DEEP BITE

Deep Bite: My Upper Teeth Hide My Lower Teeth

Name: My bite is so deep that my lower teeth are hidden
Creator: Sunmin Kim

Treatment: Dr. Sunmin Kim (board-certified orthodontist) · Reviewed by: Dr. Sunmin KimAbout the doctor →

Last reviewed Oct 29, 2026 · Dr. Sunmin Kim (board-certified orthodontist, certified by the Korean Association of Orthodontists)

At a glance

Who it suits: When you close, the upper front teeth cover more than half of the lower front teeth
Treatment flow: Sort the cause with a side-view X-ray → move the front teeth toward the gums or adjust the molars
Duration and limits: The lower front teeth may press on the palate, or the front teeth may wear down. We use mini-screws when needed

Details

A deep bite (excessive overbite) is a bite in which the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much when you close. Normally the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth by about 2–3 mm, and if more than half of the lower front teeth are hidden, we consider the bite deep. A deep bite can make the lower front teeth press on the gums of the palate or wear down the edges of the front teeth. Whether we move the front teeth toward the gums or raise the molars depends on the cause: upper front teeth that have come down, lower front teeth that have risen up, or low molars. At Ceramic Dental Clinic, we sort the cause with a side-view X-ray and, when needed, move the front teeth toward the gums using mini-screws as anchors.

01^°

The bites were equally deep, but the way we opened them was different

These real cases show upper front teeth that had come down, upper front teeth tipped inward, and lower front teeth pressing on the gums of the palate.

CASE01

A deep bite with upper front teeth that had come down, showing a lot of gum when smiling

Braces + mini-screws · moved the upper front teeth up toward the gums to reduce both the overlap and the gum showing

Inside the mouth before treatment, front view, with the upper front teeth deeply covering the lower front teeth — Inside the mouth before treatment, front view. The upper front teeth cover almost all of the lower front teeth, and a wide band of upper gum showed when smiling.

Inside the mouth after treatment, front view, with the lower front teeth visible after the upper front teeth were moved up toward the gums — Inside the mouth after treatment, front view. Moving the upper front teeth up toward the gums made the lower front teeth visible, and less gum shows when smiling.

Condition: Deep bite with upper front teeth that had come down a lot; 8 mm of overlap
Choice: Mini-screws in the gum bone between the upper front teeth; moved the upper front teeth up toward the gums
What we did not do: Gum removal (gum covering the teeth was not the cause)
Duration: About 21 months
Note: Retainers must be worn for a long time so the bite does not deepen again. The gum that shows when smiling gradually decreases with age. If it is set to show too little now, it can look aged later, so we took this into account when deciding how far to move the teeth.

CASE02

Upper front teeth tipped inward and deeply covering the lower teeth

Orthodontics · first uprighted the tipped upper front teeth, then adjusted the depth of the bite

Side view inside the mouth before treatment, with the upper front teeth tipped inward and covering the lower front teeth — Side view inside the mouth before treatment. The upper front teeth were tipped inward and deeply covered the lower front teeth, blocking room for the lower front teeth to come forward.

Side view inside the mouth after treatment, with less overlap after the upper front teeth were uprighted — Side view inside the mouth after treatment. Uprighting the upper front teeth reduced the overlap, and the upper and lower front teeth now fit together naturally.

Condition: Deep bite with upper front teeth tipped inward (Class II Division 2)
Choice: Uprighted the upper front teeth with mini-screws near the front teeth, then adjusted the height of the lower front teeth (the patient came to us with teeth already extracted)
What we did not do: Veneers or crowns (these can change the appearance, but in this case they would not improve how the bite works, so after discussing with the patient we chose braces only)
Duration: About 27 months
Note: Retainers must be worn consistently so the upper front teeth do not tip back again.

CASE03

Lower front teeth that had risen up

Orthodontics · moved the risen lower front teeth down toward the gums and matched the molar height

Inside the mouth before treatment, front view, with the lower front teeth risen up and biting deep behind the upper front teeth — Inside the mouth before treatment, front view. The lower front teeth had risen up and sat deep behind the upper front teeth, so they were barely visible.

Inside the mouth after treatment, front view, with a shallower bite after the lower front teeth were moved down toward the gums — Inside the mouth after treatment, front view. Moving the risen lower front teeth down toward the gums made the bite shallower and the lower front teeth visible.

Condition: Deep bite with the lower front teeth risen up and the lower dental arch curved deeply like a bow
Choice: Used mini-screws on the lower teeth to move the whole lower dentition down toward the gums
What we did not do: Surgical orthodontics (the jawbone angle was not the cause)
Duration: About 29 months
Note: Depending on how dense the bone is (bone density), this method cannot always be used.

* Photos were taken under the same conditions and published with the patients' consent. Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person.

02^°

There are five causes of a deep bite

Depending on the cause, we either move the front teeth toward the gums, raise the molars, or upright the front teeth. Most people have two or more mixed together.

01Upper front teeth that have come down a lot

The upper front teeth extend far down and cover deeply. A lot of upper gum may also show when smiling. We move the upper front teeth up toward the gums.

02Lower front teeth that have risen up

The lower front teeth have come up and bite deep. The lower teeth are often arranged in a deep, bow-like curve. We move the lower front teeth down toward the gums.

03Low molar height

The molars are worn or missing, so the upper and lower jaws have come closer together. We also need a plan to raise the molars or restore the missing ones.

04Upper front teeth tipped inward

The upper front teeth are tipped inward and cover the lower front teeth. Once we first upright the front teeth, the bite starts to open.

05Jawbone angle

The lower jaw border is flat and the lower face is short. There are limits to how much braces alone can change.

Side view inside the mouth with the lower front teeth risen up and biting deep — Deep bite with the lower front teeth risen up. Seen from the side, the front part of the lower dentition rises high and the arch curves deeply like a bow.

Front view inside the mouth, with the upper front teeth extending downward and almost covering the lower front teeth — Deep bite with the upper front teeth extending downward. The upper front teeth extend far down and cover almost all of the lower front teeth.

If left as it is, the lower front teeth can press on the gums of the palate and cause injuries, the edges of the front teeth can wear down, and later there may not be enough space for veneers or crowns on the front teeth.

03^°

How orthodontic treatment for a deep bite works

There are six steps, from the exam that sorts the cause to the retainers. For each step, we explain what we look at and why, with real clinical photos.

Inside the mouth, front view, showing how much the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth — Mouth exam and smile. We measure how many millimeters the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth and also look at how much upper gum shows when you smile.

Upper gum showing when smiling — Mouth exam and smile. We measure how many millimeters the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth and also look at how much upper gum shows when you smile.

STEP 01

We first check the overlap, the gums of the palate and wear on the front teeth

We measure how many millimeters the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth, and check whether the lower front teeth touch the gums of the palate and leave injuries or marks, and whether the edges of the front teeth are worn. We also photograph your smile and record how much upper gum shows when you smile.

Why we do thisIf there are gum injuries or worn front teeth, that is a reason to recommend treatment even if you feel no discomfort now. On the other hand, even if the bite looks deep, if there are no injuries, no wear and no discomfort, we will tell you that treatment is not a must.

Side-view X-ray measurement screen marking the height of the front teeth and molars and the angle of the front teeth — Side-view X-ray measurements. We measure how far the upper and lower front teeth have come down or risen up, and the molar height and front-teeth angles.

STEP 02

We find which teeth are the cause with a side-view X-ray

With a side-view X-ray (cephalogram), we measure how far the upper front teeth have come down, how far the lower front teeth have risen up, the molar height, the front-teeth angles and the tilt of the lower jaw border. These numbers decide which way we open the bite.

Why we do thisRaising the molars in someone whose upper front teeth have come down makes the face longer, and moving only the front teeth in someone with low molars can make the front teeth look too short. If we move the side that is not the cause, the bite may open but the face and smile look unnatural.

Side view inside the mouth during treatment, with braces on the tipped upper front teeth to upright them — The step of uprighting tipped upper front teeth. As the upper front teeth stand forward, the amount they cover the lower front teeth starts to decrease.

STEP 03

If the upper front teeth are tipped back, we upright them first

For a deep bite with the upper front teeth tipped inward, we upright the front teeth first. As the front teeth stand up, the overlap on the lower front teeth decreases and room opens for the lower jaw to come forward.

Why we do thisIf tipped front teeth are moved up toward the gums as they are, their roots can hit the bone on the palate side. Uprighting them first lets the later movement happen safely within the bone.

Inside the mouth during treatment, front view, moving the front teeth up toward the gums with a mini-screw above the upper front teeth and elastics — A mini-screw placed above the upper front teeth. It serves as an anchor for gently pulling the front teeth up toward the gums.

STEP 04

When we move the front teeth toward the gums, we do it slowly with light force

If the upper front teeth have come down, we place mini-screws in the gum bone above them and move the front teeth up toward the gums. If the lower front teeth have risen up, we flatten the curve of the lower dentition while moving the lower front teeth down. If the molars are low, we raise the molars.

Why we do thisMoving teeth into the gums tends to concentrate force at the root tips, so the risk of roots becoming shorter is higher than with other movements. That is why we use light force and check the roots with X-rays partway through. My own research, in which I co-developed a device that measures the forces and rotational forces on teeth in six directions, also dealt with the size of these forces.

Panoramic X-ray checking the front-teeth roots partway through treatment — Panoramic X-ray partway through treatment. We check that the roots of the front teeth being moved toward the gums have not become shorter.

STEP 05

We recheck the roots and your smile partway through

Partway through treatment, we check the length of the front-teeth roots on an X-ray and photograph your smile again to see that the front teeth do not look too short. If we see changes in the roots, we pause the movement.

Why we do thisIf we move the front teeth all the way in just to open the bite, the front teeth can look short and small when you smile. We decide the final amount by balancing the overlap and your smile.

Inside the mouth after treatment, front view — The finished bite and retainers. We finish so that the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth by the right amount, and keep it with a fixed retainer on the inside of the lower front teeth and an upper retainer.

Fixed retainer bonded to the inside of the lower front teeth — The finished bite and retainers. We finish so that the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth by the right amount, and keep it with a fixed retainer on the inside of the lower front teeth and an upper retainer.

STEP 06

We finish the bite and keep it from getting deep again

We remove the braces after finishing so that the upper and lower front teeth overlap moderately and the molars touch evenly. When needed, we add a small ledge on the inner front surface of the upper retainer for the lower front teeth to touch, which helps keep the bite from deepening again. Retainer check-ups and adjustments for 2 years after treatment are included in the orthodontic fee.

Why we do thisA deep bite tends to deepen again after braces. We treat the retention plan after treatment as part of the treatment and explain it from the start.

* Clinical photos are published with the patients' consent. Side effects such as temporary pain or discomfort may occur, depending on the person.

Mini-screws are placed under local anesthesia, and they may feel strange in your mouth for the first few days. During treatment, you usually visit once a month.

04^°

How do we judge whether the bite is deep enough to need treatment?

We look not only at the depth itself but also at whether the deep bite has caused problems. The more of the items below apply, the more we recommend treatment.

Injuries to the gums of the palate · The lower front teeth press on the gums of the palate and leave marks or injuries
Wear on the front teeth · The edges of the front teeth are worn short or chipped
Gum showing when smiling · The upper front teeth have come down, so a lot of upper gum shows when smiling
Future treatment · There is not enough space for veneers or crowns on the front teeth, or for molar implants
Jaw discomfort · The lower jaw feels pushed back, or there is jaw joint discomfort (we do not tell you that braces treat the jaw joint)

Even if the bite looks deep, if there are no gum injuries, no wear and no discomfort, it is fine to keep an eye on it.

05^°

Comparison of treatment options

	Comprehensive braces (brackets)	Braces + mini-screws	Clear aligners	Surgical orthodontics
Suitable causes	Lower front teeth risen up, front teeth tipped back, low molars	Upper front teeth come down a lot, with gum showing	Mild deep bite with the lower front teeth risen slightly	The jawbone angle is the cause and the difference is large
How it works	Uprighting the front teeth, flattening the curve of the dentition, raising the molars	Moving the front teeth up toward the gums with mini-screws as anchors	Moving the front teeth toward the gums little by little with step-by-step clear aligners	Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery, and jawbone surgery
Movements it does well	Angle adjustment, molar height adjustment	Moving the front teeth toward the gums	Mild movement of the front teeth toward the gums	Change in jawbone position
Limits	There may not be enough anchorage to move the front teeth far toward the gums	A mini-screw may loosen and need to be placed again	The movement that opens a deep bite does not always happen as planned, so mid-treatment checks are important	Surgery requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay
Duration	Usually 1.5–2 years	Usually 1.5–2 years	Usually 2 years	Usually 2 years, including orthodontic treatment before and after surgery
Cost	See fee schedule →	See fee schedule →	See fee schedule →	Surgery is done by an oral and maxillofacial surgery department (we can suggest partner hospitals, but you do not have to go there)

06^°

For some people, another treatment comes first, or no treatment is needed

This suits you if you have

A deep bite with upper front teeth that extend too far downward or lower front teeth that extend too far upward
A deep bite with upper front teeth tipped inward
Injuries to the gums of the palate or wear on the front teeth

Another treatment comes first

Molars lost and the bite lowered: together with a plan to restore the molars, such as implants (Dr. Ilseop Ahn)
Jaw joint pain: we address the pain first
Gum inflammation: gum treatment first

No treatment needed for now

A slightly deep bite with no gum injuries, no wear on the front teeth and no discomfort: we will tell you it is fine to keep an eye on it with regular check-ups.

07^°

Self-check

When I close, my lower front teeth are barely visibleThe gum at the front of my palate hurts or has marksThe edges of my front teeth are wornA lot of upper gum shows when I smileMy jaw feels pushed backMy lower front teeth are uneven

If any of these apply, have the cause checked with an exam. You are welcome to send us a front-view photo of your teeth closed together first.

08^°

Side effects and limits

Please read

· A deep bite tends to deepen again after braces, so retainers must be worn for a long time.

· Moving the front teeth toward the gums carries a risk of the roots becoming shorter, so we check with X-rays partway through.

· Moving the front teeth far in can make them look short when you smile.

· If a mini-screw loosens and comes out, we place it again in a different spot.

· When the jawbone angle is the cause, braces alone have limits.

· Dark triangles (black triangles) may appear in the gums between the teeth.

FAQ

How deep does a bite have to be before it needs treatment?

Normally the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth by 2–3 mm, and if more than half of the lower front teeth are hidden, we consider the bite deep. But whether treatment is needed depends less on the depth and more on whether there are problems such as injuries to the gums of the palate, worn front teeth or a lack of space for future treatment.

Visiting from abroad

Questions from patients who travel to Seoul for treatment.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

The fee depends on the appliance. For example, metal braces are KRW 4,800,000, ceramic braces KRW 6,000,000, Invisalign KRW 8,500,000 and lingual braces KRW 8,600,000. The orthodontic fee includes the orthodontic diagnosis, extraction (except wisdom teeth), mini-screws, basic retainers and retention care for 2 years. If you have only the diagnosis and do not start treatment, it is KRW 50,000 (KRW 100,000 if a CT scan is needed). If a retainer breaks or is lost later, remaking it costs extra. International and Korean patients pay the same fees. We explain the total before treatment starts. See our fee schedule.

Can I continue treatment after I go home?

Yes, but it needs a plan. Fixed braces need regular adjustment visits: the first two visits are 2 weeks apart, then usually once a month. Clear aligners are easier from abroad: after you receive your aligners, you visit once every 2–3 months, and between visits we check by photo only if something comes up. Your doctor tells you at diagnosis which method fits your case.

Can I have my consultation in English?

Yes. The doctor in charge of each field consults with you directly in English. For orthodontics, this is Dr. Sunmin Kim, a board-certified orthodontist. Before you travel, you can send photos of your teeth on WhatsApp or by email. An accurate diagnosis is made after we examine you in person.

What happens after treatment, and what if something comes off?

You need retainers after treatment, because teeth tend to move back. Retention care for 2 years is included in the orthodontic fee. If a bracket comes off or a wire hurts after you go home, send us a photo on WhatsApp. We check it and tell you what to do. Some repairs need a visit.

Results, the number of visits and schedules vary from person to person. More questions: Visiting from abroad.

OrthodonticsMy front teeth do not touch→OrthodonticsCan braces improve a recessed chin?→Porcelain veneers and front teethGummy smile: why does a lot of gum show when I smile?→OrthodonticsMy braces are finished, but I worry my teeth will shift again→Porcelain veneers and front teethPorcelain veneers (CERANATE): are they right for me?→OrthodonticsWhere and how should I get orthodontic treatment?→

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person.

You can ask us first with a photo of your teeth closed together

KakaoTalk consultation LINE Call +82-2-517-0002 First visit