Can Braces Fix an Overbite?

An overbite is a common dental issue among children, teens, and adults where the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth. While a slight overbite is normal and generally no cause for concern, a noticeable overbite can lead to aesthetic issues and potential oral health complications. The best way to find out if your overbite needs to be addressed is to have an assessment with a specialist orthodontist.

Orthodontic treatment for correcting an overbite is typically achieved through the use of braces and clear aligners; however, depending on the severity of the overbite or the patient's age, other methods, such as surgery, may be used in conjunction with braces in adult patients.

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than 2 to 4 millimetres. An overbite is more than just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to functional problems such as poor chewing, gum recession, and loss of tooth structure from excessive wear.

A range of factors can cause overbites, the most common being the size and shape of the jaw or teeth. When there is too much or too little room in the jaw to accommodate teeth, the jaw can move out of alignment in an attempt to counteract the issue.

An overbite can also be caused by:

• Genetics

• Crooked teeth

• Clenching

Can braces fix an overbite?

In most cases, braces alone are effective in correcting overbite problems; however, additional treatment, such as surgery, may be necessary for more severe skeletal overbites and jaw problems. Surgery is more likely for adults than children and teens with an overbite. Children and teens still have growing jaws and teeth, which braces alone can easily manipulate to correct an overbite.

Your orthodontist will assess the severity of your overbite through an in person consultation and determine the best course of treatment. Treatment for overbite correction includes braces or clear aligners, and in some cases, surgery.

Fixing an overbite with traditional braces

The process for fixing an overbite with traditional braces begins with straightening and aligning the teeth. Teeth are straightened through a wire, which is tightened every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the teeth moving in the right direction. Once the teeth are straightened to an optimal amount, elastics (small rubber bands) are provided for you to wear onto the braces, which provide constant pressure to shift the top and bottom rows of teeth and correct your overbite.

After the braces are removed, a retainer must be worn regularly to keep the front teeth in their new position. Lingual and ceramic clear braces follow the same process as traditional braces to fix an overbite.

Fixing an overbite with clear aligners

Clear aligners, or Invisalign, can be used as a treatment method for correcting less severe overbites. Clear aligners provide a discreet alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. By correcting crooked teeth, an individual’s overbite may be rectified gradually. Elastics are also part of clear aligner treatment to help correct overbites.

The timeframe for fixing an overbite with braces varies case-by-case; however, on average, traditional braces, the most common method for correcting overbites, typically take 18-24 months. Clear aligners can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months to fix the overbite completely.

The specialist orthodontic team at Glow Orthodontics can provide an accurate timeframe for overbite correction based on your age, genetics, severity of overbite, teeth positioning, and which treatment method is most suitable for you.

Glow Orthodontics is Sydney’s specialist orthodontic treatment clinic for children, teens, and adults. Our team is led by Australian Orthodontic Board-certified orthodontist Dr Jessica Yeo, who is dedicated to providing high-quality, attention-to-detail, and personalised orthodontic treatment for our patients. If you or your child has an overbite, reach out to Glow Orthodontics for a consultation to understand the best overbite treatment options tailored for you.

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