An overbite, also known as buck teeth, is a type of malocclusion where the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower front teeth. A proper bite requires a small overbite of generally 1 to 2 mm, but when the overlap is too large, it is called an excessive overbite. Overbites can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, the shape and/or size of the jaw or teeth, thumb-sucking, sustained and consistent pacifier use, overuse of a bottle, nail-biting, and losing teeth without timely repair.

In severe cases, an uncorrected overbite may lead to breathing challenges, difficulty or pain while chewing, gum disease, jaw pain or temporomandibular disorders (TMD), tooth decay or cavities, and speech problems. Overbites can also cause significant health complications such as irreparable damage to teeth from abnormal positioning, possible jaw pain including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and tooth decay including gum disease.

Children with overbites can be treated with braces or other corrective devices, while adults may need jaw surgery to correct the misalignment. Orthodontists are skilled at correcting overbites, and there are a variety of treatment methods available depending on the complexity of the condition. If left untreated, an overbite can cause significant health complications, so it is important to seek treatment if you have an overbite.