The upper incisors cover too much of the lower ones. The occlusal plane is not level, and levelling it is the whole of phase one.
What it is
A deep bite is usually over-eruption of the lower incisors, which shows up as an exaggerated curve of Spee — the front of the lower arch sits higher than the back. Levelling that curve is the first phase of fixed-appliance treatment and it is the reason the phase is called levelling and alignment. Flatten the curve and the bite opens.
Increased overbite / curve of Spee — the plan
- Records and a cephalometric analysis, because a deep bite can be skeletal.
- Levelling the curve of Spee, by intruding the lower incisors or extruding the posterior teeth.
- Detailing, then retention with a flat anterior bite plane if the case needs one.
| Clinical name | Increased overbite / curve of Spee |
|---|---|
| Appliance | Fixed appliances |
| Typical duration | 20 to 26 months |
| From | £2,850 |
| Retention | Included — bonded lower, removable upper, two years of reviews |
Next step
A consultation is £65 and includes photographs, a scan and a lateral cephalogram, plus a written plan with the fee on it. Nothing is started on the day.
Other faults
- Crowding — Arch-length deficiency
- Spacing and diastema — Generalised spacing / midline diastema
- Rotated teeth — Axial rotation
- Midline discrepancy — Dental midline deviation