# Why is an overbite sexy? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 9, 2006, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132 "2006-05-09T21:55:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![rhubarbarin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rhubarbarin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhubarbarin)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2010, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/61 "2010-10-10T17:35:07Z")
I think it really depends on the sexiness of the person in question before you consider the overbite. In the case of [Brigitte Bardot](http://david-wray.com/wp-content/uploads/brigitte-bardot-fifties.jpg) I absolutely think her overbite pushing her full upper lip outward into a pout and her two front teeth showing all the time like a doll adds to her unique attractiveness. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2010, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/62 "2010-10-10T22:54:59Z")
Zombies with an overbite? ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/63 "2010-10-11T00:28:20Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Can anyone think of attractive males with overbites? If so, are their teeth part of the attraction? [Jensen Ackles](http://s4.hubimg.com/u/291923_f520.jpg) is the first name that popped into my head. ---
**Author:** ![Not\_a\_Platypus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d26b3c/32.png) [@Not\_a\_Platypus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_a_Platypus)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/64 "2010-10-11T00:28:35Z")
> [@rhubarbarin](#): > > I think it really depends on the sexiness of the person in question before you consider the overbite. In the case of [Brigitte Bardot](http://david-wray.com/wp-content/uploads/brigitte-bardot-fifties.jpg) I absolutely think her overbite pushing her full upper lip outward into a pout and her two front teeth showing all the time like a doll adds to her unique attractiveness. This is similar to what I was thinking. All of the examples shown have been women that are sexy/pretty anyway, even when you don’t consider their mouths at all. However, I don’t find overbites particularly sexy. ---
**Author:** ![Angel\_of\_Doubt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Angel\_of\_Doubt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angel_of_Doubt)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/65 "2010-10-11T16:17:22Z")
Can an overbite find it’s way to the elite of the modeling world? Why yes, it can, even if it is a bit rabbity… [http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/05/15/2010-05-15\_its\_a\_girl\_for\_claudia\_schiffer\_and\_filmmaker\_husband\_matthew\_vaughn.html](http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/05/15/2010-05-15_its_a_girl_for_claudia_schiffer_and_filmmaker_husband_matthew_vaughn.html) (I adore her, BTW) ---
**Author:** ![rhubarbarin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rhubarbarin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhubarbarin)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/66 "2010-10-11T17:00:35Z")
Many fashion models have overbites as many are from countries or areas where orthodontia isn’t such a priority (or a possibility) as in the US. [Alexander Skarsgard](http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/alexander-skarsgard-pic_552x828.jpg) has an overbite and it’s adorable. A moderate and non-gappy one makes (already handsome) men look cutely boyish. [Tom Cruise](http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/actors_films_images/tom_cruise.jpg) had a gappy rabbity overbite as a youngster which he had fixed, still had a cute (straight) overbite through much of his career but he got braces a few years ago and now his bite is correct. I liked the overbite better (pic shows it). ---
**Author:** ![lazurm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@lazurm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazurm)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2011, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/67 "2011-11-05T16:44:42Z")
They are sexy for a variety of reasons. By the way, I think you mean overjet, not overbite which is a term that’s usually incorrectly used. Overbites are sexy because: 1. They can make the lips more fuller, imparting thoughts of kissing, sucking, etc. All behaviors that have erotic ideas associated with them. 2. They imply a certain form of helplessness, where the person can’t hide the fact that their teeth protrude, in some cases over the lower lip even when their mouth is closed. 3. They may have been caused by thumb sucking, maybe into their adult years, which also may imply helplessness, neediness, human frailty and weakness, a need to suck. And, if they do suck their thumb, the idea that they continue, even with their teeth showing the affects, that they are dependent and childlike, which suggests innocence which may be attractive. The idea of accepting their sucking behavior may ignite creative ideas in that regard. 4. Others may think that, if you show those with severe overjet some positive regard, they will be desparate for the attention, and so will be more open to one’s advances. 5. It results in a lot of attention around their mouth, a typically erotic focus. > [@moonstarssun](#): > > If this belongs in IMHO, mods, feel free to move it. I wasn’t sure. > > Anyway, I’ve heard several guys, here and other places, remark that overbites are sexy. I’d just like to find out why. > > Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/68 "2011-11-05T16:51:46Z")
Twice reanimated! Impressive. ---
**Author:** ![papa64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/779978/32.png) [@papa64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papa64)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2015, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/69 "2015-09-25T19:14:39Z")
Holy chompers, yes sexy! Kristen Stewart, Emma Watson, Missy Peregrym, Blake Lively, Natalie Portman, Melissa Theuriau and on and on and on… ---
**Author:** ![papa64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/779978/32.png) [@papa64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papa64)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2015, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/70 "2015-09-25T19:15:39Z")
I think this now qualifies as a Zombie Thread! ---
**Author:** ![rsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2015, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/71 "2015-09-27T04:00:07Z")
I can’t believe that here on the SDMB with all its geeks, that no one has mentioned the Doctor’s companion Rose ([Billie Piper](http://go-grafix.com/data/wallpapers/6/billie-piper-523381-1920x1200-hq-dsk-wallpapers.jpg).) ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2015, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/72 "2015-09-27T10:43:26Z")
I was wondering about all the links that went nowhere, until I noticed the dates on the posts. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![GreenElf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@GreenElf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenElf)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2015, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/73 "2015-09-27T13:25:09Z")
Okay, it’s an old thread, but nobody mentioned the phrase “bucktooth and winsome”, winsome meaning pleasant and attractive. I had an overbite during my youth before I got braces with some teeth extracted, and most everyone seemed to regard me as fun and humorous. After braces, I’m regarded more in a plain brown wrapper, serious way, and people tell me to smile more and lighten up. The best I can hope for is to be regarded as a Bob Newhart, low-key comedian. Also, I don’t think anyone mentioned David Letterman’s toothy smile. A couple charismatic celebrities with moderate overbites are Tiger Woods and Mary Tyler Moore. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2015, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/74 "2015-09-27T13:42:08Z")
Don’t even get me started on women with Terry Thomas teeth! ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2015, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/75 "2015-09-27T14:49:41Z")
> [@GreenElf](#): > > I had an overbite during my youth before I got braces with some teeth extracted, and most everyone seemed to regard me as fun and humorous. After braces, I’m regarded more in a plain brown wrapper, serious way, and people tell me to smile more and lighten up. The best I can hope for is to be regarded as a Bob Newhart From a “bucktooth and winsome” young lass to looking like Bob Newhart!? There Oughta be a Law, I tells ya…! 😃 “Hi! I’m Dr. Larry… this is Dr. Darryl… and this is our other Dr. Darryl. We’re going to be taking some of your teeth out today just as soon as Nurse Betty gets back with some tools from Home Depot…” ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2015, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/76 "2015-09-27T15:12:37Z")
I knew that being gap-toothed was historically a mark of lustiness/sexuality, but this overbite thing is news to me. ---
**Author:** ![McDoogins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6a8cbe/32.png) [@McDoogins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/McDoogins)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/77 "2015-09-29T03:46:05Z")
In terms of things larger then normal on a woman’s face, I must say I’m partial to big noses. ---
**Author:** ![hermm89](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecd19e/32.png) [@hermm89](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hermm89)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2016, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/78 "2016-12-28T00:42:34Z")
> [@papa64](#): > > Holy chompers, yes sexy! > > Kristen Stewart, Emma Watson, Missy Peregrym, Blake Lively, Natalie Portman, Melissa Theuriau and on and on and on… The only one in your lista which has an overbite(or underbite? ) is Kristen Stewart. The other are alla pretty normal especially Emma Watson and Natalie Portman. Others who have an underbite are Emma Stone and Kristen Stewart ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2016, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/79 "2016-12-28T02:43:04Z")
Well, since it’s getting revived for a third time: Does Keira Knightley have an underbite or just a strong jaw? Would Anne Hathaway count as a strong overbite since her smiles usually only show her top teeth? ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2016, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132/80 "2016-12-28T06:56:43Z")
An underbite is where the lower teeth protrude further than the top teeth. Keira’s aren’t like that, although I think they sit a bit further forward than the ideal. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-overbite-sexy/356132.md?page=5)