Class I Overbite

Many patients have a slight overbite that overlaps about a third to a half of the lower bite. Typically, treatment of a class I overbite is not necessary unless you are unhappy with your appearance.

Class II Overbite

Treatment is usually recommended for a moderate to severe overbite, known as a class II overbite or malocclusion, because it places you at higher risk of oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Some patients develop an overbite by no fault of their own. However, there are certain habits that may increase your risk, including:

• Thumb-sucking
• Prolonged pacifier use
• Bottle-feeding
• Tongue thrusting
• Nail biting 

These habits exude repetitive force on the teeth and jaw, causing them to shift in ways that can require extensive and costly therapy.

Genetics

Some patients have an underdeveloped lower jaw or overdeveloped upper jaw due to genetics, resulting in an overbite.

Abnormal Tooth Eruption

​If teeth erupt improperly, or if you have extra or abnormally shaped teeth, they can cause an overbite to develop.