Overbite: when the upper front teeth protrude too far
A few millimeters of protrusion are normal. From what point that is no longer true.
When biting down, the upper front teeth normally sit two to three millimeters in front of the lower ones. If the distance is considerably larger, this is called an increased overbite – technically an increased overjet or a distal occlusion.
Where it comes from
In most cases the lower jaw sits too far back in relation to the upper jaw. As a rule, this is hereditary. It is reinforced by habits that push the upper front teeth forward: prolonged thumb sucking, a pacifier beyond the age of three, pushing the tongue forward when swallowing.
Why it is treated
Front teeth that protrude far are at risk of injury: in a fall or impact they break off more easily than teeth standing in a protected position. The risk rises measurably the further they protrude. Added to this are unevenly distributed chewing forces and, in pronounced cases, a lip seal that can no longer be achieved without effort.
How it is treated
During growth, the lower jaw can be guided forward with a removable or fixed appliance – this is the most favorable route and the reason why a first visit at eight to nine years of age makes sense. After growth, what remains is correcting the position of the teeth; if the jaw position deviates strongly, surgery may be considered.
The key facts at a glance
- Two to three millimeters of protrusion of the upper front teeth are normal. Considerably more counts as an increased overbite.
- In most cases the lower jaw sits too far back – hereditary, reinforced by sucking habits and tongue thrusting.
- Front teeth that protrude far break off considerably more often in falls. That is the most important medical reason for treatment.
- During growth the jaw position can be guided, afterwards only the position of the teeth – or surgery.
Answered briefly
Frequently asked questions
Statutory health insurance covers the treatment if the front-tooth overjet is more than six millimetres; between three and six millimetres it only steps in if there are additional findings. Treatment can be medically worthwhile below that too – then paid privately.
No. The position of the jaws changes during growth, but not in the direction of compensation. A pronounced overbite persists without treatment and can even become worse through habits.
The overbite describes the distance to the front, the deep bite the overlap downwards: with a deep bite the upper incisors cover the lower ones too far. Both can occur together.
No. Tooth and jaw movements need sustained pressure; exercises alone do not move teeth. Myofunctional therapy can accompany a treatment by correcting tongue and lip function – it cannot replace the appliance.