An overbite is fixed by moving the teeth, guiding jaw growth, or both. Braces and clear aligners correct most overbites, growing children may use an appliance such as a Herbst to help the lower jaw catch up, and severe adult cases sometimes add jaw surgery.
Overbites are a common reason families in Wichita, Goddard and Hutchinson look into orthodontic care. Some are mild and mostly cosmetic. Others affect chewing, speech or the jaw joint. Here we explain what an overbite is, when it needs treatment, and how each option works.
What is an overbite?
A small amount of overlap is normal. When you close, the upper front teeth should cover the lower front teeth slightly. An overbite becomes a concern when that overlap is too deep, so the upper teeth hide much of the lower teeth, or when the upper teeth stick out well ahead of the lowers.
People use the word overbite for two related problems. A deep bite is too much vertical overlap. Overjet, often called buck teeth, is when the upper teeth sit too far forward horizontally. Many patients have some of both, and the treatment plan addresses whichever is driving the problem.
What causes an overbite?
Most overbites are skeletal, dental or a mix. A skeletal overbite comes from the jaws themselves, often a lower jaw that is smaller or sits further back than the upper jaw. These bites tend to run in families. A dental overbite comes from tooth position, such as upper front teeth that tip forward or crowding that pushes teeth out of line.
Habits play a part too. Long-term thumb sucking, pacifier use past the toddler years and tongue thrusting can push the upper front teeth forward. Missing or crowded teeth can also change how the bite comes together. Figuring out which cause is in play is the first step, and it is why we look at the jaws, not just the teeth.
When does an overbite need treatment?
A mild overbite may never cause trouble. A deeper one can. When the bite is very deep, the lower front teeth can bite into the gum behind the upper teeth. Upper teeth that stick out are also more likely to be chipped or broken in a fall or during sports.
A significant overbite can also lead to uneven wear on the front teeth, extra strain on the jaw joint, and difficulty biting into foods with the front teeth. Some people simply do not like how their profile or smile looks, and that is a valid reason to ask about treatment too.
The only way to know how much your overbite matters is an exam. At our practice we use iTero digital scans and 3D CBCT imaging so Dr. Hansen can see both tooth position and jaw relationship before recommending anything. You can see these tools on our technology page.
How do braces fix an overbite?
Braces move teeth with brackets and wires, and they can do a lot for an overbite. They can level a deep bite, pull forward-tipped upper teeth back into line, and line up the lower teeth so they meet the uppers correctly. For many bites, rubber bands called elastics are added later in treatment. They connect the upper and lower braces and apply gentle pressure that helps bring the jaws into better alignment.
We offer traditional metal, clear ceramic, gold, champagne, and Damon and Empower self-ligating braces, and Dr. Hansen will recommend the option that fits your bite. If you are weighing appearance, our comparison of ceramic, metal and Invisalign can help.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
In many cases, yes. Clear aligners move teeth in planned steps, and they can be paired with small attachments and elastics to correct the bite. Our Invisalign page notes that Invisalign Teen can treat a range of problems, including overbites. Adults with dental overbites are often good candidates as well.
The catch with aligners is wear time. They only work while they are in your mouth, and bite correction can take careful cooperation, especially when elastics are part of the plan. Dr. Hansen will tell you whether your bite is a good match for aligners or whether braces will get you there more reliably.
How do appliances like the Herbst help growing kids?
When a child’s overbite is mostly skeletal, with a lower jaw that is behind the upper jaw, moving teeth alone is not the whole answer. During growth, an orthodontist can use an appliance to guide how the jaws develop. One appliance we offer for this is the Herbst.
The Herbst is a fixed appliance attached to the upper and lower back teeth. It holds the lower jaw in a forward position, encouraging it to catch up in growth. Because it is fixed, it works around the clock without the patient having to remember to wear it, which is why it is often preferred over headgear. You can read about the Herbst and our other appliances on our other treatments page.
Timing matters. Growth-guiding appliances work most effectively while the jaw is still growing, which is one reason an early orthodontic visit is so valuable. After the jaw has finished growing, the same approach is no longer an option.
How do overbite treatment options compare?
Here is how the main approaches line up. Many patients use more than one, such as a Herbst followed by braces.
| Option | How it works | Typical candidate | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braces with elastics | Moves teeth and helps align the bite | Kids, teens and adults with most overbites | Brackets are fixed, but elastics must be worn as directed |
| Clear aligners | Custom trays move teeth in steps | Children, teens and adults with dental overbites | Must be worn consistently |
| Herbst appliance | Holds the lower jaw forward to guide growth | Growing kids and teens with a lower jaw set back | Only works during growth |
| Orthodontics with jaw surgery | Repositions the jaw bones | Adults with severe skeletal overbites | Only after jaw growth is complete |
Do adults with an overbite need jaw surgery?
Most do not. Many adult overbites are dental, and braces or aligners can correct them. Jaw surgery is reserved for severe skeletal cases where the jaws do not line up and no amount of tooth movement can fix it. Even then, it is only done once the jaws have finished growing, and it is planned together with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
If you are an adult wondering whether it is too late, it usually is not. Learn more about braces for adults in Wichita and the options that fit around work and family life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an overbite get worse over time?
It can. Habits, crowding and wear can deepen a bite, and a jaw that grows unevenly in childhood will not correct itself. An exam can tell you whether to treat now or keep an eye on it.
How long does it take to fix an overbite?
It depends on the cause and severity. Dental overbites can often be corrected within a standard braces or aligner treatment, while skeletal cases may need an appliance phase first. Dr. Hansen will give you a timeline at your consultation.
Is it better to fix an overbite as a child?
For skeletal overbites, often yes, because appliances like the Herbst rely on growth. Dental overbites can be treated at almost any age.
Will my overbite come back after treatment?
Teeth can shift after treatment, which is why retainers are part of every plan. Wearing your retainer as directed is how you keep your corrected bite.
Start Correcting Your Overbite With Hansen Orthodontics
Whether the overbite belongs to your child or to you, the first step is finding out what is causing it. Dr. Hansen sees patients in Wichita, Goddard and Hutchinson. Call or text (316) 722-6717 or request a free consultation to talk through your options.