Overbite Treatment Options: What Really Works

If you’ve been told or suspect you have an overbite, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common dental conditions seen at orthodontic practices like ours across the UK. The good news? Not every overbite needs treatment, and when it does, you’ve got more options than ever before.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about effective treatment options, from the traditional metal braces you might remember from school to the virtually invisible alternatives that are transforming smiles today.

Defining the overbite problem

So what exactly is an overbite? In simple terms, an overbite occurs when your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth more than they should. You might also hear it being called a deep bite or Class II malocclusion in dental circles.

Now, before you panic, here’s some reassuring news: a slight overlap is actually completely normal. In fact, a normal overbite of about 2−4mm is considered healthy and necessary for proper chewing and speaking. It’s when things go beyond this that we start talking about treatment.

When does an overbite become a problem?

A deep overbite measures between 4−6mm or more of overlap, while a severe overbite is when the upper teeth completely cover the lower teeth or the overlap exceeds 9mm. At this point, the bite issue isn’t just about appearance anymore.

It’s worth noting that overbite is different from what’s called horizontal overbite, or overjet. That’s when your upper teeth protrude forward (sometimes called “buck teeth”). Both can happen together, but they’re technically different issues.

So while a certain amount of overlap between your upper teeth and lower teeth is normal, when the teeth overlap excessively, overbite treatment becomes important for both your oral health and overall wellbeing.

Understanding overbites: Causes and consequences

You might be wondering how you developed an overbite in the first place. The answer usually lies in one of two places: your genes or your childhood habits.

What causes an overbite?

Genetics plays a huge role. If your parents have a particular jaw size or shape, there’s a good chance you’ve inherited similar characteristics. But environmental factors matter too, especially during childhood.

Prolonged dummy use, thumb-sucking, or tongue-thrusting can all cause an overbite to develop. These habits put pressure on developing teeth and jaws, gradually pushing the upper front teeth forward or preventing the lower jaw from growing properly.

Types of overbites

Not all overbites are created equal. Some stem from tooth alignment issues (called a dental overbite), while others result from the actual positioning of your jaws (a skeletal overbite). Understanding which type of overbite you have is crucial because it determines what treatment plan will work best.

Why fixing an overbite matters

Many people first consider treatment because they’re unhappy with how their smile looks, which is completely valid. But an untreated overbite can lead to some serious problems beyond aesthetics, including:

• Jaw pain and TMJ disorders: The misalignment puts extra strain on your jaw joints, potentially causing chronic pain and clicking.
• Increased tooth wear: Your overbite teeth grind against each other unnaturally, wearing down enamel and leading to sensitivity or decay.
• Chewing and speech difficulties: A deep overbite can make it harder to bite and chew food properly, and may even affect how you speak.
• Gum damage: In severe cases, the lower teeth can bite into the roof of your mouth, damaging soft tissue.

The problems caused by an overbite aren’t just cosmetic. The severity of your overbite case will determine whether you need treatment, but ignoring a significant overbite can cause lasting damage to your oral health.

How orthodontists assess your overbite and plan treatment

Your orthodontic treatment journey starts with a thorough professional assessment. An orthodontist will examine whether your issue is purely about tooth positioning (dental overbite) or involves the jaw structure itself (skeletal overbite). This distinction is crucial because it shapes your entire treatment plan and determines the best treatment approach for your specific situation.

Age matters too. In children, we can take advantage of their growing jaws to guide development with less invasive methods. But that doesn’t mean you should worry if you’re an adult with an overbite. Modern orthodontics offers excellent solutions for overbite in adults, though treatment may take a bit longer.

Non-surgical correction: Braces and clear aligners

The encouraging news is that most overbites can be corrected without surgery, using tried-and-tested orthodontic methods that have been perfected over decades.

Fixed braces: The trusted method

Traditional “train track” braces remain one of the most effective ways to fix an overbite, particularly for moderate to severe overbites. They give your orthodontist precise control over tooth movement, gradually shifting your teeth into their ideal positions.

Types of braces available in the UK

You’ve got several options when it comes to choosing your brace:

1. Metal braces: The traditional option with metal brackets and wires. They’re highly visible but incredibly effective for even the most complex cases.
2. Ceramic braces: These work exactly like metal braces but use tooth-coloured brackets, making them far more discreet.
3. Lingual braces: They’re completely hidden because they’re bonded to the inner surface of your teeth rather than the front.

Braces alone can often correct dental overbites effectively. Your orthodontist might also use elastics (rubber bands) to apply targeted force and help with overbite correction. These clever little additions move the teeth by pulling the upper and lower jaws into better alignment.

What to expect with braces

Treatment typically takes 18 months to three years, depending on the severity of the overbite. However, you’ll see progress throughout your journey. Many patients find that looking at before and after photos keeps them motivated during treatment.

The process of correcting overbite with fixed braces is gradual but remarkably effective. Your orthodontist adjusts the wires periodically to correct the overbite and guide your teeth forward or back into their proper positions.

Clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign)

If you’re after something more discreet, clear aligners have transformed how we approach overbite treatment. Overbite Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Absolutely. Clear aligners are highly effective for mild to moderate cases of overbite. They work by applying targeted pressure through clear plastic trays, which you’ll typically change every week or two.

The big advantage? They’re virtually invisible, removable for eating and special occasions, and often more comfortable than traditional braces. But they do require commitment, as you’ll need to wear them 20 to 22 hours daily to see results.

When weighing up braces or Invisalign as your treatment for overbite, consider your lifestyle and the severity of your case. Invisalign treatment time may actually be quicker than fixed braces in some situations, particularly when the issue is primarily about teeth position rather than jaw alignment.

These aligners work on both your upper and lower teeth simultaneously, using strategic pressure points to bring your top teeth and lower front teeth into better harmony. The beauty is that most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

Advanced orthodontic and skeletal interventions

Unfortunately, not every overbite can be fixed with braces or aligners alone. Some cases require a bit more intervention, especially when the jaw structure itself is the main issue.

Growth guidance and appliances

For children and adolescents, we can take advantage of their still-developing jaws. Functional appliances work to encourage the lower jaw to grow forward, correcting skeletal imbalances before they become permanent.

These might include devices like the Herbst appliance, Twin Block Braces (which use separate upper and lower plates to realign the jaw), or modern solutions like Invisalign with mandibular advancement features.

In crowded cases of overbite, your orthodontist might recommend tooth extraction to create the space needed to move the teeth into the correct position. This is more common than you might think and can actually speed up treatment.

This approach to orthodontic bite correction is how to fix an overbite without surgery in many cases where the overbite is primarily skeletal. Early intervention is key, which is why we always recommend assessing children around the age of seven or eight.

Jaw surgery: Correcting severe skeletal discrepancies

For the most severe skeletal overbites, particularly in adults whose jaws have finished growing, orthognathic surgery may be the most effective option.

This procedure involves surgically repositioning the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both jaws to correct the skeletal mismatch. It sounds dramatic, but overbite correction surgery has transformed countless lives, addressing severe overbites that couldn’t be managed with braces alone.

What does jaw surgery involve?

Jaw surgery is always performed as a combination of braces and jaw surgery. You’ll typically wear fixed braces for 12 to 18 months before the operation to align your teeth, then continue for another six to nine months afterwards.

Recovery typically requires two to four weeks off work or school. While that might sound daunting, patients consistently report that the life-changing results are worth the temporary inconvenience.

These severe cases demonstrate why proper assessment matters. The cases of severe overbite that need surgical intervention are relatively rare, but when they’re needed to correct an overbite, they’re incredibly effective.

Post-treatment care: Maintaining your perfect bite

You’ve invested time and effort into treatment, so you’ll want to make sure those results last. Once your active treatment of overbite is complete, retainers become your new best friend.

Retainers (either fixed bonded wires or removable clear trays) hold your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from drifting back. Think of them as insurance for your beautiful new smile.

You might only need to wear braces during the active phase, but retainers are typically forever. However, after the initial full-time wear period, most people only need to use removable retainers at night.

Following your orthodontist’s instructions about retainer wear is crucial. Your overbite teeth want to return to their old positions, and only consistent retainer use will maintain what’s now considered a normal, healthy bite.

We can help you find the right solution 

Every overbite is unique, which is why effective overbite treatment depends on a personalised approach. The severity of the overbite, your age, your lifestyle and your treatment goals all factor into creating the perfect plan.

Whether you need simple alignment with clear aligners or more advanced intervention to fix overbite issues, there are treatment options available that can transform your smile and your oral health.

Ready to learn more about what you need to know about overbite correction? Book a free consultation with us at Hampstead Orthodontic Practice today. We’ll assess your specific situation, explain your options clearly and help you choose the approach that’s right for you.

FAQs

What is considered a normal overbite? 

A normal overbite is 2−4mm of overlap between upper and lower front teeth. Anything beyond 4mm may require treatment.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite? 

Yes, Invisalign effectively treats mild to moderate overbites using removable clear aligners worn 20−22 hours daily.

How long does overbite treatment with braces take? 

Treatment typically takes 18 months to three years, depending on the severity of your overbite and the type of braces used.

When is jaw surgery necessary for overbite correction? 

Orthognathic surgery is needed for severe skeletal overbites where the jaw structure (not just teeth) is misaligned, usually combined with braces.

How can I fix an overbite without surgery in the UK? 

Most overbites can be corrected non-surgically using metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign.