An overbite is top front teeth that protrude beyond your bottom front teeth. In severe cases, an overbite can lead to health problems like jaw pain, gum disease or tooth decay. In children, a dentist or orthodontist can treat an overbite with braces or other corrective devices.

Is an overbite a good thing?

If left untreated, an overbite could cause significant health complications. These include irreparable damage to teeth from abnormal positioning and possible jaw pain including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).

Why is overbite a problem?

An overbite causes teeth to constantly be in contact with each other, causing tension in irregular areas of the mouth. Because of this tension and contact, teeth may begin slowly wearing down, potentially leading to: Tooth loss. Chewing difficulty.