Do I have an overbite? How do I treat It?

Ever look in the mirror and notice that your top teeth overlap your bottom ones? Wonder if they might overlap a little too much? If so, you’re not alone. This condition, known as overbite, is very common. Roughly one in five people across the world and three-fourths of children have an overbite.¹

Left untreated, a severe overbite can negatively affect your health and quality of life. But what exactly is an overbite? How can I tell how bad my overbite is? Will I need treatment? If so, what are my options? There is a lot to consider, and doing your homework will help when you talk about it with your dentist or orthodontist.

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a misalignment of your teeth where your upper teeth cover your lower teeth vertically.² A slight overbite can be normal, but when your top teeth overlap the bottom ones more than recommended, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.³

There are two types of overbites: skeletal and dental. Skeletal overbites are caused by issues with how your jawbone develops. Dental overbites are typically caused by problems that happen when your adult teeth replace your baby teeth.⁴

How can I tell if I have an overbite?

Your dentist may know if you have an overbite before you do. Overbites are often discovered during physical examinations of your teeth by dentists or other healthcare providers.³ If not during the physical exam, your overbite might be visible in X-rays.

You can try examining your own bite if you suspect you might have an overbite. Close your mouth and smile in the mirror. How much of your lower teeth can you see? If you can’t see your lower teeth at all, or maybe just a portion of them, you may want to ask your dentist or orthodontist about overbite.⁵

When performing your examination, make sure to close your mouth naturally, without clenching your jaw or forcing your teeth together. This will help you see where your teeth sit naturally. When smiling to view your lower teeth, move your lips out of the way to get a clear view. Don’t be afraid to get close to the mirror (or your phone!) to get a good look at your teeth.⁶

Regardless of what you find, make sure to consult your dentist or orthodontist. When it comes to your teeth, proper supervision from a dental health professional is essential. Trying to examine your teeth without knowing all aspects of your oral condition can lead to larger issues down the road. Dentists and orthodontists provide crucial quality control to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective.⁷

See what your new bite might look like

Curious about what your smile might look like after correcting your overbite? Invisalign SmileView™ can help. Invisalign SmileView uses your phone’s camera to scan your mouth and simulate what your new smile might look like after treatment. Visit the Invisalign SmileView page or download the My Invisalign™ app to get started.

Do I have to fix my overbite if I have one?

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist. Overbites can be normal, but if the overlap exceeds 10-20%, you might need treatment.⁵ Your orthodontist can review your situation and recommend treatment plan for you.

Severe overbites can affect your health and quality of life. They can make your teeth more susceptible to injury,⁸ cause damage to your teeth and gums, and cause pain while chewing.⁹ Additionally, severe overbites can even cause speech problems.¹⁰

Options for treating your overbite

Talk to your dentist, orthodontist, or dental health professional about your overbite. They can review your situation and develop a treatment plan that suits your condition and lifestyle. If your overbite does need treatment, proper supervision from a dental health professional is essential. Moving teeth without knowing all aspects of your oral condition can lead to bone loss, receding gums, bite damage, and more.⁷

Depending on your specific case, your doctor may recommend one or a combination of treatments such as braces, aligners, palatal expanders, or surgery. Although, palatal expanders and surgery are not common and the need for them is determined by the doctor after examining your case.

Braces use metal and wires to address your overbite

With braces, metal brackets are attached to your teeth using a special bonding material. The brackets are then connected to one another with a metal wire. Your orthodontist will then tighten the wire to reposition your teeth and correct your overbite.

Aligners are clear, removable, and can also fix overbite

Clear aligners – like Invisalign^® aligners – gradually move teeth into place using a series of clear, removable aligners. The aligners are customized to fit your mouth and apply constant, gentle pressure to reposition your teeth.¹¹ Invisalign aligners are typically worn for about 22 hours a day and changed approximately every two weeks.¹² Because every case is different, your doctor can give you specific details on what to expect from your treatment.¹²

Treatment with Invisalign aligners is faster than braces¹³

Multiple studies have found that treatment for mild to moderate cases with Invisalign clear aligners completed five months faster than braces.¹³

Invisalign treatment is more comfortable than braces¹⁴

Invisalign aligners are less painful than braces¹⁵ and trimmed based on each patient’s gum line to improve comfort and provide a more aesthetically pleasing experience.

There are no food restrictions with Invisalign aligners

Wearing braces means saying no to many of your favorite foods, such as nuts, popcorn, corn on the cob, candy, carrots, apples, and more. Invisalign aligners are removable, so you don’t have to worry about food restrictions. This means you can address your overbite without worrying about what you can and can’t eat.

Removable aligners make it easier to brush and floss to maintain good oral hygiene

Patients treated with Invisalign aligners have better gum health and greater satisfaction during orthodontic treatment than patients with fixed appliances like braces.¹⁶

Surgery may be needed for extreme overbites

If your overbite is very severe, surgery may be needed to correct it. In children, surgery may be needed to address issues like an under-developed lower jaw or an over-developed upper jaw.¹⁷ Surgery isn’t only for children; adults with severe overbites may need it as well.³ In some cases, surgery is followed by treatment with braces or aligners

Talk to your orthodontist about your overbite

Deciding if it’s time to talk to someone about your overbite? Schedule a consult with your dentist or orthodontist. They can answer any questions you have and get you started on a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and can give you a smile you’ve always dreamed about.

Don’t have an orthodontist? Try the Invisalign Doctor Locator – it can help you find an Invisalign provider near you.