What is an overbite and how to fix overbite teeth

An aligned smile doesn't always come naturally, and a common reason people seek Invisalign treatment is to correct their overbite. So what is an overbite, and why is overbite correction important?

Regardless of age, fixing an overbite problem can transform your confidence, and may help prevent future dental and health issues. Before explaining the treatment process to fix an overbite, let's take a look at the causes, symptoms and types of overbite cases.

What is an overbite?

An overbite is when the upper front teeth cover more of the lower front teeth than would usually be considered ‘ideal’. Dentists refer to overbite teeth as a type of malocclusion. Other types of malocclusions include underbites, crossbites and gap teeth (diastema).

Overbite causes and symptoms

Infants and children

According to the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, if a child repeatedly sucks on a finger, thumb, dummy or another object (such as a bottle) over a prolonged period, the upper front teeth may tip forward or not come in properly. Changes in tooth position and jaw alignment can also occur.

Adults

In teenagers and adults, a deeper than normal overbite would usually be the result of an underlying jaw issue or potentially missing teeth on the lower dental arch.

Why correcting an overbite is important

As well as transforming protruding teeth into a confident smile, overbite correction may prevent a range of health and dental problems, including:

damaged gums
tooth wear and tear
jaw aches and headaches

opening, chewing and biting difficulties
speech problems
sleep apnoea.

Common Overbite Cases

What is considered a normal overbite?

A normal overbite or ideal bite is when your upper incisors cover approximately ⅓ to ½ of your lower incisors. Normal front teeth overbites would not usually require treatment. However, if you're concerned about a slight overbite or protruding teeth, contact an experienced Invisalign doctor to see if you're a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.

What is a severe overbite?

A severe overbite is when the overbite is little or large enough that you experience aesthetic concerns and have overbite symptoms such as teeth wearing. These are the types of overbites that may cause future problems.

An excessive or large overbite, also called a deep bite, can be fixed using Invisalign clear aligners. Your experienced Invisalign doctor will be able to discuss treatment costs and show you how an Invisalign treatment can successfully help address adult and teen overbites.

How to fix an overbite

Available overbite treatment methods

Invisalign treatment for overbite correction?

Invisalign clear aligners can correct an overbite or deep bite by moving the teeth. Treatment time can be around 12 to 24 months, depending on your case. Find out more about the Invisalign system below.

Tooth extraction

Removing extra teeth from an overcrowded mouth enables other teeth to move into place easily, which may be required when treating severe overbites.

Braces and other orthodontic devices

Metal braces can be used for overbite correction with the treatment process usually lasting one to two years.

Overbite correction surgery

Adult skeletal overbites may require surgery to reposition the jaw bone. This treatment is not suitable for children as they are still growing.

How to fix an overbite naturally

Can you get rid of an overbite without braces? Quite simply, 'no'. If you try to naturally fix overbite teeth at home, you risk causing irreversible damage.

Can Invisalign treatment fix an overbite?

Can Invisalign treatment fix overbite teeth? Yes. Invisalign treatment has delivered millions of satisfied smiles worldwide, many of which were Invisalign treatment overbite cases.

The advantages of Invisalign treatment over braces for overbite correction

Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible and can give you all the amazing benefits of traditional braces without the look of metal brackets and wires. The cost of Invisalign treatment can be similar to braces at some practices.

With Invisalign treatment for overbite correction you could benefit from:

Effective gradual teeth movement with less pain
Freedom to easily remove your Invisalign aligners
Fewer doctor visits than traditional braces
An indication of the duration of your treatment thanks to your individually mapped digital treatment plan
Better oral health because you can remove your aligners to brush and floss
Simultaneous starting of treatment for both arches in deep bite cases.

To begin the journey towards overbite correction with Invisalign treatment, follow these three simple steps and unlock your best smile:

Take our free Smile Assessment to see if our Invisalign treatment for overbite correction is right for you.
Use our easy search tool to find a doctor near you and request an appointment with our Invisalign Smile Concierge team.
Start the Invisalign treatment process with the world's most advanced clear aligners.

We look forward to hearing about your journey and seeing your successful results!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Invisalign^® treatment is a series of clear plastic removable orthodontic aligners that gently move patients’ teeth.

Your orthodontist or Invisalign trained dentist will be able to advise whether Invisalign treatment is right for you. You should always read and follow their directions for use. In rare cases, allergies may occur. Results may vary.