{"id":286,"date":"2026-05-15T11:07:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/?p=286"},"modified":"2026-05-22T11:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T10:11:31","slug":"overbite-in-children-causes-treatment-options-and-when-to-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/overbite-in-children-causes-treatment-options-and-when-to-act\/","title":{"rendered":"Overbite in Children: Causes, Treatment Options and When to Act"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/b><\/p>\n

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<\/span> specialist paediatric dentist<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is an Overbite?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Normal Overbite vs Deep Overbite: What Parents Should Know<\/b><\/h2>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n