The deep bite

We speak of a “deep bite” when the upper incisors excessively cover the lower incisors. In this type of malocclusion, the lower incisors can hit the gingiva of the palate and thus cause damage to the supporting tissues of the incisors (in this case we speak of a “traumatic bite”).

The treatment is performed with fixed orthodontic appliances and varies according to the vertical dimension of the facial bones. In particular, the therapy consists of an intrusion of the incisors if the patient exposes his gums too much when he smiles (“gum smile”). If, on the other hand, the gingival display is correct, the posterior teeth are extruded.

Case: Severe deep bite with excessive gingival display during smiling, treated with intrusion of the incisors using fixed orthodontic appliances.