If you’ve been told you have an overbite or you’re worried about how your teeth fit together, you’re not alone. Overbites are one of the most common dental disorders, and thankfully, they’re highly treatable. Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, understanding how braces fix overbite problems (and what alternatives are available) is the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Let’s break down how orthodontic braces help correct a dental overbite, explore alternative treatment options like clear aligners and jaw surgery, and answer common questions about the process, including how long it really takes.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap too far over the lower teeth. A small vertical overbite is normal, but a deep overbite can cause issues with oral health.
Common causes of overbite include:
Genetics and inherited jaw structure
Thumb sucking or chewing fingernails in early childhood
Tooth loss and losing teeth without replacement
Jaw misalignment from injury or poor oral habits
Overbite vs. Overjet: What’s the Difference?
Overbite: The top teeth overlap the bottom teeth vertically.
Overjet: The upper teeth protrude past the lower teeth horizontally.
Both can affect the appearance of the bite and how the teeth function together. Click on the link provided here to learn more about the difference between Overbite and Overjet.
Why Overbites Should Be Treated Early
Treating an overbite early helps avoid bigger issues like:
Tooth wear and early tooth decay
Gum disease and receding gums
Jaw pain, jaw grinding, and TMJ disorder
Facial changes that affect confidence
Problems with speech and chewing
Without early overbite treatment, kids might develop jaw problems, crooked teeth, and even joint pain where the jaw muscles attach to the skull bone.
How Braces Fix an Overbite: Step-by-Step
How do braces fix an overbite? It’s a process that carefully moves the teeth and guides the jaws into the correct position.
Here’s a simple table explaining how braces fix overbites step-by-step:
Stage of Treatment | What Happens |
|---|---|
Bracket and wire placement | Dental braces are attached to the upper and lower teeth. |
Teeth movement phase | Braces start to align crooked teeth and crowded teeth. |
Bite correction with elastics | Elastics connect the upper jaw and lower jaw to fix the teeth overlap. |
Fine-tuning | Adjustments are made to make sure teeth forward movement is corrected. |
Retainer phase | After braces, a permanent wire or retainer holds the bite in place. |
This step-by-step approach helps align the upper and lower arches properly, allowing the jaw muscles and teeth properly function together again.
Do Braces Also Fix Jaw Alignment Problems?
Braces can fix many overbite problems caused by teeth protrude or minor jaw imbalance. However, sometimes a skeletal overbite caused by malformed jaws needs more than just braces.
When needed, corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) can fix severe jaw misalignments between the upper and lower jaw.
In general:
Mild to moderate overbites: Braces combined with elastics can work.
Severe skeletal overbite: Oral surgery is sometimes required.
If elastics aren’t enough, braces fix overbites by being combined with tooth extractions or orthognathic surgery to fully correct the jaw position.
Alternative Treatments for Overbite Correction
Not every case needs braces! Some treatment options include:
Invisalign treatment: Great for mild to moderate overbites where the upper teeth protrude slightly.
Palatal expanders: Help widen the upper jaw in growing children.
Functional appliances: Guide jaw growth and reduce buck teeth appearance early.
Jaw surgery: For adults with complex cases needing complete jaw joint realignment.
Each approach depends on whether the problem is more about the upper front teeth, the lower jaw, or the whole joint and skull bone.
How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite With Braces?
The average time to fix an overbite with braces is:
Mild cases: 12–18 months
Moderate overbites: 18–24 months
Severe overbite: 24–30 months
Factors that affect treatment time:
Age (younger patients move faster)
Severity of the dental or skeletal overbite
How closely the patient follows care instructions like wearing braces properly
Following your orthodontist’s instructions helps overbite correction move along faster.
Living With Braces During Overbite Treatment
Life with braces during overbite treatment includes:
Eating softer foods and avoiding sticky snacks
Practicing careful brushing teeth and flossing
Wearing elastics exactly as instructed
Managing occasional soreness after adjustments
Adjusting to braces can feel strange at first, but most patients at Impact Orthodontics get used to it quickly. Paying attention to your oral health during this time helps prevent tooth decay or sinus infections linked to poor cleaning.
How to Keep Your Results After Braces
After your braces are removed, maintaining your results is essential:
Wear your retainer full-time at first, then transition to nighttime wear
Choose the right retainer (clear removable or permanent wire) with your orthodontist’s help
Continue regular dental visits to catch any issues early
Retainers help prevent the teeth’s forward movement from returning, keeping your smile aligned for life. So book a patient consultation today at Impact Orthodontics!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign fix an overbite without braces?
Yes, Invisalign treatment can fix mild to moderate overbites by moving the upper and lower teeth gradually.
Is surgery always necessary for overbites?
No. Only cases with a severe skeletal overbite or major jaw misalignment typically need corrective jaw surgery.
What’s the best age to fix an overbite?
Usually between ages 7 and 14 when the upper jaw and lower jaw are still developing.
Will fixing an overbite change my face shape?
Yes. Correcting the top teeth and bottom teeth relationship can improve jawline appearance and even fix related jaw pain or jaw imbalance issues.
