How Do You Fix an Overbite?

An overbite causes your top teeth to extend past your bottom teeth, typically by over three millimeters. You can fix an overbite with clear aligners, such as Invisalign, or braces. A severe overbite, which might cause trouble breathing, chewing, or speaking, might require surgery. Read on to learn about types of bite problems, how to correct an overbite, and more.

What Is an Overbite?

An overbite is a type of malocclusion, meaning your teeth do not align correctly. Your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth to a greater extent than what's considered common. Most orthodontists consider a normal overbite to be a gap greater than three millimeters.

Some people have severe overbites that cause trouble breathing, chewing, and speaking. An overbite can be so deep that it impinges on the gum tissue on the opposite arch. As a result, you might have gum recession and bone loss.

Large overbites also commonly cause aesthetic concerns. Many people might not like the way their overbite looks. For example, a deep overbite might cause your front teeth to stick out, causing a gummy smile.

People often confuse an overbite with an overjet, which is a horizontal overlap. An overbite does not refer to how far your front teeth stick out compared to your bottom teeth. Instead, an overbite—also known as a "deep bite"—is the amount of vertical overlap.

Types of Overbites

An overbite is one of several types of malocclusion. Other orthodontic issues—such as crowding (too close together) and spacing (too far apart)—may occur with an overbite or other bite issue.

Types of bite problems, in addition to overbite, include:

• Crossbite: The back top teeth sit inside the back lower teeth, or at least one front top tooth sits inside a lower top tooth.
• Open bite: The back teeth meet, but the front teeth do not, or vice versa.
• Overjet: There's an excessive horizontal overlap of the top teeth over the bottom teeth. Keep in mind that overjet is technically not an overbite but may occur with one.
• Underbite: All lower teeth sit in front of the top teeth, shifting the lower jaw forward. An underbite is a type of overjet that may occur with an overbite.

What Is an Overbite Correction?

An overbite correction fixes an overbite. Overbite correction methods include traditional braces, clear aligners, bite plates, or, in severe cases, surgery. Those treatments fix an overbite while restoring your natural chewing patterns and enhancing your appearance.

Overbite Correction Costs

The cost of an overbite correction will vary depending on the type of correction, the orthodontist you go to, and whether your dental insurance covers any of the cost. Clear aligners typically cost around $2,000. Orthodontist-supervised clear aligners, like Invisalign, might cost up to $6,000.

Traditional braces may cost you anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000. The cost usually depends on the length of treatment and other factors.

How To Fix an Overbite

The goal of an overbite correction is the same, no matter what option you choose: to reduce the vertical overlap between your top and bottom teeth. Many people want their overbite corrected for aesthetic reasons.

A natural bite can enhance your jawline and overall appearance and make it more comfortable to smile and speak. Correcting an overbite may improve chewing patterns and relieve jaw pain and headaches related to an improper bite.

Bite Plates

A bite plate is a removable appliance that helps prevent your bite from deepening. A dentist might instruct you only to remove the bite plate while brushing your teeth, eating, or playing sports during treatment.

Your lower front teeth will bite into the front of the device, which keeps your lower back teeth from touching. Your back teeth will shift vertically until they eventually are aligned.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can treat mild cases of overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, gapped teeth, and crowded teeth. Most clear aligners can fix minor cases of overbite in as few as six months.

You can order clear aligners through the mail. Still, it's always a good idea to consult an orthodontist about your overbite concerns. An orthodontist can approve a mail-order clear aligner or suggest Invisalign or traditional braces.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces provide relatively quick results for cases that are not quite minor but not severe. Ask an orthodontist about clear or tooth-colored brackets, which is the closest option to clear aligners, to minimize the appearance of metal braces.

Surgery

Severe overbites, usually caused by skeletal misalignments, might require surgery. Surgery involves setting your jaw into proper alignment so that your teeth do not excessively overlap. A dentist will usually recommend other orthodontic treatments along with surgery.

Severe overbites may cause gum pain and damage if untreated. Your upper teeth may bite into your lower gums. The constant pressure of your upper teeth in your gums might recede them. Your lower teeth may also bite into the roof of your mouth, causing pain. Your gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth decay risk increases if your overbite makes it hard to brush and floss your teeth properly.

A Quick Review

Talk to an orthodontist about what treatment may work best for you if you want to correct a mild overbite for cosmetic reasons. Clear aligners and braces are available options that help align your teeth properly.

In contrast, people with severe overbites, which cause problems breathing, chewing, and talking, might need surgery. A severe overbite might cause other dental issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, if untreated.

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