---
title: "What Is Overbite? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. It is one type of bad bite, or malocclusion."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/overbite
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Overbite

An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. It is one type of bad bite, or malocclusion.

An overbite is when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth more than they should. It is a type of [malocclusion](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/malocclusion). Overbite refers to a vertical misalignment of your teeth.

Causes can include jaw shape, family traits, and childhood habits such as [thumb sucking](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/thumb-sucking) or long pacifier use. Left untreated, a deep overbite can contribute to jaw pain, tooth erosion and gum disease.

Mild overbites often need no treatment. If treatment is wanted, it can involve braces, [clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners) or, in some cases, other care. A dentist can look at your bite and talk with you about the options. Our office describes straightening on its [teeth straightening page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening). A related term is underbite.

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening)

## Related terms

-   [Malocclusion](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/malocclusion)
-   [Underbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/underbite)
-   [Crossbite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/crossbite)
-   [Open bite](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/open-bite)
-   [Clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Overbite: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21473-overbite)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)