How to Fix an Overbite

Co-authored by Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

If your top teeth stick out further than your bottom teeth, you might have an overbite. While some protrusion is natural, a severe overbite can cause health issues down the line, like the inability to chew or speech impediments. We’ve answered some of your common questions about overbites to let you know how you can start fixing yours today.

Things You Should Know

Visit your dentist for x-rays to determine the severity of your overbite.
Ask your dentist about wearing a plastic aligner to correct a minor overbite.
See an orthodontist to get braces for a severe overbite. You'll wear braces for 2 years and you may need to use a retainer once the braces come off.

Question 1 of 7:

Can I stop my overbite from getting worse?

Yes, you can. You can stop your overbite from getting worse by not sucking your thumb, chewing your nails, or biting down too hard on utensils.^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Question 2 of 7:

How do you know if you have an overbite?

1
Check your teeth alignment by biting down and smiling. Close your mouth normally with your teeth resting in their natural position. With your teeth clenched shut, smile into a mirror and see how much your top teeth extend over your bottom ones. A slight overlap is normal, but if your top teeth stick out a lot more than your bottom teeth, you probably have an overbite.^{[2]
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2
Get a checkup from your dentist. They can give you a physical exam and x-rays to determine whether or not you have an overbite.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Expert Interview. 3 June 2021.} They can also help recommend treatment and tell you how severe your overbite is.^{[4]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- An overbite is considered severe when the teeth overlap by 3.5 millimetres (0.14 in) or more.
- If your dentist notices that you have an overbite, they can refer you to an orthodontist.

Question 3 of 7:

Is it worth it to fix an overbite?

Yes, since an overbite can cause complications in the future. Depending on how severe your overbite is, you might experience tooth decay, discomfort when biting or chewing, or even speech difficulties. It’s up to you whether or not you treat your overbite, so if you’re concerned, talk to a dentist or orthodontist.^{[5]
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Question 4 of 7:

How does an orthodontist correct an overbite?

Braces are the easiest and most common way to correct an overbite. No matter how old you are, braces can help realign your teeth and fix your jaw position. If you don’t like the look of traditional braces, ask your orthodontist about clear plastic aligners like Invisalign.^{[6]
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- If you do get braces, you’ll have to wear a retainer for the rest of your life to make sure your teeth stay in place.
- Plastic aligners are a great option for minor overbites since they’re usually cheaper than braces.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
  Licensed Dentist
  Expert Interview. 3 June 2021.} However, if your overbite is severe, they might not be an option for you.

Question 5 of 7:

How long does it take to correct an overbite?

You’ll need to wear braces for about 2 years. Although every overbite is different, you should expect to wear braces for a couple of years at least. If your overbite is severe, you may have to keep them on for longer. After that, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place so your underbite doesn’t return.^{[8]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Question 6 of 7:

Can you correct an overbite without braces?

Yes, you can get teeth pulled if your overbite is caused by overcrowding. If you’re young, this might be an option for you. An orthodontist might recommend that you get a few baby teeth pulled to make more room in your mouth and correct your overbite. However, this might not fix the problem all the way, and you could still end up needing braces.^{[9]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Question 7 of 7:

Is there a surgery to correct overbites?

Yes, but it’s usually only done in extreme cases. If your teeth overlap by 3.5 millimetres (0.14 in) or more, your dentist might recommend corrective surgery. During this process, a surgeon pulls back your cheeks and makes incisions inside the jaw. Then, they'll physically move your jaw, which changes your chin shape and aligns your teeth. You'll be in the hospital for about 2 days.^{[10]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Surgery is usually performed if less invasive methods, like braces, fail to fix the overbite.
- The surgery usually costs between $20,000 and $40,000.

Expert Q&A

Question

Are there any types of mouth guards I can use to fix my overbite?

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Answer

Mouth guards can help stop an overbite from getting worse if yours is caused by grinding your teeth. However, to actually fix an overbite, you'll need braces, clear aligners, or a retainer.
Question

Can putting my overbite under my bottom teeth fix my overbite naturally?

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Answer

No, changing your jaw position throughout the day won't fix your overbite. You'll need a permanent fix, like braces or clear aligners, to adjust your teeth and jaw position.
Question

Is there any way to fix an overbite at home?

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Licensed Dentist

Expert Answer

No, there aren't any viable options here. You can absolutely fix an overbite, with things like aligner therapy or braces, but all of these options need to be overseen by a dentist.