🦷 How to Fix an Overbite: Simple Ways to Improve Your Smile

🕓 Last updated on November 9, 2026

If your upper teeth cover too much of your lower teeth, you may be wondering how to fix an overbite without wasting time or money on the wrong treatment. 

The good news is that many overbites can be corrected. Braces and clear aligners can move teeth into better positions, while some cases need special appliances or jaw surgery. 

The right treatment depends on whether your overbite comes mainly from tooth position, jaw development, or both. 

An orthodontist can examine your bite and recommend the safest approach for your specific situation.

What Is an Overbite?

An overbite is the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over your lower front teeth when you close your mouth.

A small amount of overlap is normal. The concern is an excessive overbite, sometimes called a deep bite, where the upper teeth cover an unusually large portion of the lower teeth.

A deep bite can sometimes affect more than appearance. Depending on its severity, it may contribute to tooth wear, gum problems, difficulty chewing, or irritation inside the mouth.

It’s also easy to confuse an overbite with an overjet.

An overbite describes how much the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth vertically. An overjet describes how far the upper front teeth sit forward compared with the lower front teeth.

You can have one, the other, or both.

What Causes an Overbite?

There isn’t always one single cause.

An overbite can be related to genetics, the way the teeth developed, jaw growth, oral habits, or tooth loss. In some people, the teeth themselves are the main issue. In others, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws plays a bigger role.

Common factors include:

• Genetics and family traits
• Differences in jaw growth
• Crowded or incorrectly positioned teeth
• Certain childhood oral habits
• Tooth loss that changes the way nearby teeth move
• A combination of tooth and jaw problems

This is why two people with similar-looking overbites may receive completely different treatment plans.

How to Fix an Overbite

The most suitable treatment depends on the cause and severity of the overbite. Common options include braces, clear aligners, elastics, functional appliances, and, in more severe jaw-related cases, corrective jaw surgery.

Braces

Braces are one of the most common ways to correct an overbite.

Fixed braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled forces to the teeth. Over time, these forces move the teeth into better positions and can improve the way the upper and lower teeth meet. Braces may also be combined with elastics or other appliances when additional bite correction is needed.

Braces can be useful when the bite problem is more complex because the orthodontist can carefully control tooth movement throughout treatment.

Treatment length varies. Many orthodontic treatments take around 18 months to two years, although the exact time depends on the person’s teeth and bite.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are removable trays designed to gradually move teeth.

They can be a useful option for selected overbite cases. However, they aren’t automatically suitable for every deep bite. The orthodontist must determine whether the required tooth movements can be achieved predictably with aligners. Current orthodontic guidance also notes that deep-bite correction with aligners can present specific treatment challenges.

One advantage is that aligners can be removed when you eat and brush your teeth.

If you’re considering aligners, don’t choose them simply because they’re less noticeable. The important question is whether they’re appropriate for your particular bite.

Elastics

Orthodontic elastics can sometimes be used alongside braces or other appliances.

They provide additional force between the upper and lower teeth and can help guide the bite into a better relationship.

Your orthodontist will tell you where to attach the elastics and how often to wear them. Don’t change the placement or wear time yourself. Orthodontic forces need to be controlled to move teeth safely.

Functional Appliances

Some growing patients have an overbite or related bite problem because the lower jaw is positioned farther back compared with the upper jaw.

In certain cases, an orthodontist may recommend a functional appliance. These appliances are designed to influence the position and relationship of the jaws while a child or teenager is still growing.

For example, NHS patient guidance describes functional braces as removable appliances that can help improve the bite when the lower jaw is smaller or positioned behind the upper jaw.

The exact appliance depends on the patient’s age, growth, and bite.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

A small number of people have an overbite that is strongly related to the position or size of the jaws.

In severe cases, orthodontics alone may not fully correct the problem. Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, may then be considered.

This treatment changes the position of the jaw bones. It is usually planned together by an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with orthodontic treatment often taking place before and after surgery.

Surgery isn’t the normal first choice for a simple overbite. It is generally considered when the underlying jaw relationship requires more than tooth movement alone.

Can You Fix an Overbite at Home?

No reliable home method can safely straighten an established overbite.

You may see online advice suggesting that pushing on your teeth, changing your tongue position, using homemade devices, or doing special exercises can correct an overbite. These methods shouldn’t replace an orthodontic assessment.

Your teeth are supported by bone and soft tissues. Moving them requires controlled forces and careful planning.

Trying to force teeth into a new position could cause unwanted movement or damage.

If you want a treatment that doesn’t use traditional braces, ask an orthodontist whether clear aligners or another professionally supervised option could work for you.

Can an Overbite Be Fixed Without Braces?

Yes, some overbites can be treated without traditional metal braces.

Clear aligners are one possible alternative for suitable cases. Depending on the patient’s age and the cause of the bite problem, an orthodontist may also recommend other appliances.

However, “without braces” doesn’t mean “without orthodontic treatment.”

The best option depends on what needs to move and whether the problem comes from the teeth, jaws, or both. Clear aligners can treat some deep bites, but their effectiveness depends heavily on case selection and treatment design.

Can Adults Fix an Overbite?

Yes. Adults can have overbites corrected.

Orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to children and teenagers. Adults may be treated with braces or clear aligners, while some severe jaw-related cases may require surgical treatment.

Age does matter in one important way: adult jaw bones are no longer growing in the same way as a child’s developing jaws.

That can affect which treatments are possible, especially when the problem is mainly skeletal rather than dental.

Before treatment, your orthodontist may also check your teeth and gums. Good oral health is important before and during orthodontic treatment.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite?

There is no single treatment time for every overbite.

A mild case caused mainly by tooth position may take less time than a complex bite involving significant tooth movement or jaw problems.

For fixed braces, treatment commonly takes around 18 months to two years, although some cases take less time and others take longer.

Your treatment can also take longer if you miss appointments, don’t follow instructions, damage your appliance, or don’t wear removable appliances as directed.

The best estimate comes after an orthodontist examines your bite.

Does an Overbite Need to Be Fixed?

Not every overbite automatically requires treatment.

A dentist or orthodontist considers factors such as the amount of overlap, tooth wear, gum or palate irritation, chewing problems, and the overall relationship between your teeth and jaws.

A significant deep bite can sometimes cause tooth wear or damage to the gums or palate. The American Association of Orthodontists also notes that untreated deep bites may be associated with problems such as premature tooth wear and chewing difficulties.

That doesn’t mean every person with an overbite will develop these problems.

An examination is the best way to find out whether your particular bite needs treatment.

What Happens at an Overbite Appointment?

Your first orthodontic appointment is mainly about understanding the problem.

The orthodontist may:

• Examine your upper and lower teeth
• Check how your teeth meet when you bite
• Look at your jaw relationship
• Take photographs
• Take X-rays when needed
• Use digital scans or dental impressions
• Ask about your dental history
• Discuss your treatment goals

NHS guidance explains that orthodontic assessments may include an examination of the teeth and jaws along with X-rays, photographs, or scans.

This information helps the orthodontist decide whether your overbite is mainly dental, skeletal, or a combination of both.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners for an Overbite

Both options can move teeth, but they’re not equally suitable for every case.

Treatment	Main approach	Best determined by
Braces	Fixed brackets and wires gradually move teeth	Complexity of the bite and required tooth movement
Clear aligners	Removable trays gradually move teeth	Whether the planned movements are suitable for aligners
Elastics	Add controlled force between upper and lower teeth	The specific bite relationship
Functional appliances	Help address certain developing jaw relationships	Age, growth, and jaw position
Jaw surgery	Changes the position of the jaw bones	Severe skeletal problems

Clear aligners can be useful for selected deep-bite cases, while braces remain a widely used option for orthodontic treatment. More complex cases may need additional appliances or treatment approaches.

How to Choose the Right Treatment

Don’t choose treatment based only on appearance or advertisements.

Start with the diagnosis.

A good treatment plan should consider:

The cause: Is the problem mainly the teeth, the jaws, or both?

The severity: How much do the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth?

Your age and growth: Treatment can differ between a growing child, teenager, and adult.

Your oral health: Teeth and gums should be healthy enough for orthodontic movement.

Your goals: You may care most about appearance, comfort, chewing, or a combination of these.

Your ability to follow the plan: Removable appliances require you to use them as instructed.

This approach helps you understand why a particular treatment is being recommended instead of simply choosing the most popular option.

What Happens After Overbite Treatment?

Finishing active treatment doesn’t mean your teeth can never move again.

Teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment, which is why retainers are commonly used afterward. NHS guidance states that a retainer helps prevent teeth from moving back toward their original positions and that your orthodontist will advise you how long to wear it.

Your orthodontist may recommend a removable retainer, a fixed retainer, or both, depending on your situation.

Following the retention plan is an important part of protecting the result.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re trying to correct an overbite, avoid these common mistakes:

Trying DIY tooth movement: Don’t push or pull your teeth with your fingers or homemade tools.

Buying unsupervised orthodontic devices: A device that doesn’t match your bite can create unwanted tooth movement.

Choosing aligners without a proper assessment: Clear trays aren’t automatically suitable for every overbite.

Ignoring tooth or gum problems: Existing dental problems should be addressed before or during orthodontic treatment.

Stopping treatment early: Teeth may not reach the planned positions if treatment is interrupted.

Forgetting retainers: Teeth can move after treatment, so retention matters.

More Searched Questions About Fixing an Overbite

How much overbite is normal?

A normal overbite is about 2 to 4 mm of vertical overlap, with the upper front teeth covering about 30 percent of the lower front teeth. An overlap of 5 mm or more, or coverage of more than 50 percent of the lower front teeth, is usually called a deep bite. The related measurement is overjet, the horizontal distance: a normal overjet is about 2 to 3 mm, while an overjet over 8 to 10 mm is severe. Sources differ slightly, with some giving 1 to 3 mm as the normal overbite range, so treat these numbers as a guide, not a diagnosis. Only an orthodontist can measure your bite accurately, because the numbers are judged together with tooth position, jaw relationship, tooth wear, and whether you have any symptoms.

How much does it cost to fix an overbite?

In the United States, metal braces usually cost about 3,000 to 7,000 dollars, ceramic braces about 4,000 to 8,000 dollars, and lingual braces about 8,000 to 13,000 dollars. Clear aligners usually cost about 3,500 to 8,000 dollars, with shorter plans such as Invisalign Lite around 3,000 to 4,500 dollars and Express around 1,800 to 3,500 dollars. A first phase of treatment with a functional appliance usually costs about 2,000 to 4,000 dollars, a palatal expander about 1,000 to 3,000 dollars for a child and up to 6,000 dollars for an adult, and retainers about 100 to 700 dollars per arch. A full jaw surgery plan usually costs about 20,000 to 60,000 dollars. Every figure varies by case, location, and provider, so ask each office for a written estimate before you decide, and ask what is included in the quoted price.

Does dental insurance cover overbite treatment?

Many dental insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatment, often around 50 percent of the cost up to a lifetime maximum, commonly 1,000 to 2,500 dollars. Many plans cover children under 18 only, so adults often pay out of pocket, and waiting periods of 12 to 24 months are common before orthodontic benefits start. Coverage is more likely when treatment is medically necessary, for example when the overbite causes chewing, speech, or breathing problems, while straightening teeth that work fine is often classed as elective. Jaw surgery is different: it is often covered by medical insurance, not dental insurance, when functional impairment is documented. Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts can usually be used for orthodontic treatment, and most orthodontic offices offer payment plans. Check your specific plan and ask the orthodontist’s office to verify your benefits before treatment starts.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Yes, Invisalign and other clear aligners can fix many overbites, and they work best for mild to moderate overbites caused mainly by tooth position. Deep bites are harder for aligners: one published study found aligners achieved about 33 percent of the planned overbite correction after the first set of trays, about 1.15 mm of improvement, and a 2025 review of 18 studies found a similar range of 33 to 49 percent of the planned correction, with the bite opening 0.4 to 3.8 mm. That is why refinement sets are common, and why attachments, elastics, and bite ramps are often added to the plan. Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to work as planned. A severe overbite, or one caused mainly by jaw position, may need braces or a combined plan instead. Only an in-person examination with X-rays can tell whether aligners will work for your bite, so see an orthodontist for a personal plan.

How long does it take to fix an overbite with braces or aligners?

It depends on severity. With braces, a mild overbite usually takes about 6 to 12 months, a moderate overbite about 12 to 24 months, and a severe overbite about 24 to 36 months or more. With clear aligners, a mild case usually takes about 6 to 9 months, a moderate case about 9 to 15 months, and a complex moderate case about 15 to 18 months. Most patients notice visible changes in tooth alignment within the first few months, but bite correction takes longer, usually 6 to 12 months or more into treatment. Treatment can take longer if you miss appointments, break an appliance, or do not wear aligners or elastics as directed. Cases that need jaw surgery take longer overall, usually 18 to 36 months from start to finish. Your orthodontist can give you the best estimate after examining your bite.

When should a child get an overbite checked?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. An evaluation at that age does not mean treatment starts at 7; many children are simply monitored until the timing is right. Early treatment, usually ages 7 to 9, is most helpful when the overjet is over 6 mm, because children with a large overjet have a 2 to 3 times greater risk of injuring their front teeth, or when there is teasing, speech difficulty, trouble closing the lips, or a habit such as thumb sucking that needs early help. The main treatment phase usually happens later, around ages 11 to 14. Functional appliances that guide jaw growth work best around ages 10 to 13, and palatal expanders work best around ages 7 to 12, while the jaw is still growing. Many children do just as well when treated in adolescence, so see an orthodontist for a personal plan for your child.

When is jaw surgery needed for an overbite?

Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is needed when the overbite comes mainly from the position or size of the jaws, not from tooth position, and braces alone cannot fully correct it. Typical signs are an overlap of around 9 mm or more, an overjet over 8 to 10 mm, lower teeth biting into the roof of the mouth, or chewing, speech, or breathing problems caused by the jaw position. Surgery is only done after jaw growth is complete, usually around age 16 for females and around age 18 for males. It is a three-phase plan: orthodontic treatment for 6 to 18 months before surgery to line the teeth up for the new jaw position, the surgery itself, and then orthodontic treatment for 6 to 12 months after surgery to fine-tune the bite. The whole plan usually takes 18 to 36 months. The decision is made jointly by an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, so see both specialists for a personal plan.

What is jaw surgery recovery like?

Single jaw surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours and double jaw surgery 4 to 6 hours, under general anesthesia. The surgery is done from inside the mouth, so there are no facial scars, and most patients stay in the hospital overnight. Swelling peaks around days 3 to 5, and a liquid diet is needed for the first week, followed by soft foods through about week 6. Most patients miss 1 to 2 weeks of work or school, return to light activities in weeks 2 to 6, and are back to a full diet by about 8 to 12 weeks. Bone healing takes longer, about 6 to 12 months. Numbness in the lips, cheeks, or chin is common and usually resolves over months. The small plates and screws used to hold the jaw in its new position usually stay in place permanently. Recovery varies by person and procedure, so follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly.

How long do you wear a retainer after overbite treatment?

After braces or aligners come off, most patients wear a retainer full time, about 20 to 22 hours a day, taking it out only to eat, drink, and clean their teeth, for the first 3 to 6 months. Some cases need full-time wear for up to 6 to 12 months. After that, most patients switch to nighttime wear indefinitely. Many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer at night for life, or at least a few nights a week long term, because teeth can shift throughout life. Teeth can start drifting back within days to weeks without a retainer, and the first year after treatment is when they are most likely to shift. A retainer only holds teeth in place; it does not actively correct an overbite that has already relapsed, so if your retainer feels tight or no longer fits, contact your orthodontist right away instead of forcing it. Your orthodontist will give you a personal retainer schedule based on your case.

Can mewing or tongue exercises fix an overbite?

No. For adults, there is no high-quality evidence that mewing, keeping the tongue pressed to the roof of the mouth, changes facial bone structure or corrects an overbite, and the American Association of Orthodontists has stated that mewing is not a substitute for orthodontic treatment. Jaw exercises may help jaw joint symptoms in some cases, but they do not move teeth or reposition jaws. Myofunctional therapy, a guided program of tongue and facial muscle exercises, can support healthy development and complement orthodontic treatment, especially in growing children, but it does not move teeth on its own. Breaking childhood habits such as thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can help prevent or limit an overbite in a growing child, but it does not reverse an overbite that has already formed. Long-term growth studies found that only about 5 percent of untreated patients improve meaningfully on their own, about 15 percent get worse, and about 80 percent show no significant change. Aggressive do-it-yourself jaw routines can make jaw pain worse, so see an orthodontist for a personal plan.

FAQs About Overbite

How to fix overbite naturally

Natural methods such as changing tongue posture or doing jaw exercises generally cannot move teeth or correct a significant overbite. An orthodontist can recommend safe treatment based on the cause and severity.

How to fix overbite without braces

Some overbites can be treated without traditional braces using clear aligners or other orthodontic options. The right choice depends on your teeth, jaw position, age, and the severity of the overbite.

How to fix overbite adults

Adults can treat an overbite with options such as clear aligners, braces, or, in severe jaw-related cases, corrective jaw surgery. An orthodontic evaluation helps determine the appropriate treatment.

How to fix overbite at home

There is no reliable home method for permanently correcting an overbite. Avoid trying to force your teeth or jaw into a new position, as this can cause pain or dental damage.

Overbite before and after

Overbite before-and-after results can show how orthodontic treatment changes tooth alignment and bite position. Results vary depending on the severity and treatment method.

Overbite vs normal

A normal bite has the upper front teeth slightly overlapping the lower front teeth. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than expected.

Severe overbite

A severe overbite involves substantial vertical or horizontal overlap of the upper and lower front teeth and may affect chewing, speech, or jaw comfort. An orthodontist can assess its severity and treatment options.

What causes overbite

Overbite can result from genetics, jaw development, tooth position, childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking, or a combination of these factors.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for how to fix an overbite, the key is to treat the cause rather than trying a quick home remedy. Braces, clear aligners, elastics, and other orthodontic appliances can correct many cases. More serious jaw-related problems may require a combination of orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery.

The most useful next step is a professional orthodontic evaluation. Once your teeth and jaw relationship are examined, you’ll have a much clearer idea of whether you need treatment, which options may suit you, and how long the process could take.