A deep bite? Here is how we open it up.
A deep bite, where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower ones and sometimes almost hide them, is very treatable. We level and open the bite with braces or clear aligners so the teeth meet evenly and stop wearing. Here is what it is and how we fix it.
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Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Deep bites, opened up
Real Milk Orthodontics patients, treated by a specialist and shared with their permission. Your own plan is designed for your specific bite.
What a deep bite is
A deep bite, also called an increased overbite, is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too far when you close together. In a deep bite the lower front teeth can be almost hidden, and sometimes they bite into the gum behind the upper teeth. A small overbite is normal, so it is the depth that matters.
Why it is worth treating
A deep bite can wear the lower teeth down over time, damage the gum behind the upper front teeth, and put extra strain on the jaw joints. Correcting it protects the teeth and the bite for the long term.
How we treat it
We level and open the bite with braces or clear aligners, gently moving the teeth so the upper and lower meet evenly. Most deep bites are corrected without surgery, and every plan is designed by a specialist.
Treated at any age
Deep bites are corrected successfully in children, teens and adults. In a growing child we can use their growth to help; in adults we level the bite with braces or aligners.
A free Smile Assessment tells you exactly how deep the bite is and whether treatment is needed. We treat this in children and adults, with braces or clear aligners.
Clear pricing, no surprises
The first step is a free Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. A full diagnostic work-up with a written plan and exact quote is $390. Simple cosmetic treatment from $7,900, comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900 with most cases around $10,400, all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare. Interest-free in-house plans work out around $60 to $76 a week, and family discounts apply for siblings.
Answered honestly
What is a deep bite?
A deep bite is when your upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much when you bite together, sometimes covering them almost completely. It is also called an increased overbite. A specialist orthodontist can measure it easily at an assessment.
Is a deep bite the same as an overbite?
Overbite is the everyday word for how far the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones, and a small overbite is normal and healthy. A deep bite is when that overlap is too much. So a deep bite is really a large overbite that is worth correcting.
How is a deep bite fixed?
We level and open the bite by gently moving the teeth with braces or clear aligners, so the upper and lower teeth meet evenly. Most deep bites are corrected without surgery. In a growing child we can also use their growth to help open the bite.
How much does deep bite treatment cost?
Deep bite treatment follows our standard pricing: simple cosmetic treatment from $7,900 and comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900, all-inclusive and including GST, with most cases around $10,400. You get an exact written quote after your free Smile Assessment.
Find out if your bite needs treating
A free 20 minute Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. No referral needed, no obligation, just honest specialist advice on your deep bite and the best way to treat it.
See more before and after results, or explore the other conditions we treat.