how to fix overbite

Fixing an overbite requires professional orthodontic or surgical treatment. A slight overlap of 2 to 4 millimeters is normal, while deeper overlaps can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and gum irritation. The best approach depends on your age, whether the cause is tooth alignment or jaw structure, and how severe the bite is.

Treatment Options Overview

Treatment Best For Typical Timeline Rough Cost

Clear Aligners Mild to moderate dental overbites 6 to 24 months $3,000 to $8,000

Traditional Braces Mild to severe dental overbites and complex movement 1 to 3 years $4,000 to $10,000

Growth Appliances Growing children and teens with jaw alignment issues 9 to 12 months Varies by device

Jaw Surgery Severe skeletal overbites in adults 2 to 3 years (with braces) $20,000 to $60,000

Orthodontic and Surgical Solutions

• Traditional Braces. Metal or ceramic brackets combined with wires and elastic rubber bands apply steady pressure to shift teeth into proper alignment. Orthodontists may also use small springs or remove crowded teeth to create space.
• Clear Aligners. Custom-made removable trays like Invisalign gradually shift teeth over time. They offer a discreet option for mild to moderate overbites caused by tooth position.
• Growth Modification Appliances. Devices like a Herbst appliance or palate expander guide jaw growth forward in growing children. Early intervention around ages 7 to 14 often prevents the need for surgery later in life.
• Corrective Jaw Surgery. Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure repositions the upper or lower jawbone. Oral surgeons recommend it for adults whose severe overbites stem from bone structure rather than tooth position.

What About Natural or At-Home Fixes?

• Natural Remedies Do Not Move Teeth. Practices like mewing, jaw exercises, or chewing hard foods cannot shift teeth or reshape bone. While physical exercises can ease muscle tension, safe alignment requires professional supervision.
• Avoid DIY Rubber Bands. Placing unprescribed elastics around teeth can cause severe root damage and permanent tooth loss.

For a visual walkthrough of how orthodontists evaluate and treat different overbite severities, watch this guide:

Next Steps

Schedule an evaluation with a licensed orthodontist through the American Association of Orthodontists to get X-rays and a personalized bite assessment. Regardless of the method chosen, wearing a retainer afterward is essential to prevent the teeth from shifting back.