What it means
Understanding overbite / overjet
The terms overbite and overjet describe how the upper front teeth relate to the lower ones. An overbite refers to how much the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower teeth, while an overjet describes how far the upper front teeth project forwards. A degree of both is completely normal; it is when they are pronounced that they can affect function, appearance or the wear of the teeth.
A significant overbite or overjet can be linked to the size and position of the jaws or the teeth, and in some cases to childhood habits. Depending on the degree and cause, it may contribute to uneven wear, difficulty biting, or self-consciousness about the smile.
A GDC-registered dentist can assess your bite and explain whether treatment is advisable and which options might suit you, with a realistic view of what can be achieved.
Common causes of overbite / overjet
Several factors can contribute to overbite / overjet. Being aware of them can help — though only an examination can confirm what applies to you. Common contributing factors include:
- Inherited jaw and tooth relationships
- A difference in the size or position of the jaws
- Crowding or spacing affecting front-tooth position
- Childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking
- Missing or drifted teeth
- Tooth wear altering the bite
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following:
- Upper front teeth that noticeably overlap or project forward
- Uneven wear on the front teeth
- Difficulty biting into food in some cases
- Feeling self-conscious about the smile profile
- Occasional strain on the front teeth
- The lower teeth contacting the palate in pronounced cases
How we assess it at our Wimpole Street practice
Because the same symptoms can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis always comes first. At Wimpole Dental, a GDC-registered dentist will listen to your concerns, examine the area and — where clinically appropriate — take X-rays or other records to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then have your options explained in plain English, with a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins — and never any pressure to proceed. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
What to expect when you visit us
From your very first contact, our aim is to make dental care feel calm, clear and unhurried. A member of our reception team will help you find a time that suits you, including evening and weekend appointments, and if you are in pain we will do our best to see you the same day. You are welcome as a new patient, and there is no obligation to proceed with any treatment.
At your appointment, a GDC-registered dentist will take time to understand your concerns about overbite / overjet, carry out a careful examination and, where clinically appropriate, take X-rays or other records. They will then explain what they have found and set out the suitable options — from doing nothing and monitoring, through to the treatments described above — so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone, and we are experienced in caring for nervous patients. Please tell us how you feel when you book: we will move at your pace, explain each step before it happens, and focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Our priority is honest, gentle care that puts your long-term health first.
Solutions & treatment options
For many adults, a mild to moderate overbite or overjet linked to tooth position can be improved with clear aligner treatment, which gradually repositions the teeth. Treatment begins with a full assessment to confirm suitability and healthy gums, and a retainer is used afterwards to hold the result.
Where the concern is largely down to the jaws rather than the teeth, or is more complex, your dentist will discuss the most appropriate route and, where relevant, the limits of what tooth movement alone can achieve. Cosmetic refinements such as bonding may complement alignment in some cases.
Your dentist will always be honest about likely outcomes and provide a written estimate before any treatment, as individual results vary.
The treatment we most often use
ProAligner Clear Aligners
Near-invisible, removable clear aligners that straighten teeth discreetly — from simple front-tooth correction to comprehensive alignment.
Prevention & everyday care
While professional care is important, good daily habits make a real difference. The following steps can help:
- Address childhood habits early where possible
- Replace missing teeth to prevent drifting
- Wear a retainer after alignment treatment
- Have tooth wear and bite changes monitored
- Keep teeth and gums healthy to maintain stability
- Seek advice early if the bite is changing
When to see a dentist
If this sounds familiar, it's worth having it assessed early — problems are almost always simpler to treat when caught sooner. A £30 consultation lets a GDC-registered dentist find the cause and explain your options in plain English, with no pressure to proceed.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
Many adults with a mild to moderate overbite or overjet related to tooth position can be treated with clear aligners. Suitability depends on the cause and degree, which is confirmed after an assessment, as jaw-related cases can be more complex.
A small overbite is normal. A pronounced overbite or overjet can sometimes contribute to uneven tooth wear or difficulty biting, and some people wish to address it cosmetically. An assessment helps determine whether treatment is worthwhile in your case.
Treatment time varies considerably depending on the degree of correction needed and the approach used. Your dentist will give you an estimated timeframe after assessing your teeth, along with a written plan and realistic expectations.
No. This page is general education to help you understand a common concern. It is not a diagnosis, and the same symptoms can have different causes. Only an in-person examination by a GDC-registered dentist can confirm what is happening and what, if anything, needs treating.
You will always receive a written, itemised quote before any treatment begins. New patients start with a £30 consultation; flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
That is very common and completely understood. Our team is experienced in caring for anxious patients: your dentist will explain everything in plain English, work at your pace and never pressure you to proceed. Let us know how you feel when you book so we can make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Yes. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), with numbers you can verify on the public register. Our marketing follows advertising standards guidance for healthcare, and we never guarantee outcomes.
You can book online, request a call back, or call us on 020 7183 0692. New patients are welcome, and we offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency slots where possible.
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22 Wimpole St, London W1G 8GQ · CQC regulated · GDC-registered clinicians