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Deep\-bite planning

# Deep bite: understand the overlap and the proposed change

Some vertical overlap is ordinary\. Deep bite describes clinically assessed excessive overlap\. Aligners and fixed appliances are categories discussed in care; the individual finding and contact goal explain the actual proposal\.

On this page

1. [Ordinary overlap and an assessed deep bite are different](<https://deepbiteplanning.com/#ordinary-overlap-and-deep-bite>)
2. [Can aligners be considered for a deep bite?](<https://deepbiteplanning.com/#can-aligners-be-discussed>)
3. [Follow the finding through to continuing care](<https://deepbiteplanning.com/#follow-the-explanation>)
4. [A clinician connects the parts of the plan](<https://deepbiteplanning.com/#doctor-led-understanding>)
5. [Sources for this lesson](<https://deepbiteplanning.com/#lesson-sources>)

General education and clearly labelled fictional examples\. Your clinicians explain your individual findings and directions\.

## Ordinary overlap and an assessed deep bite are different



Vertical overlap describes how the upper front teeth cover part of the lower front teeth when the teeth meet\. Some overlap is ordinary\. Deep bite, or excessive overbite, describes an amount the clinician assesses as excessive in the individual bite\. A label on its own does not tell a reader whether treatment is needed\.



Overjet describes the front\-to\-back projection between the front teeth\. It is a different direction from vertical overlap\. A lower\-front\-teeth\-ahead relationship is different again\. The [Bite guide's direction lesson](<https://orthodonticbitebroward.com/how-upper-and-lower-teeth-meet>)  explains how to keep these views separate; no drawing or photograph here supplies a severity threshold\.



The useful next step in understanding an actual proposal is to connect the assessed overlap with the contact the clinician wants to change\. That gives the appliance discussion a specific purpose\.



## Can aligners be considered for a deep bite?



Yes\. The AAO discusses aligners and braces among treatment categories for deep bite\. That answers the category question; the individual assessment determines the actual proposal\. An appliance name does not describe the whole job it is intended to perform\.



In the clearly fictional adult example used throughout this guide, Jordan's clinician has assessed both an aligner\-based proposal with attachments and a fixed\-appliance proposal\. Both address the supplied goal of reducing excessive vertical overlap and recorded soft\-tissue contact while preserving useful contacts elsewhere\. Their handling responsibilities differ\. Read those purposes together before treating removability as a treatment decision\.



Smiling young adult woman outdoors



## Follow the finding through to continuing care



[01 · Finding What is the contact goal? Connect Jordan's recorded finding with reducing overlap and preserving other useful contacts\. Read the explanation](</finding-and-contact-goals>) [02 · Options What does each assessed proposal do? Understand the movement purpose, attachments and removable versus fixed responsibilities\. Compare the proposals](</aligners-and-fixed-appliance-proposals>) [03 · Review What is intended, and what was observed? Finish the fictional proposal, then distinguish progress review from holding afterward\. Read the whole plan](</read-a-deep-bite-plan>)



## A clinician connects the parts of the plan



At SMILE\-FX®, board\-certified orthodontists see every patient, including follow\-ups\. Digital planning can help explain an intended change, while continuing clinical review considers the actual course\. That relationship gives an assessed goal, the appliance's purpose and a person's account of daily use a place in the same conversation\.



The [complete care model](</about-this-guide#care-model-about>)  explains the practice's capabilities and their qualifications\. They are general care facts, not a declaration that a particular method is appropriate for every deep bite\.



## Sources for this lesson

Sources: [AAO: What is a deep bite? \(2019\)](<https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/what-is-a-deep-bite/>)  · [AAO: Seven common bite problems \(2024\)](<https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/7-common-bite-problems/>)  · [AAO: Orthodontic glossary](<https://aaoinfo.org/resources/glossary-of-orthodontic-terms/>)

## Keep exploring

- [Finding and contact goal](</finding-and-contact-goals>)
- [Two assessed proposals](</aligners-and-fixed-appliance-proposals>)
- [Intention, review and holding](</read-a-deep-bite-plan>)
- [The complete SMILE\-FX® care model](</about-this-guide#care-model-about>)



Your individual next step

## Discuss your own orthodontic goal

[Request a free in\-person consultation](<https://www.smile-fx.com/lp/free-consult/?utm_source=deep-bite-planning&utm_medium=microsite&utm_campaign=smile-fx-guides>) 

The team confirms the appointment, assessment scope, fees and proposed services\. A request is not an appointment or case acceptance\.

[Call \(954\) 824\-9707](<tel:+19548249707>)  · [Visit details](</visit>)