You’ve Been Told You Have an Overbite. Now What? Maybe your dentist mentioned it at your last cleaning. Maybe you’ve noticed your top teeth completely cover your bottom teeth when you bite down. Or maybe you’ve been dealing with jaw pain and finally Googled “overbite” to figure out what’s going on.
Here’s what you need to know: a slight overbite is actually normal. Everyone’s top teeth overlap the bottom teeth a little. But when that overlap becomes excessive (what orthodontists call a deep bite) it can cause real problems that go beyond how your smile looks.
If you’re in Bountiful or anywhere in Davis County and wondering whether your overbite needs treatment, you’re in the right place. And the first step costs you nothing.
What is a deep bite (overbite)?
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by more than 4mm or roughly one-third of the tooth. Unlike a normal overbite, an untreated deep bite can cause enamel wear, jaw pain, TMJ issues, and gum damage over time. Deep bites are one of the most common orthodontic conditions and are highly treatable at any age.
Overbite, Deep Bite, Overjet: What’s the Difference?
These terms get mixed up all the time, so let’s clear it up.
An overbite (or deep bite) is a vertical problem. Your upper teeth cover too much of your lower teeth when you bite down. Think of it as your top teeth “hiding” your bottom teeth.
An overjet is a horizontal problem. Your upper teeth stick out too far forward in front of your lower teeth. This is what most people picture when they say “buck teeth.”
You can have one, the other, or both at the same time. They require different treatment approaches, which is why getting an accurate diagnosis from an orthodontist matters more than trying to figure it out from Google images.
In everyday conversation, most people use “overbite” to describe either condition, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is that your orthodontist identifies exactly what’s going on so treatment targets the right issue.
Does This Sound Familiar?
You might be dealing with a deep bite if you recognize any of these:
Your lower front teeth seem to disappear behind your upper teeth when you bite together. Your bottom teeth feel like they’re pressing into the roof of your mouth or the gum tissue behind your upper teeth. You’ve noticed your lower teeth look shorter or flatter than they used to, almost like they’re wearing down. Your jaw clicks, pops, or aches, especially in the morning or after meals. Your chin looks smaller or more recessed than you’d expect when you see your profile in photos.
If one or more of those hit home, it’s worth getting a professional evaluation. Not every deep bite needs treatment, but every deep bite should be assessed so you know what you’re working with.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Deep Bite
This is the part most orthodontist websites skip over, so let’s be direct about it.
A deep bite that goes untreated doesn’t just stay the same. It usually gets worse over time. Here’s what can happen:
Worn-down teeth. When your upper and lower teeth overlap too much, they grind against each other in ways they weren’t designed for. Over years, this wears down your enamel and can lead to chipping, cracking, or even fractures that need crowns or other dental work.
Jaw pain and TMJ issues. A deep bite forces your jaw into an unnatural position every time you close your mouth. That constant strain on your jaw joint can lead to headaches, clicking or popping when you chew, and chronic pain that affects your daily life.
Gum damage. In severe cases, the lower teeth can actually bite into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth. That’s as uncomfortable as it sounds, and it can lead to gum recession and bone loss over time.
More expensive treatment later. What might be a straightforward orthodontic correction now could become a more complex (and costly) case if you wait. The wear and damage a deep bite causes over years can add restorative dental work on top of the orthodontic treatment you’ll eventually need anyway.
The good news? Deep bites are one of the most common issues orthodontists treat, and the results are predictable and reliable when you work with an experienced team.
How We Treat Overbites and Deep Bites in Bountiful
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The right treatment depends on what’s actually causing your deep bite, how severe it is, and your age. That’s why a thorough evaluation matters, and why we offer free consultations at our Bountiful office so you know exactly what you’re dealing with before making any decisions.
Here are the most common approaches:
Braces
Braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct a deep bite, especially in moderate to severe cases. They give your orthodontist precise control over tooth movement and bite alignment.
At Bailey-Welling, we use P21 self-ligating brackets rather than traditional brackets with elastic ties. The difference matters: self-ligating brackets use a slide mechanism that holds the archwire, which means less friction, less pressure on your teeth, and typically faster treatment. There’s no wire tightening in the traditional sense, which most patients say makes the whole experience more comfortable.
For patients who want something less noticeable, our Iconix esthetic braces feature champagne-colored brackets that blend more naturally with your teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign has come a long way in treating overbites. With features like precision attachments and elastics, clear aligners can correct many deep bite cases that would have required braces just a few years ago.
Whether Invisalign can work for your specific overbite depends on the severity and what’s causing it, something Dr. Welling or Dr. Cortez can determine during your consultation.
Why experience matters for complex overbites: Bailey-Welling Orthodontics is a Diamond Invisalign Provider, a designation earned by treating a high volume of Invisalign cases successfully. That means you don’t have to drive to Salt Lake City for advanced clear aligner treatment. The experience is right here on Pages Lane in Bountiful.
Invisalign is especially popular with adults and working professionals in Davis County who want effective treatment without the look of traditional braces.
Early Treatment for Kids
Here’s something a lot of Bountiful parents don’t realize: overbites are much easier to correct in growing children. When a child’s jaw is still developing, orthodontic treatment can actually guide that growth to prevent a deep bite from becoming a bigger problem.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, and deep bite is one of the key things we look for. Our 7 & Up Kids Club monitors your child’s development so we can intervene at exactly the right time if needed. Two-phase treatment can address the bite issue early and often simplify or shorten treatment during the teen years. Learn more about orthodontics for kids and when to bring your child in.
Comparing Your Overbite Treatment Options
P21 Self-Ligating Braces
Iconix Esthetic Braces
Invisalign
Every overbite is different. The right option depends on your specific bite, your goals, and your lifestyle. Your orthodontist will walk through which approach makes the most sense for you at your free consultation.
What Happens at Your Overbite Consultation
Your first visit to our Bountiful office is completely free, and there’s zero obligation. Here’s what to expect:
You’ll be greeted by our team (and quite possibly Ralphie, our goldendoodle support dog, who has a talent for making nervous patients feel right at home). We’ll take X-rays and photos to get a complete picture of your bite.
Then either Dr. Welling or Dr. Cortez will personally examine your teeth and bite, explain exactly what they see, and walk you through your treatment options.
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on, what treatment would look like, a realistic timeline, and a complete cost breakdown with no surprises. We’ll go over your insurance benefits and walk through flexible payment plan options so you can make an informed decision on your own terms.
No pressure. Just answers.
“How Much Does Overbite Treatment Cost in Bountiful?”
We know this is probably one of the first things on your mind, and we’re not going to dodge it.
The honest answer is that cost varies based on the complexity of your case, the type of treatment, and how long you’ll be in treatment. A mild overbite corrected with Invisalign will cost differently than a severe deep bite requiring braces and additional appliances.
What we can tell you is this: we accept most insurance plans, offer interest-free monthly payment options, and give you a complete financial picture at your free consultation before you commit to anything. We believe every Davis County family deserves access to quality orthodontic care, and we work hard to make treatment affordable. Visit our financing page for more details on payment options.
Why Bountiful Families Choose Bailey-Welling for Overbite Correction
We’ve been treating overbites and deep bites in Davis County since 1971. That’s over 50 years of experience correcting the exact issue you’re dealing with right now, and it’s not something most practices can say.
Between Dr. Welling and Dr. Cortez, you’re getting orthodontists who’ve seen every type of overbite and know which approach will give you the best results. Dr. Welling grew up right here in Bountiful, so he understands this community in a way that goes beyond just treating teeth.
With 530+ combined five-star Google reviews across our Bountiful and Farmington locations, we’re not asking you to take our word for it. See what real patients are saying, or check out actual results in our before and after gallery.
Real Overbite Patients, Real Results
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what actual patients have to say about their overbite treatment at Bailey-Welling:
I am a senior, and am beyond thrilled with the results that Dr. Bailey quickly accomplished in my smile using Invisalign! He corrected years of increasingly worse overcrowding in both my upper and lower teeth and eliminated my lifelong bad overbite all in less than 10 months! The progress happened SO fast. In just the first month, I could easily floss my teeth again, something that was problematic for decades. If you have reservations about your smile or are alarmed by the crowding happening to your teeth as you age… run, don’t walk to his office and trust his expertise to work for you. The confidence his work restored in my smile has been nothing short of amazing! I had previously gone to three other dentists who each turned me away due to what they all said were complex issues in my teeth. The last dentist recommended I see Dr. Bailey if I wanted to pursue Invisalign saying, if anyone can do this, he can!
Thank you to Dr. Bailey and his team for letting me be proud of my smile! I struggled with an overbite for decades and throughout the years I was told it would only be fixed through jaw surgery (about 20k). Came to Bailey’s Orthodontics and was given the choice to do Invisalign and elastics for a much more affordable price than surgery. 18 months later and I’m finished with my treatment, and am very satisfied with my results. Can’t recommend Bailey’s Orthodontics enough!
We love Bailey Orthodontics! I went there for my own braces and was so happy with my treatment and smile. My daughter is currently in treatment and will be sending my other kids as well. Both the Farmington and Bountiful offices have such a positive environment with the best staff you will ever work with. They make you feel very comfortable, are so respectful of your time and scheduling is a breeze!
These aren’t handpicked marketing quotes. They’re real Google reviews from real Davis County patients you can look up yourself.
Deep Bite Corrections: Real Results From Davis County Patients
Frequently Asked Questions About Overbites
Can an overbite fix itself?
No. In children, an overbite may change somewhat as they grow, but it won’t correct on its own. In adults, overbites typically worsen over time without treatment. The earlier you address it, the simpler and more affordable treatment tends to be.
How long does overbite treatment take?
Most overbite cases take between 12 and 24 months to correct, depending on severity. Some mild cases can be shorter. Your orthodontist will give you a specific timeline at your consultation.
Is overbite treatment painful?
You’ll feel some pressure when braces are first placed or when you switch to a new set of Invisalign aligners, but most patients describe it as mild discomfort rather than pain. Our self-ligating brackets are specifically designed to reduce pressure and make treatment more comfortable.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
In many cases, yes. Invisalign technology has advanced significantly and can now treat moderate overbites effectively. Severe cases may still require braces for the best result. A consultation will determine which option is right for you.
At what age should an overbite be treated?
The ideal time to evaluate is around age 7, when early intervention can guide jaw growth. But overbites can be successfully treated at any age. We work with kids, teens, and adults every day.
What happens if I don’t treat my overbite?
Untreated overbites can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, gum damage, and increasingly complex dental problems over time. Treatment now is almost always simpler and less expensive than waiting.
Your Overbite Experts in Bountiful
Dr. Andrew Welling earned his DDS and orthodontic certificate from the University of Iowa and graduated summa cum laude from BYU. Born and raised in Bountiful, he brings advanced training in Invisalign, digital orthodontics, and smile esthetics to the community he grew up in.
Dr. Rett Cortez completed his dental degree at the University of Utah and his orthodontic residency at Loma Linda University. He’s passionate about the life-changing impact of a confident smile and is known for building genuine relationships with his patients.
Both doctors see overbite and deep bite cases regularly and will personally evaluate your bite at your free consultation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Ready to get answers about your overbite? Visit Bailey-Welling Orthodontics at one of our two convenient Davis County locations:
Bailey-Welling Orthodontics – Bountiful
59 W Pages Ln #100, Bountiful, UT 84010
(801) 292-1222
Bailey-Welling Orthodontics – Farmington
122 E State St, Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 451-6664