If you have noticed that your upper front teeth almost completely cover your lower teeth when you bite down, it is important to seek an appointment with your dental team. A “deep bite” can often result in excessive wear on your enamel and, if left unaddressed, lead to significant discomfort, jaw pain (TMJ), or damage to the gum tissue behind your upper teeth. Common causes include the natural alignment of your jaw, missing back teeth, or a strong biting habit, all of which can be corrected with modern orthodontic and restorative care.
At Acorn Dental, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, functional bite and protecting your smile for the long term. Don’t delay—addressing a deep bite early can prevent the need for complex restorative work in the future and ensure the best outcome for your oral health and facial profile.
While a deep bite requires professional correction, there are several steps you can take to monitor the condition and protect your teeth from damage:
Check for Wear: Look at the edges of your lower front teeth in a mirror; if they appear flat or jagged, the deep bite may be causing premature wear.
Monitor Gum Health: Pay attention to the roof of your mouth behind your upper teeth. If it feels sore or “poked,” your lower teeth may be irritating the tissue.
Avoid Jaw Clenching: Be mindful of clenching your jaw during the day, as the increased pressure of a deep bite can worsen tooth wear and muscle strain.
Maintain Hygiene: Ensure you brush the gum line of your lower front teeth thoroughly, as these areas can be harder to reach when they are “hidden” by the upper teeth.
Book an Orthodontic Consultation: Schedule a digital scan to see how your teeth meet and explore the most effective ways to “open” your bite.
At Acorn Dental, our skilled clinicians will perform a 3D digital scan to map your bite and assess the health of your jaw joints. If the deep bite is primarily an alignment issue, we can typically resolve it using Invisalign® clear aligners, which gently move the teeth into a more balanced position. For cases where teeth have already been significantly worn down, additional treatments such as composite bonding or porcelain crowns may be necessary to restore the lost tooth height and provide a stable, comfortable bite.
If you’re concerned about how your teeth meet or notice your lower teeth disappearing when you smile, don’t wait. Contact Acorn Dental for expert care and a tailored treatment plan. With our three locations in Moseley, Barnt Green, and Blythe Valley Park, we’re here to help you achieve a smile that functions as beautifully as it looks.
Book Appointment HereNot exactly. An overbite refers to how far the upper teeth stick out horizontally in front of the lower teeth. A deep bite (or overclosure) refers to the vertical overlap—how much the upper teeth “hang down” over the lower ones. Many patients have a combination of both, which we can treat simultaneously.
Yes, Invisalign is an excellent tool for treating deep bites. We use specialised “bite ramps” on the back of the aligners to help move the front teeth and “level” the arch. This creates a more open bite, which protects your teeth from wear and often improves your facial aesthetics.
Over time, the lower front teeth can wear down to the sensitive “dentin” layer, leading to pain and a collapsed appearance of the lower face. In severe cases, the lower teeth can even bite into the palate (roof of the mouth), causing chronic gum irritation and sores.
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