An overbite is most often caused by genetics and a mismatched size between the upper and lower jaw. It can also be caused by harmful oral habits like thumb sucking or teeth grinding (bruxism). Orthodontic treatment, whether through traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, is the most common way to how to fix overbite. As children’s jaw bones are softer and more flexible, they often respond well to orthodontic treatment to correct an overbite.

Most overbites can be fixed with braces and clear plastic aligners like Invisalign. We recommend starting treatment early, especially for kids so their peers don’t tease them about protruding front teeth.

Orthodontics

Headaches and jaw pain are common problems associated with an overbite, as are teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), which can cause wear on the teeth and gum disease. Treating an overbite early can help prevent these issues and improve overall oral health.

Orthodontic treatments to fix an overbite include traditional or clear braces, headgear to pull the chin forward, a palate expander to widen the mouth, tooth extractions when overcrowding is a problem, and/or corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). Braces and other alignment tools apply consistent pressure to the teeth and jaw to slowly move them into their optimal position. After your overbite is corrected, you may need to wear a retainer to ensure your new bite doesn’t shift again.

Dental Implants

Overbites can cause a variety of issues including poor hygiene, speech impediments and difficulty chewing foods. The most common treatment for this condition is braces, which utilize rubber bands, springs and coils to align and straighten teeth while shifting the jawline into the correct position.

Dental implants offer another way to fix overbites in some cases, but this is usually reserved for older patients or those with more severe overbite problems. The procedure is customized to replace missing teeth and can help shift the jawline as well as create a longer face appearance.

Dental implants can also preserve bone health by providing stimulation that helps keep the jawbone healthy and strong. This can prevent osteoporosis and help with the digestion of foods. Patients with overbites can enjoy improved comfort, healthier mouths and higher self-esteem thanks to this treatment. It is important to start treatment early before the overbite causes severe problems. Untreated overbites can lead to headaches, neck stress, jaw pain, small looking chins and other cosmetic concerns.

Teeth Whitening

If you’re dealing with an overbite, it can affect your oral health and appearance. But there are solutions.

The best way to fix overbite is to consult an orthodontist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

This includes addressing genetic factors, breaking oral habits (like thumb sucking or teeth grinding) and correcting jaw problems. Depending on the severity of your overbite, you may also need to have dental implants or surgery to address the problem.

Invisalign and other clear aligners are a great way to treat a mild overbite for teens and adults. They’re comfortable, discreet and can straighten your smile over time. However, they won’t fix a severe overbite. You’ll need to combine them with other treatments like clear braces or cosmetic procedures. Try VENLAY® Restoration with JawTracTM Alignment – it’s non-surgical, has no downtime or hospitalization, preserves healthy teeth, and is far faster than conventional overbite correction methods such as surgery, braces or clear aligners.

Dentures

While dentures are a great solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring chewing function, they don’t directly address an overbite. An overbite is a vertical misalignment that occurs when your upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth more than they should.

If your overbite is mild, it may not cause any major issues with chewing or speech. However, a severe overbite can cause excessive rubbing between the teeth which can contribute to tooth wear and damage.

Overlapping teeth are also difficult to clean thoroughly, which can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. For these reasons, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly and brush and floss your teeth, as well as the gum tissue around your teeth. You should also soak your dentures overnight to prevent them from drying out and becoming misshapen.