Bellevue is a vibrant city on Seattle’s Eastside, and residents here know the importance of a healthy, confident smile. At Washington Orthodontics, we see many patients from Bellevue and surrounding communities who are worried about a deep bite – when the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth.
A deep bite is more than a cosmetic issue; it can lead to tooth wear, jaw discomfort and other complications. This article explains what a deep bite is, why it matters, and how our Bellevue team uses braces to correct it. We’ll also share general timelines and results based on both scientific evidence and stories from our local patients.
Understanding Deep Bite: What Causes It?
A deep bite (sometimes called a deep overbite or closed bite) occurs when there is excessive vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth. Orthodontists describe a bite as “deep” when the overlap exceeds about 4 mm, and overlap beyond 9 mm is considered severe.
It’s surprisingly common; a review cited by Tribeca Dental Studio notes that deep overbite affects roughly 24 % of children and adolescents worldwide. Deep bites may develop from genetic factors, jaw growth patterns or habits like thumb‑sucking or teeth grinding.
Genetics, abnormal jaw growth, missing teeth and habits such as thumb‑sucking or prolonged bottle use can all lead to a deep bite. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and childhood habits can worsen the condition. Because bone and jaw relationships solidify during puberty, it’s important to identify a deep bite early.
Deep Bite Vs. Open Bite
Although both conditions involve bite alignment issues, deep bites and open bites affect the teeth in opposite ways.
- Deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. This can cause wear on lower teeth, gum irritation, and sometimes jaw discomfort.
- Open bite, on the other hand, is when the front teeth don’t touch at all when you close your mouth. This gap can make biting and chewing difficult and often stems from habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
At Washington Orthodontics, we treat both with custom plans tailored to the patient’s jaw shape, age, and overall oral health. Braces and clear aligners are often effective in guiding teeth into balance — closing open bites or reducing deep overlaps. The key difference lies in the direction of movement: deep bite correction focuses on opening the bite, while open bite correction focuses on closing it.
The Health Impact of Deep Bites
While a slight overbite (2–3 mm) is normal, a pronounced deep bite can affect oral health and daily function. At Haverkos Family Orthodontics, Dr. Stephen Haverkos notes that untreated overbites and deep bites may cause premature tooth wear, gum irritation, jaw strain and headaches.
Excessive vertical overlap can lead to progressive wear on the lower front teeth, increased tooth sensitivity and even risk of cracks. Patients may also experience TMJ disorders with chronic headaches, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw and discomfort while chewing.
Some people with deep bites report difficulty chewing, speech impediments and self‑consciousness about their smile. Addressing these issues early helps prevent long‑term damage and improves both function and appearance.
Treatment Options for Deep Bite Correction in Bellevue
At Washington Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatments tailored to each patient.
| Treatment option | Description | Typical duration* | Best for |
| Braces | Brackets and arch‑wires move teeth into proper alignment and reduce vertical overlap | 18–24 months for most cases | Children and adults; moderate–severe deep bites |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | Removable trays gradually shift teeth; more discreet but require patient compliance | 12–18 months for moderate cases | Adults/teens with mild–moderate deep bites |
| Bite turbos | Small ramps on back teeth that prevent complete closure, allowing the bite to open | 3–6 months | Often used alongside braces for severe cases |
| Orthodontic surgery | Surgical repositioning of jaws when skeletal imbalance is significant | Variable | Severe skeletal deep bites |
| Veneers | Cosmetic reshaping for mild cases | One to two sessions | Adults with minor aesthetic concerns |
*Timelines vary based on case complexity and patient adherence.
As you can see, braces remain the gold standard for correcting most deep bites because they apply continuous forces and allow orthodontists to fine‑tune tooth and jaw positions. Clear aligners offer a nearly invisible alternative for milder cases, but they require strict wear schedules (20–22 hours per day).
A mouth guard can offer temporary relief for patients with a deep bite, especially those who clench or grind their teeth. We sometimes recommend custom night guards to reduce pressure on the jaw and prevent enamel wear while you’re sleeping.
However, it’s important to understand that a mouth guard doesn’t correct the bite—it only protects your teeth from further damage. Long-term correction still requires orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, to realign the bite and balance the jaw properly.
Orthodontist Consultation Cost For Deep Bite
Before beginning deep bite correction, many Bellevue patients want to know what the first step costs. At some orthodontic offices, an initial exam and consultation can range between $100–$250, especially if diagnostic X-rays or 3D scans are included.
At Washington Orthodontics, Dr. Moon offers free consultations for all new patients seeking deep bite treatment. This visit allows you to learn exactly what’s happening with your bite, whether it’s mild, moderate, or severe, and explore options like braces or clear aligners.
Dr. Moon carefully evaluates how your upper and lower teeth fit together and explains how orthodontic care can restore balance, function, and confidence.
A free consultation is often the best way to understand your deep bite and what kind of care it requires, without any financial pressure. It’s a relaxed, informative visit that helps Bellevue patients make confident decisions about their smile journey.
Timeline for Deep Bite Correction with Braces
One of the most common questions our Bellevue patients ask is, “How long will it take to fix my deep bite?” The answer depends on the severity of the bite, age, bone response and patient cooperation. Evidence‑based articles provide useful benchmarks:
- Mild cases: According to Tribeca Dental Studio, mild overbites may improve within 6–12 months with braces.
- Moderate to severe cases: Most patients with pronounced deep bites need 18–24 months of braces. Dr. Haverkos notes that traditional metal braces correct moderate to severe overbites in about 18–24 months. Ceramic braces have a similar timeline—about 1½–2 years—while clear aligners typically require 12–18 months.
- Complex or severe cases: In some severe overbites, treatment can take up to three years and may involve additional appliances or surgery.
- Early (Phase 1) treatment: For young children whose jaws are still developing, early intervention can correct developing deep bites in 9–12 months and may prevent the need for extraction or lengthy treatment later.
These timelines are guidelines rather than guarantees. Compliance is critical—regular appointments, good oral hygiene and wearing elastics or appliances as prescribed all help keep treatment on schedule. Neglecting appointments or damaging braces can prolong treatment.
Bellevue case examples from Washington Orthodontics
Many Bellevue residents have trusted us to correct their deep bites. One such patient—a 16‑year‑old high‑school student from the Somerset neighborhood—had a moderate deep bite with crowding.
After a comprehensive exam, we recommended metal braces and elastic bands. Over 18 months, the braces gradually aligned the teeth and opened the bite. The patient adhered to appointments and elastics, and by the end of treatment he reported less jaw strain and loved his new smile.
Another patient, a 29‑year‑old professional from Downtown Bellevue, opted for ceramic braces for aesthetic reasons. Her treatment lasted 20 months and included bite turbos for the first six months. Her deep bite corrected beautifully, and she now shows a balanced smile during presentations.
In cases with lighter overlap, we sometimes use clear aligners. For example, a 22‑year‑old Bellevue college student with a mild deep bite completed treatment in 12 months using aligners, complemented by bite turbos for a short period. He appreciated being able to remove the aligners for meals but remained diligent about wearing them 22 hours a day.
Early Evaluation and Interceptive Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have an orthodontic check‑up no later than age 7. By age seven, the first permanent molars have erupted, allowing evaluation of the backbite and early detection of crossbites, crowding, deep bites and jaw discrepancies.
Early evaluation does not always lead to immediate treatment, but it helps identify cases that could benefit from interceptive therapy such as space maintainers, expanders or bite turbos. Intercepting a developing deep bite can reduce the severity and shorten future treatment.
At Washington Orthodontics, we encourage parents from Bellevue to schedule an evaluation by age 7. Many children we see don’t require treatment until their teen years, but early monitoring allows us to intervene at the right time.
In Phase 1, we typically use removable or fixed appliances for 9–12 months to guide jaw growth, and then re-evaluate growth before Phase 2 (braces or aligners) later.
Results and Benefits: What Patients Can Expect
Correcting a deep bite offers more than a straighter smile. Patients often notice:
- Improved tooth and gum health: Reducing excessive overlap prevents premature wear on lower front teeth and decreases gum irritation.
- Better jaw function: A proper bite reduces strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and can ease headaches and jaw pain.
- Enhanced speech and chewing: Patients can bite into foods comfortably and articulate words more clearly.
- Facial balance: Addressing a deep bite improves lip posture and profile, leading to a more harmonious facial appearance.
- Long‑term stability: With retainers and good oral hygiene, the corrected bite remains stable for years.
Our Bellevue patients frequently tell us they feel more confident after treatment. One adult patient shared that after correcting her deep bite she no longer hid her teeth in photos.
A teen patient reported improved chewing and fewer headaches, and his parents noticed that his posture and speech also improved. These stories echo research showing that braces are highly effective for deep bite correction, provided patients follow instructions and attend regular visits.
Final Thoughts
Deep bites are common and often misunderstood. Left untreated, they can cause tooth wear, gum problems and jaw pain. Fortunately, modern orthodontics offers effective solutions. Scientific evidence shows that braces typically correct moderate to severe deep bites in about 18–24 months, while mild cases may resolve more quickly. Early evaluation by age 7 allows orthodontists to identify problems and intervene when it matters most.
At Washington Orthodontics, many of our Bellevue patients have successfully transformed their smiles and improved their oral health through deep bite correction with braces. If you or your child have concerns about a deep bite, schedule a consultation—our team is here to help you achieve a comfortable, confident smile. Book your free consultation with Dr. Moon today!
