if an overbite isn’t treated?
Leaving an overbite untreated can cause enamel wear, jaw discomfort, and contribute to gum irritation or early gum disease. It can also lead to problems with speech, chewing, and overall dental health.
When should an overbite be corrected?
Early orthodontic evaluation (around age 7) helps identify bite alignment issues like overbites or open bites before they cause long-term effects. Correcting these early supports healthy growth of the upper jaw and lower jaw, ensuring balanced facial development and a strong, functional smile.
