Common teeth problem: Upper Teeth Completely Overlap Lower Teeth

How I Fix Overbites

Have you ever noticed your top teeth completely cover your bottom teeth when you bite down? You’re not alone – this is called an overbite, and it affects thousands of adults and teens in NYC.

I see a lot of patients in Manhattan who are frustrated with their bite, and the reasons can be very different. Two cases I encounter most often are:

Patients who wore braces as teens but didn’t wear their retainers diligently, causing their teeth and bite to change over time.
Patients who never had orthodontic treatment and naturally have a bite issue, such as an overbite or crowded teeth.

Both situations can cause the upper teeth to completely overlap the lower teeth, sometimes creating discomfort, pain on biting, or excessive wear of teeth.

Case 1: Bite Shift After Braces

One patient came to me saying: “I had braces as a teen, but I didn’t wear my retainers consistently. Now my bottom front teeth hit my top front teeth, and it even hurts sometimes.”

This happens more often than people realize. Teeth naturally shift over time especially if retainers aren’t worn after orthodontic treatment. The result? An overbite that can cause:

Pain in front teeth
Uneven tooth wear
Gum irritation
Early loss or loosening of teeth affected
Bite discomfort

Invisalign® is one of many solutions to this problem. I create a customized treatment plan that gently moves the teeth back into proper alignment, restoring both function and aesthetics. The aligners are clear and removable, making treatment easier for adults who want a discreet option without any life-style change.

Case 2: Natural Overbite or Crowding

Another patient who never have had braces and comes in with: “My upper teeth completely overlap my lower teeth, and my smile doesn’t feel balanced.”

This is a natural overbite or crowding issue. Some people have a deeper bite, where the upper front teeth cover a large portion of the lower teeth. Over time, this can cause:

Difficulty chewing properly
Excessive wear on teeth
Frequent chip on front teeth -very hard to fix nicely
Jaw strain or TMJ discomfort
Increased risk of gum disease and bone loss in affected area

Even without previous orthodontic treatment, modern solutions like Invisalign® Clear aligners, braces behind the teeth like InSmile Braces™, or, in some cases, traditional braces, can correct the bite. For kids or teens, early intervention with interceptive orthodontic treatment can also help guide jaw growth and reduce future overbite and crowding.

Fix Overbite and Bite Problems in NYC with Invisalign, InSmile Braces, or Braces

Every smile is different. Whether your bite shifted after braces or you’ve had a natural overbite all your life, the right approach depends on your teeth, jaw, and goals. That’s why I always create a custom treatment plan for each patient.

With Invisalign®, InSmile Braces, or braces, we can:

Correct deep bite -overbite
Reduce pain and tooth wear
Improve function and aesthetics
Improve overall oral health
Give you a confident, healthy smile

How Orthodontic Treatment Can Fix a Gummy Smile

If you notice too much of your upper gums showing when you smile, that’s called excessive gingival display, or more commonly, a gummy smile. Many patients feel self-conscious about it and sometimes even hide their smiles – but the good news is that it can be corrected!

Can I fix my gummy smile and overbite?

Absolutely! Often, a gummy smile is related to an overbite, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than usual. Braces or Invisalign in some cases can help correct the overbite and improve the appearance of your smile. Here’s an example (photo) showing how alignment changes can reveal more of your lower front teeth and balance your smile.

Options for Gummy Smile Correction

Braces or Invisalign: If your teeth or jaw position is causing your gums to appear more prominent, braces or Invisalign can gently reposition them. This realignment reduces the amount of gum showing and improves your overall smile aesthetics.
Specialist Consultation: Every smile is unique, so a personalized evaluation is key.

With the right orthodontic treatment, you can feel confident showing your smile again!

Overbite and Gummy Smile

With overbite correction, a “gummy smile” can also be improved.

After correcting the overbite with InSmile Braces

– the lower front teeth are much more visible, improving both function and smile aesthetics

If your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth, or if your bite is causing discomfort, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation today. Together, we’ll evaluate your bite, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan to restore function, comfort, and confidence in your smile.