How to Fix Overbite: Treatment Options for a Healthier Smile

One of the first things orthodontists look at when patients come into the office is their bite alignment. Put simply, bite alignment is the way your upper and lower teeth meet. In an “ideal” bite, your upper teeth should slightly overlap your lower teeth, allowing for efficient chewing, clear speech, and a natural smile. But when this overlap is too pronounced, it’s called an overbite.

An untreated overbite can cause long-term oral health issues, speech problems, and facial asymmetry. Luckily, there are safe and effective treatments that can correct it and help you achieve a healthier, more even smile. The most common ways to fix an overbite are orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners, while severe cases may require surgical correction for long-term bite improvement.

In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at what causes this alignment issue, how to correct an overbite, and how advanced techniques at ORA 4X can help you achieve a healthy, functional smile.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite is a type of malocclusion (teeth misalignment) that happens when your upper teeth extend beyond your lower teeth, causing your bite to fall out of alignment. It’s been a common condition in humans for thousands of years, but it wasn’t always this way.

Anthropologists have found that our ancient ancestors had almost perfectly aligned teeth. But, as cooking and food preparation evolved, our jaws gradually became smaller since we no longer needed to chew tough, raw foods. Smaller jaws mean less space for teeth, which has made crowding and overbites much more common.

Overbites can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. A mild overbite may barely be noticeable, while a severe one can interfere with chewing, speaking, and overall comfort.

An overbite isn’t the same as an overjet. An overbite refers to how much the upper teeth cover the lower teeth vertically, while an overjet describes how far the upper teeth stick out horizontally. Both fall under the category of misalignment, but they affect the bite in different ways.

Identifying and correcting an overbite early is important because untreated cases can lead to worn-down teeth, jaw strain, and an increased risk of dental injury. The earlier the diagnosis, the simpler and more effective treatment will be in the long run.

Is It Worth Fixing an Overbite?

While most of us have a pretty good idea about what the “perfect smile” looks like, a lot of people forget that alignment goes beyond looks. An aligned bite is a healthy bite.
Fixing an overbite can protect your teeth from uneven wear, reduce the risk of chipping, and ease jaw tension. If you’ve ever wondered how to fix an overbite, treatments like braces, aligners, or surgery can also improve how you chew and speak, while giving your face a more balanced appearance. Leaving an overbite untreated, on the other hand, can lead to long-term issues like jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to tooth enamel.

Can You Fix an Overbite Naturally?

You can’t fully fix an overbite naturally—correcting an overbite usually requires orthodontic or surgical treatment. That said, there are some habits and therapies that can help keep it from worsening.

Myofunctional therapy, for example, trains the tongue and facial muscles to rest and function properly, while posture awareness and certain exercises may support jaw health. These methods are best used as preventative or supportive strategies since they can promote healthier development in children or reduce strain in adults, but they won’t correct a moderate or severe overbite on their own.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite?

The length of treatment for overbite correction depends on the method used and the severity of the case. Braces or clear aligners may take anywhere from several months to a few years, with younger patients often seeing quicker results. Surgical correction is generally reserved for severe cases and may involve a shorter treatment phase once recovery is complete. Factors like age, treatment type, and consistency in following orthodontic guidance all influence the final timeline.

How Are Overbites Fixed?

Overbite repair is one of the most common reasons people seek orthodontic care, not only because it improves the overall smile aesthetics, but also because good teeth alignment helps protect oral health. Depending on the severity of the overbite, treatment can involve braces, aligners, or even jaw surgery in advanced cases.

Traditional Braces

Braces are one of the most reliable and commonly used methods for fixing an overbite. They work by gradually moving the teeth and adjusting the bite and can correct both mild and severe cases. Treatment typically lasts between 18 months and 3 years, depending on the patient’s age and the complexity of the case. Braces need regular adjustments with an orthodontist, and patients should avoid eating sticky or hard foods, like bubblegum or ice, because they can damage the brackets.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a newer, more aesthetically pleasing alternative to braces that use a series of custom-fit trays to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before moving to the next, steadily guiding the teeth into the desired position. They are best suited for mild to moderate overbites and require consistent wear—usually 20 to 22 hours per day—for results to stay on track, and treatment often takes 12 to 24 months to complete.

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is often the most effective solution for severe overbites caused by skeletal misalignment. Also called orthognathic surgery, this procedure repositions the jaw to create a healthier bite and improve overall function. In many cases, people need orthodontic treatment with braces before and after surgery to align the teeth.

Recovery from jaw surgery usually takes several weeks, during which patients will need to follow a soft-food diet and rest before returning to their normal activities. For some, additional procedures such as bone grafting or dental implants may be needed to provide long-term stability.

Choosing the Right Overbite Treatment

If you have an overbite, getting it treated can improve both your oral health and quality of life. The right solution depends on a range of factors, from the severity of the misalignment to your personal goals for comfort and appearance. Knowing your options is the first step toward making an informed choice. Here’s how to get started:

Factors to Consider

When correcting an overbite, your orthodontist will weigh factors such as:

• Age: Younger patients respond faster since their jaws are still developing; adults may need longer treatment or surgery.
• Severity: Mild overbites often improve with clear aligners, while moderate to severe cases may require braces or surgery.
• Oral health: The condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone influences treatment options.
• Cosmetic preference: Clear aligners are discreet, while braces can provide more comprehensive correction.

Consulting with an Expert

A one-on-one consultation with a professional is essential for understanding how to fix an overbite in your specific case. During the evaluation, your dentist will carefully examine your bite, review X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss both your oral health needs and your personal goals. From there, you’ll receive a clear treatment plan that may involve orthodontic correction, restorative options for worn or damaged teeth, or a combination of approaches to ensure lasting results.

By the end of your consultation, you’ll know exactly what to expect and be prepared to take the next step toward a healthier, more balanced smile.

Get the Perfect Smile with ORA 4X

At ORA 4X, our specialists use advanced imaging and a comprehensive in-house process to create treatment plans tailored to each patient. When an overbite has caused significant wear or damage, we can integrate restorative options such as dental implants or dentures alongside orthodontic correction, ensuring both lasting function and confidence in your smile.

With cutting-edge technology, decades of expertise, and personalized care, Dr. Dalla and our team have helped thousands of patients achieve healthy, comfortable bites and smiles they’re proud of.

Don’t let an overbite stand in your way. Take the first step toward the results you deserve and schedule your consultation today.

How to Fix Overbite: Your Questions Answered

Have questions about overbite treatment? Here are answers from our dental experts.

How do you fix an overbite by yourself?

You can’t fully fix an overbite on your own. At-home methods like jaw exercises and posture correction may help prevent a mild overbite from worsening, but orthodontic treatment or surgery is usually needed for correction.

What’s the fastest way to fix an overbite?

The fastest way to fix an overbite depends on severity. Mild to moderate cases may be corrected with clear aligners or braces in 12–24 months, while severe overbites may require jaw surgery for quicker, permanent results.

Is surgery required to fix an overbite?

No, surgery is not required for most overbites. Braces or aligners can correct mild to moderate cases, especially in younger individuals. Surgery is usually recommended only for severe overbites caused by jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.