A child’s smile changes a great deal during the first ten years of life, and many parents notice their little one’s top teeth seem to cover the bottom teeth quite a bit when they bite down.
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by more than 2 to 4 millimetres. In children, it’s often caused by genetics, prolonged thumb sucking, dummy use or mouth breathing. Early treatment with braces or functional appliances from around age seven gives the best results.
A small amount of overlap is completely normal, but when the upper teeth sit too far over the lower ones, it’s known as an overbite, and it’s one of the most common bite problems we see at our paediatric clinic in Fulham, London. The reassuring news is that overbites are very treatable, especially when spotted early. This guide walks parents through what causes an overbite in children, how to spot the signs, and when it’s worth booking an assessment with a specialist paediatric dentist.
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the back teeth are closed together. A healthy bite typically has around 2 to 4 millimetres of overlap, which is roughly a quarter of the lower tooth height. When the overlap goes beyond that, dentists describe it as a deep bite or an excessive overbite. In some cases the lower teeth bite into the gum behind the upper teeth, which can lead to soreness and longer term wear of the enamel.
Overbites generally fall into two broad categories. A dental overbite happens when the teeth themselves are tipped or positioned incorrectly, often because of habits or crowding. A skeletal overbite is caused by the shape and position of the upper or lower jaw, where one is longer, shorter or sits further forward than the other. The right treatment depends on which type your child has, which is why a proper assessment by a paediatric specialist makes such a difference.
Not every overlap is a problem. A mild overbite is part of a normal, functioning bite. If your child’s upper front teeth cover roughly the top third of the lower front teeth when they smile naturally, they’re well within the healthy range. Concerns usually come up when:
These are the cases that often benefit from early orthodontic intervention. The British Orthodontic Society recommends that children should ideally have their first orthodontic check by around the age of seven, because this is when many issues become visible while the jaw is still growing and easier to guide.
There isn’t a single cause, and most children with an overbite have a mix of genetic and behavioural factors at play. The most common reasons include:
Genetics and jaw shape: If one or both parents have a deep bite, a smaller lower jaw or crowded teeth, there’s a good chance their child will inherit a similar pattern.
Prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use: Soothing habits are completely normal in toddlers, but if they continue past the age of three or four, the constant pressure can push the upper front teeth forward and slow the natural development of the lower jaw.
Tongue thrusting: Some children push their tongue against their front teeth when swallowing or speaking, which can gradually nudge the upper teeth outwards over time.
Mouth breathing: Children who breathe through their mouth rather than their nose, often because of enlarged adenoids, allergies or a blocked airway, tend to hold their jaw in a different resting posture that encourages the upper teeth to flare out. We’ve covered this in more detail in our guide to mouth breathing and crooked teeth in children.
Early loss of baby teeth: When baby molars are lost too soon because of decay or trauma, the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space and disrupt how the adult teeth come through.
Nail biting and lip biting: Persistent pressure on the front teeth from these habits can shift them out of alignment as your child grows.
Some overbites are obvious from across the room. Others are subtle and only become apparent when a dentist takes a closer look during a routine check. Common signs include:
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting things checked. Many parents put off a visit because they assume nothing can be done until all the adult teeth come through, but in reality the earlier window often offers the simplest, most effective solutions.
A noticeable overbite isn’t only a cosmetic concern. Over time it can lead to a range of dental and health issues that affect comfort, function and confidence. The most common complications include:
Tooth wear: When the bite isn’t even, certain teeth take more force than they should, leading to enamel wear, chips and sensitivity.
Jaw pain and TMJ issues: A poorly aligned bite places extra strain on the jaw joints, which can cause clicking, headaches and discomfort, especially as your child gets older.
Higher risk of dental injury: Protruding upper teeth are far more likely to be chipped or knocked out during sport, play or accidental falls.
Gum recession and irritation: When lower teeth bite into the upper gum, the soft tissue can become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth.
Difficulty cleaning teeth: Crowded or angled teeth are harder to brush thoroughly, which raises the risk of decay and gum disease. Spotting these issues in good time is part of what we discuss in our guide to early signs of dental problems in children parents often miss.
Speech and self-esteem: Children with very prominent front teeth often feel self-conscious about their smile, which can affect how they speak, eat and interact with friends.
There isn’t a single perfect age, but most paediatric specialists agree that an initial orthodontic assessment should happen by the time a child is seven. By this age, a mix of adult and baby teeth are usually present, and any developing bite issues are easier to spot and guide while the jaw is still growing. The NHS guidance on orthodontics also recommends that children have regular dental check ups so any concerns can be flagged early.
That doesn’t always mean treatment starts at seven. In many cases the dentist will simply monitor your child’s growth and recommend acting when the time is right. Early intervention, often called interceptive treatment, usually takes place between ages seven and ten. This is when functional appliances or expanders can be used to gently shape the jaw while it’s still developing. Most full orthodontic treatment with fixed braces happens between eleven and fifteen, when most adult teeth are through.
The right approach depends on whether the overbite is dental, skeletal or both, and how severe it is. Common options include:
Functional appliances: Devices like twin block braces or Myobrace gently encourage the lower jaw to grow forward and the upper jaw to develop properly. These work best while the child is still growing.
Fixed braces: Traditional metal or ceramic braces remain the most predictable way to correct moderate to severe overbites once most adult teeth are in place.
Clear aligners: For older teenagers and milder cases, Invisalign style aligners can be a discreet alternative to fixed braces.
Habit interception: Sometimes the most powerful treatment is helping a child stop a thumb sucking or tongue thrusting habit before it causes more damage. Behavioural strategies, reminder appliances and myofunctional therapy can all play a role.
Tooth extraction: In a smaller number of cases, removing one or two teeth creates the space needed to bring the upper teeth back into a healthier position.
Jaw surgery: Reserved for severe skeletal cases in adulthood, surgery is very rarely needed when treatment begins during childhood, which is another reason early assessment matters.
Not every overbite is preventable, but parents can take several practical steps to lower the risk and support healthy jaw development:
If you’ve noticed any of the signs in this article, or if a school nurse or family dentist has mentioned a bite concern, it’s worth booking a dedicated paediatric assessment. A paediatric specialist will examine the alignment of the teeth and jaw, take any necessary X-rays, and put together a plan that suits your child’s age and stage of development. In many cases the most reassuring outcome is being told that no treatment is needed yet, only careful monitoring.
When should my child have their first orthodontic check?
Most children should have an orthodontic assessment around age seven, when bite issues become easier to spot.
Can an overbite get worse over time?
Yes. Habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing or tongue thrusting can make an overbite worse as a child grows.
Is overbite treatment painful?
No, but braces or appliances may feel uncomfortable for a few days after adjustments.
Will my child need teeth removed?
Not always. Many childhood overbites can be treated without extractions, especially when caught early.
Does the NHS cover overbite treatment for children?
Sometimes. NHS treatment is available for children who meet clinical criteria, while private care may suit milder or faster-treatment cases.
Can an overbite affect speech?
Yes. A noticeable overbite can affect certain sounds, and treatment may help improve speech clarity.
If you’re worried about your child’s overbite, or you’d like a clear picture of what their smile might need over the next few years, our specialist paediatric team in Fulham would love to help. We offer gentle, child friendly assessments and treatment plans tailored to your child’s age, growth and personality. Book a consultation at Dr Mali Dental Clinic today and give your child the very best start for a healthy, confident smile.
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