What is an overbite, why we all have one, and why it’s important for a functional bite and speech.

Overbites are measured by orthodontists in millimeters. Two-to-three millimeters of overbite is considered normal and is optimal for a functional bite and proper speech.

Too much of an overbite is referred to as a deep bite and can cause traumatic effects to the upper front teeth and gum tissue.

A negative overbite in millimeters is referred to as an open bite, which can cause difficulty with eating certain foods and annunciating words properly.

It is the job of an orthodontist to restore a patient’s overbite to a normal range to provide long-term stability to a patient’s teeth, bite, and speech.