Quick Answer
Whether your front teeth should touch when your jaw is closed depends on your natural bite. Some people have a normal overbite where the upper front teeth slightly overlap the lower front teeth. Others have an edge-to-edge bite with no overlap. As long as your bite is comfortable and functioning properly, either scenario can be considered normal. However, a small overlap of the front teeth is ideal for aesthetics and to protect against excessive wear of the front teeth.
Do Most People’s Front Teeth Touch?
It is common for the upper front teeth to slightly overlay the lower front teeth. This is considered a normal overbite. An overbite of 2-4 mm (or about the thickness of a fingernail) is generally considered ideal. With this overlap, the upper front teeth help protect the lower front teeth from excessive wear over time. At the same time, this amount of overbite is not visually distracting and provides a pleasant tooth display when smiling.
Some people have an edge-to-edge bite, meaning their upper and lower front teeth meet precisely with no overlap. This can also be within normal limits, although it is less common. Without the slight overbite, the lower front teeth may be more prone to chipping or wear over time since they do not have the upper teeth protecting them. An edge-to-edge bite may also be visually less aesthetic when the teeth are exposed.
Overbite Range
The average overbite ranges from 2-4 mm or about 25-50% overlap of the lower incisors by the upper incisors. Anything within this range is generally considered acceptable.
A slight overbite of 2-3 mm is ideal for most people. At this size, it is visually pleasing and provides good incisal protection.
Over 4-5 mm of overlap may start to look excessive and can indicate an overbite problem. On the other end, an overbite smaller than 2 mm provides minimal incisal protection.
Edge-to-Edge Bite
An edge-to-edge bite is when the upper and lower front teeth meet end-to-end with no vertical overlap. This occurs when the upper front teeth erupt lower than ideal, the lower front teeth erupt higher, or a combination of both. While less common, this can be a normal and functional bite for some individuals.
However, edge-to-edge bites have some disadvantages:
– Increased risk of chipping or wearing of the incisal edges over time since the upper teeth do not protect the lower teeth
– The appearance of a very “gummy” smile since more gum tissue shows above the teeth when smiling
– Possible temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms like pain, clicking, or popping of the jaw joint
Causes of Edge-to-Edge Bites
Some common causes of edge-to-edge bites include:
Genetics
The inherited size and eruption pattern of teeth can lead to reduced overlap of the upper and lower incisors.
Thumb Sucking
Prolonged thumb sucking as a child can cause the upper front teeth to tip outward and the lower front teeth to tip inward, decreasing the overlap.
Tongue Thrust
A tongue thrust swallowing pattern can push the teeth forward, reducing the vertical overlap.
Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing and lip incompetence can allow the lower jaw to drop downward and back, lowering the bite height.
Missing Teeth
Missing upper and lower teeth can allow extrusion of opposing teeth, decreasing the overlap.
Wear
Excessive grinding or wear of the incisal edges over time can form an edge-to-edge bite over time.
Problems with an Edge-to-Edge Bite
While an edge-to-edge bite is not necessarily problematic in itself, it can lead to certain issues:
Chipped or Worn Teeth
Without the upper incisors overlapping the lower teeth, the lower front teeth are more prone to chipping, fracturing, and abrasion from biting forces.
TMJ Problems
There is an increased chance of TMJ difficulties like pain, popping, and clicking since the condyle may seat slightly posteriorly in the joint space.
Excess Gingival Display
More upper gum tissue is revealed when smiling, which some people find less aesthetic. On average, 1-2mm of gingival display is considered ideal when smiling.
Open Bite
In some cases, an edge-to-edge bite can develop into an anterior open bite where the front teeth do not overlap at all.
Impaired Speech
Certain speech sounds may be more difficult to pronounce. Teeth play an important role in speech development.
Options for Correcting an Edge-to-Edge Bite
If an edge-to-edge bite is causing symptoms or aesthetic concerns, several treatment options exist:
Orthodontic Treatment
Braces or clear aligners can help correct the alignment and bite relationship of the teeth. This brings the front teeth into a more ideal overlap.
Restorations
Dental work like crowns, veneers, or bonding can reconstruct the edges of the front teeth to create ideal overlap.
Occlusal Adjustment
Selectively grinding the biting surfaces of teeth can increase the vertical dimension and overlap.
Extraction
Extraction of certain teeth may help improve front tooth overlap in conjunction with orthodontics.
Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery such as LeFort osteotomies or BSSO can reposition the entire jaw, influencing overlap.
Maintaining a Normal Overbite
For those with an ideal overbite, maintaining proper overlap involves:
Wearing a Night Guard
A custom night guard protects against grinding or clenching habits that can flatten the front teeth over time.
Prompt Dental Care
Cavities or broken teeth should be treated quickly to prevent shifting of teeth and changes in overlap.
Avoiding Thumb-Sucking
Thumb-sucking should be discouraged to prevent pushing front teeth out of position.
Myofunctional Therapy
Exercises can train proper tongue resting position and swallowing pattern to maintain bite.
When to Seek Evaluation
You should consider an evaluation if:
– Your bite has changed recently, altering tooth overlap
– You experience joint clicking/popping or discomfort when chewing
– You notice increased wear, fractures, or chipping of your front teeth
– You are unhappy with the amount of visible gum tissue when smiling
– You have difficulty pronouncing certain words
– You suffer frequent cheek, tongue or lip biting due to lack of vertical overlap
– Correcting your bite could improve your confidence and dental aesthetics
Key Takeaways
Ideal Overbite
2-4 mm of overbite of the upper front teeth over the lower is considered ideal. This provides protection against excessive wear while still looking natural.
Edge-to-Edge Still Normal
An edge-to-edge bite with no vertical overlap can function normally as well, though may be less aesthetic.
Advantages of Overbite
A slight overbite provides incisal protection, ideal aesthetics, proper speech development, and healthy TMJ function.
Treatment Options
Orthodontics, dental restorations, occlusal adjustment, extractions, or orthognathic surgery can help correct overlap issues.
Conclusion
While personal preference, genetics, and development may dictate variations in ideal overlap, a slight overbite of upper front teeth over lower teeth prevents excessive wear and provides proper function. An edge-to-edge bite can be acceptable too, though may increase the chances of dental problems or issues with appearance over time. Working with a dentist to determine the healthiest bite position based on your specific anatomy can help optimize both smile aesthetics and occlusion.