What is a deep bite?

In a severe deep bite, the lower teeth may bite into the roof of the mouth, or the upper teeth may bite into the lower gums, creating a highly destructive environment over time. This alignment strips the enamel from the back of the upper teeth and the front of the lower teeth while restricting the natural forward movement of the lower jaw, which can lead to chronic joint strain. Deep bites are common in both children and adults; treating them is vital for establishing a functional bite and preventing severe dental wear that would eventually require costly interdisciplinary intervention, such as crowns or veneers. Readers often follow up with, “What is interdisciplinary dental care?” or seek information on the specific mechanics used for correcting overbites.