Deep bite correction in Dubai — treating an excessive overbite

Key facts

• Excessive vertical overlap of the upper front teeth
• Can cause gum trauma, wear and lower crowding
• Corrected with braces or aligners, often with bite turbos
• TADs help intrude front teeth with control in adults
• Long-term retention is essential to prevent relapse

What a deep bite is

In a normal bite, the upper incisors overlap the lower incisors by around 2–3 mm, roughly a third of the lower tooth’s height. In a deep bite (also called a deep overbite or closed bite), the overlap is much greater — sometimes the lower front teeth are completely hidden. It is common in Class II patterns, especially when the upper front teeth are tilted back (Class II division 2), and can also occur with a normal jaw relationship. Contributing factors include the jaw growth pattern, worn or missing back teeth that let the bite collapse, strong lip and jaw muscles, and the way the front teeth have erupted. Family tendency is common.

Gum trauma, wear and TMJ concerns

A deep bite is not just a cosmetic issue. In severe cases the lower incisors bite into the palate or the gum behind the upper front teeth, causing soreness, inflammation and, over time, gum recession. The upper teeth can also strike the gum on the front of the lower incisors. Front teeth may wear heavily because they are in constant contact, and lower incisors can become crowded as they are trapped behind the uppers. A deep bite can restrict forward and sideways jaw movement, and some patients with deep bites have jaw joint or muscle symptoms, although TMJ problems have many causes. Restorative work such as crowns can be difficult when there is little vertical space.

How deep bites are corrected

Correction aims to reduce the vertical overlap to a healthy range. Depending on the cause, this involves intruding (moving up into the bone) the upper or lower front teeth, tipping retroclined upper incisors forward, or allowing the back teeth to erupt slightly to open the bite. Fixed braces offer precise control and may be combined with small bite turbos on the back of the upper teeth that stop the lower incisors from biting down while they are levelled. Invisalign and other aligners can also correct many deep bites using specific attachments and staging. In growing patients, functional appliances may help when the lower jaw is set back.

The role of TADs in adults

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are small titanium mini-screws, typically 1.5–2 mm in diameter, placed through the gum into bone under local anaesthetic. They give the orthodontist a fixed point to push or pull against without moving other teeth. In deep bite correction, TADs can help intrude the front teeth in a controlled way, which is particularly useful in adults who show a lot of gum when they smile or where opening the bite by moving the back teeth is undesirable. TADs are temporary and removed at the end of the phase. Dr. Moaiyad Pacha plans their position from your X-rays or CBCT so they are placed safely between roots.

Stability and getting assessed at Manhal

Deep bites have a tendency to relapse, so retention is planned from the start: a fixed retainer behind the front teeth and a removable retainer with a small bite plane are often used to hold the correction. Your plan may also involve your dentist if worn teeth need restoring once the bite is opened. At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, consultant orthodontist Dr. Moaiyad Pacha — holder of a clinical PhD from Queen Mary University of London, M.Orth RCS (Edinburgh) and F.Orth RCS (England) — examines your bite, explains the cause and options in English or Arabic, and provides a written plan. Contact the clinic for his Dubai dates.

It is never too late to straighten teeth. Adult orthodontics often works alongside implants, veneers or gum treatment, and discreet appliances fit professional life.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.