Can Braces Fix an Overbite?
Yes. In many cases braces fix an overbite by slowly moving teeth into better alignment, though results vary with age and case complexity.
This guide is for anyone asking can braces fix an overbite and wanting to know what treatment involves. An overbite, also called a dental overbite, happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. The sections below explain how braces fix overbites, the right age for orthodontic care, what to expect at each visit, and when an extreme overbite may need jaw surgery rather than braces alone.[1]
Most overbites are mild or moderate, and braces fix overbites like these well. A smaller number of people have a severe overbite linked to jaw size or position. Knowing which type you have is the first step in good overbite correction.
How Braces Fix Overbites
Braces fix an overbite by applying steady, gentle pressure that moves teeth and, in growing children, helps guide the jaw into better position.[1]
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is the way your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth when you bite down. A small amount of overlap is healthy and normal. A dental overbite becomes a concern when the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth, a pattern sometimes called a deep bite.
An orthodontist looks at how your upper and lower teeth fit together. When the upper teeth overlap far past the lower teeth, the teeth overlap too much and can wear down over time. An extreme overbite can also strain the jaw and lead to jaw pain in some people.
How Braces Move the Bite
Braces fix overbites by moving teeth into a better position over months of steady pressure. Brackets attach to each tooth, and a wire connects them. Your orthodontist adjusts the wire so the teeth move a little at a time.
To fix an overbite, braces often use small parts like springs, elastic bands, or coils. Elastic bands link the upper and lower teeth and help pull the bite into line. This is a key part of how orthodontists fix overbites in growing children and many adults.
Metal braces are the most common tool used to fix overbites. Clear braces and clear aligners can also fix an overbite in many mild to moderate cases. Your orthodontist will tell you which option fits your bite, since metal braces handle complex movements that aligners sometimes cannot.
Braces Alone or Braces With Jaw Surgery?
Most people do not need surgery. Braces fix an overbite caused by tooth position on their own. An extreme overbite caused by the size or position of the jawbones may need braces plus jaw surgery, a combined approach called orthognathic surgery.
In growing children, braces and growth appliances can guide the jaw so surgery is not needed later. In adults, the jaw has stopped growing, so a severe overbite from the jaw itself sometimes needs surgery to fully fix the bite.[1]
What to Know Before You Start
The best age to fix an overbite is often childhood or the teen years, when the jaw grows, but braces fix overbites in adults too.[1]
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a first orthodontic check by about age 7.[1] At that age, an orthodontist can spot a developing overbite early. Early orthodontic care does not always mean early braces. Sometimes the best plan is to watch the jaw and teeth and wait for the right time.
Adults can fix an overbite at any age if the teeth and gums are healthy, even a long-standing dental overbite. Treatment may take a little longer in adults because the bone is more set. Good oral health before treatment matters. Cavities and gum disease should be treated first, since braces are harder to clean around.
To prepare, plan for a dental cleaning and exam. Tell your orthodontist about jaw pain, clicking, or grinding. These details help shape your overbite treatment plan and the way braces fix overbites in your case.
What to Expect During Treatment
Fixing an overbite with braces follows clear steps, from the first exam through the retainer phase that keeps your results stable.[1]
- Consultation and records: The orthodontist examines your teeth, takes X-rays and photos, and may make a scan or mold. This shows how far the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth.
- Placing the braces: Brackets are bonded to your teeth and joined by a wire. Metal braces are usually placed in one visit that takes one to two hours.
- Regular adjustments: Every few weeks, the orthodontist changes the wire and may add elastic bands to fix the overbite. Each visit moves the bite a little closer to its goal.
- Bite correction: Over months, the upper and lower teeth shift and the overbite gets smaller. Mild soreness for a few days after each adjustment is normal.
- Retention: Once the braces fix the overbite, they come off. You wear a retainer to hold the teeth in place, since teeth can drift back without it.
How Long Does It Take?
Treatment length varies widely. Many people wear braces for one to three years to fix overbites, though simple cases can be shorter and an extreme overbite can take longer. Results vary from person to person, and following your orthodontist's instructions, including wearing elastic bands, can shorten the time it takes to fix an overbite.
Cost and Insurance
The cost to fix an overbite with braces varies widely by your location, provider, the type of braces, and how complex your case is.
Metal braces usually cost less than clear aligners or hidden braces. A more involved overbite correction, or one that also needs surgery, costs more than a simple case. In general, orthodontic treatment with braces often falls within a broad range of about $3,000 to $7,000, but figures vary a great deal and a case with jaw surgery costs more. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity, so ask each office for a written estimate.
Dental insurance sometimes covers part of orthodontic treatment, often with a lifetime maximum and a larger benefit for children. Many offices offer payment plans. A flexible spending or health savings account can also help. Check your specific plan before treatment starts, since coverage for overbite treatment differs from plan to plan.
When to See an Orthodontist
See an orthodontist when an overbite affects how you eat, speak, clean your teeth, or feel, or when a dentist refers you.[1]
A general dentist can spot an overbite during a routine visit and refer you. But orthodontists fix overbites every day and plan the detailed tooth movement that braces require. For an extreme overbite or one linked to the jaw, an orthodontist may work with an oral surgeon to fix overbites that braces alone cannot.
Watch for these signs that a deep overbite needs specialty care:
- Upper teeth that cover most or all of the lower teeth when you bite down
- Lower teeth that hit the roof of your mouth
- Jaw pain, clicking, or frequent headaches
- Trouble chewing or speaking clearly
- Worn, chipped, or loose teeth, or repeated tooth decay from teeth that are hard to clean
Why Correcting an Overbite Matters
Leaving a deep overbite untreated can raise the risk of worn enamel, gum damage, and tooth decay. That is why overbite correction protects your oral health, according to the American Dental Association.[2] Fixing the bite also makes daily brushing and flossing easier, which supports long-term oral health.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
Ready to find out if braces can fix an overbite for you? Start with an orthodontist who treats overbites regularly and can build a plan around your bite, age, and goals. Visit the orthodontics page to learn more and connect with a specialist near you. A short consultation is the clearest way to learn how braces fix overbites in your case.
Search Orthodontists in Your Area
