Can braces fix an overbite? Yes. In most cases, braces do fix an overbite by slowly moving your teeth and, when needed, guiding jaw growth into a healthier bite. How well they work on their own depends on whether yours comes from tooth position (dental) or jaw shape (skeletal). Below, we break down what treatment involves, how long it takes, and what it costs.
Reviewed by Dr. Rael Bernstein, orthodontist at Bernstein Orthodontics, serving Santa Rosa, Windsor & the North Bay for 20+ years. [Author schema]
Key Takeaways
• Braces fix most overbites, whether they’re mild or more involved.
• Whether yours is dental (teeth) or skeletal (jaw) changes your treatment plan.
• Treatment usually takes 12 to 24 months, depending on how severe the bite is.
• Both braces and Invisalign can treat it, though severe cases often need braces.
• Only a small share of severe skeletal cases need jaw surgery alongside braces.
• A free consultation is the only way to know your exact timeline and cost.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is when your top front teeth sit too far over your bottom front teeth. A little overlap is normal. The
Cleveland Clinic puts the normal range around 2 to 4 millimeters of overlap. Anything deeper is usually called a deep bite, and it’s worth having an orthodontist take a look.
Overbite vs. Overjet: What’s the Difference?
People mix these up a lot. Overbite measures how much your top teeth cover your bottom teeth up and down. Overjet measures how far your top teeth stick out in front, front to back. You can have one without the other, or both. An exam sorts out which one you have.
What Causes an Overbite?
Common causes include:
- Genetics (it often runs in families)
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use past toddler age
- Tongue thrusting against the front teeth
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Losing baby teeth too early or too late
- Jaw growth that develops unevenly over childhood
The
Cleveland Clinic lists genetics, thumb-sucking, and tongue-thrust habits among the top causes, and we see those same patterns often in the kids and teens we treat at our Santa Rosa and Windsor offices.
Can Braces Fix an Overbite?
Yes, in most cases braces fix an overbite well. They put steady, gentle pressure on your teeth to guide them into a better position over time. For many patients, that’s all it takes. For others, especially when the jaw is involved, braces work alongside other tools to get the full result.
Dental vs. Skeletal Overbite: Which One Do You Have?
This is the real fork in the road for treatment.
Dental Overbite (A Tooth Problem)
The jawbones line up fine, but the teeth sit in the wrong spot. Braces alone usually handle this well and predictably.
Skeletal Overbite (A Jaw Problem)
The upper and lower jaw don’t match up in size or position. Braces still do most of the work, often paired with elastics or an appliance that guides jaw growth. Catching this while a child’s jaw is still growing changes how far braces alone can go.
Severe Cases
A small number of severe skeletal overbites in adults may call for a conversation about jaw (orthognathic) surgery alongside braces. This isn’t the outcome for most patients; it’s an honest option we discuss when braces alone won’t fully resolve the bite.
| Type |
Cause |
Typical Fix |
| Dental |
Teeth positioned incorrectly |
Braces alone |
| Skeletal |
Jaw size or position mismatch |
Braces + elastics/appliances |
| Severe skeletal (adults) |
Finished jaw growth, larger mismatch |
Braces + possible jaw surgery |
How Do Braces Correct an Overbite?
Here’s the step-by-step process most patients go through:
- Brackets and archwire go on. Small brackets attach to your teeth, connected by a wire that gradually straightens tooth position.
- Elastics shift the bite. Rubber bands connect upper and lower brackets to pull the bite into a better relationship. Most cases need these at some point.
- Appliances step in if needed. For skeletal or growth-related cases, an added appliance may help guide jaw development.
- Retainers hold the result. A retainer keeps teeth from drifting back once treatment finishes.
The
ADA explains that braces work by applying gentle, steady pressure that moves teeth into place, and that a retainer afterward keeps the result from slipping. At our Santa Rosa and Windsor offices, we lean toward non-extraction treatment and skip headgear whenever possible.
How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite With Braces?
Most treatment takes 12 to 24 months. Mild dental cases can wrap up in 6 to 12 months. Severe skeletal cases needing appliances or surgery can run 24 to 36 months.
A few things change your timeline: how deep your bite is, whether you’re still growing, and how consistently you wear elastics as directed.
How Much Does Overbite Treatment Cost?
Treatment cost depends on the type you have, the option you choose, and treatment length. Here’s a general look at typical U.S. ranges:
| Option |
Best For |
Typical Timeline |
Typical Cost Range |
Notes |
| Metal braces |
Dental and skeletal cases |
12 to 24 months |
$3,000 to $7,000 |
Most predictable control |
| Clear/ceramic braces |
Same as metal, less visible |
12 to 24 months |
$3,500 to $7,500 |
Subtler look, similar results |
| Invisalign / clear aligners |
Mild to moderate cases |
12 to 18 months |
$3,500 to $7,500 |
Removable, less complex cases |
| Braces + jaw surgery |
Severe skeletal cases (adults) |
24 to 36 months |
Varies significantly |
Surgical fees billed separately |
These are general ranges, not a quote. Your exact cost is set at a
free consultation, and our team can walk you through
flexible financing options. Call 707.575.0600 if you’d rather talk it through first.
Braces vs. Invisalign for an Overbite: Which Is Better?
Both
braces and
Invisalign can do the job, but they fit different situations.
- Invisalign works well for mild to moderate cases in patients who want a removable, less visible option.
- Braces give more precise, constant control, which matters most for deeper or skeletal bites.
- Both need good compliance, wearing aligners as directed or keeping up with elastics, to stay on schedule.
Dr. Bernstein and our team will recommend whichever option gets you the healthiest bite in a reasonable timeframe.
Can Braces Fix an Overbite in Adults?
Yes. Dental cases respond well at any age; teeth move the same way in a 45-year-old as in a 14-year-old. Adult jaw growth is finished, though, so a severe skeletal case may need an appliance or, occasionally, surgery instead of the growth-guiding options kids get. Plenty of our adult patients expect a long process and are surprised how manageable it feels.
Why Fixing an Overbite Matters
Beyond a straighter smile, fixing this helps with:
- More even tooth wear over time
- Easier brushing and flossing, which lowers decay risk
- Better chewing and clearer speech
- Less jaw pain and fewer bite-related headaches
- More confidence smiling and talking
NIH’s MedlinePlus lists similar complications as risks of an untreated bad bite (also called malocclusion), and the
American Association of Orthodontists is a good resource for finding a specialist near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can braces fix an overbite permanently?
Yes, if you wear your retainer afterward. Skip it, and teeth can slowly drift back.
How long do braces take to fix an overbite?
Usually 12 to 24 months. Mild cases finish sooner; severe skeletal cases take longer.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite, or do I need metal braces?
Invisalign handles many mild to moderate cases well. Severe or skeletal ones often do better with braces.
Do braces hurt when correcting an overbite?
Expect mild soreness for a few days after placement and adjustments. It’s temporary; see our guide on
managing braces discomfort.
Can adults fix an overbite with braces?
Yes. Dental cases correct well at any age, though severe jaw-based ones may need an added appliance.
What happens if you don’t fix an overbite?
Over time it can lead to uneven tooth wear, gum problems, jaw pain, and harder cleaning.
Can an overbite be fixed without braces or surgery?
Mild cases may respond to clear aligners. There’s no reliable way to fix a real one at home.
Do you need rubber bands (elastics) to fix an overbite?
Often, yes. Elastics shift the bite relationship so upper and lower teeth line up.
Will I need surgery for my overbite?
Only a minority of severe skeletal cases need surgery. Most correct with braces or aligners alone.
How do I know if my overbite needs treatment?
A free exam, including whether it’s dental or skeletal, is the only reliable way to know.
Get Your Overbite Checked in Santa Rosa & Windsor
Dr. Rael Bernstein has treated overbites and other
common orthodontic problems for North Bay families for over 20 years, from simple dental cases to more involved skeletal bites. Patients often tell us treatment felt more manageable than expected, and that financing made the decision easier.
So, will braces fix your family’s bite? For most patients, yes, and a free exam is how you find out for sure. Call 707.575.0600Â or
book your free consultation today.
Posted by Bernstein Orthodontics
