Typical feature?
Deep overlap, often with inward-inclined upper incisors.
← All explanationsCover bite (Deckbiss)
How does a cover bite differ from a deep bite?
The German term Deckbiss describes marked covering of the lower incisors, commonly with inward-inclined upper incisors. Assessment considers vertical overlap, inclination, tooth contacts and jaw relationships. The term alone does not determine treatment.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Notice the overlap
Upper incisors cover the lower incisors more than usual. In this pattern, upper incisor inclination is commonly altered as well.
Look beyond the front view
Assessment includes posterior contacts, tooth inclination and possible soft-tissue contact. A large horizontal overjet is not essential to the pattern.
Assess individual needs
Symptoms, growth and function influence planning. Orthodontic assessment determines whether and how correction is appropriate.
At a glance
Automatically surgery?
No.
Assessment?
Consider teeth, bite and growth together.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Notice the overlap
Upper incisors cover the lower incisors more than usual. In this pattern, upper incisor inclination is commonly altered as well.
Look beyond the front view
Assessment includes posterior contacts, tooth inclination and possible soft-tissue contact. A large horizontal overjet is not essential to the pattern.
Assess individual needs
Symptoms, growth and function influence planning. Orthodontic assessment determines whether and how correction is appropriate.
Often confused
Vertical overlap is not overjet
Overbite is vertical incisor overlap. Overjet is the horizontal incisor distance. The horizontal distance can vary in a cover-bite pattern.
Quick answers
Is every deep bite a cover bite?
No. Deep bite identifies increased vertical overlap; Deckbiss describes a characteristic pattern often involving inward-inclined upper incisors.
Does it always mean a retruded lower jaw?
No. Tooth inclination and posterior dental relationships require separate assessment; the terms are not equivalent.
Can aligners treat it?
Suitability depends on severity, growth and the intended changes. A photograph cannot determine the answer.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
How do overlap, tooth inclination and jaw relationship differ in my situation?
Marked overlap or contact with the soft tissues can be discussed in a focused bite assessment.
Discuss the front-tooth biteAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Retroclination
- Inward or palatal inclination of a tooth.
- Overbite
- Vertical overlap of the incisors.
- Angle Class II division 2
- A classification combining a distal posterior relationship with a characteristic upper incisor inclination.
Make the distinction
Overbite is vertical incisor overlap. Overjet is the horizontal incisor distance. The horizontal distance can vary in a cover-bite pattern.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.