How do you fix an overbite?
Living in Canada and worrying about overbite teeth is very common, in both kids and adults. An overbite means the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth more than they should, and it can affect confidence, chewing, jaw health, and even speech. Let’s dive deeper into this issue.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is a type of malocclusion (bite problem) where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth when you bite down. Most people have a small, healthy overbite, but a severe overbite can cause wear, jaw pain, or cosmetic concerns.
- “Overbite teeth” usually describes dental overbite, where the main issue is tooth position.
- “Overbite jaw” often points to a skeletal problem, where the upper or lower jaw is too far forward or back.
Read more: Orthodontics Specialty
Mild vs Severe Overbite
Understanding severity helps answer “how do you fix an overbite” safely and realistically.
- Mild to moderate overbite: Teeth are crowded or tipped, but the jaw bones are mostly normal in size and position. This is often treated with braces for overbite or clear aligners.
- Severe overbite: The overlap is large, sometimes with the lower teeth almost hidden behind the uppers, and may be linked to jaw imbalance and facial profile changes.
A severe overbite can increase the risk of tooth wear, gum recession, TMJ (jaw joint) discomfort, and even breathing or speech issues.
Read More: How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?
Why Overbites Happen
Overbite causes are usually a mix of genetics and habits.
- Genetics: Inherited jaw size/shape, crowded teeth, or naturally deep bites.
- Childhood habits: Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, tongue thrust, or bottle use beyond the toddler years.
- Tooth loss or dental issues: Missing teeth, uneven wear, or poorly positioned fillings/crowns can worsen an overbite over time.
Early orthodontic screening (around age 7) is recommended in Canada to catch developing overbite teeth problems while the jaws are still growing.
Read More: Cosmetic Teeth Straightening
How Do You Fix an Overbite?
The best way to fix an overbite depends on age, severity, and whether the problem is in the teeth, the jaw, or both. Below are the 7 main treatment paths Canadians typically consider.
1. Braces for overbite (metal or clear)
Overbite teeth braces are the most common and reliable way to correct an overbite.
- Brackets and wires straighten and align teeth first.
- Elastics (rubber bands) are then used to guide the bite so the upper and lower teeth meet properly.
Timeframe: Mild cases may take about 12–18 months, while a severe overbite can require 2 or more years.
Best for: Teens and adults with dental overbite, crowding, or spacing.
2. Clear aligners (Invisaligntype systems)
Clear aligners can also provide overbite correction when the case is not extremely complex.
- Custom trays move teeth in small steps, often combined with attachments and rubber bands to adjust the bite.
- They are removable, which helps with eating and cleaning, but must be worn 20–22 hours per day for success.
Best for: Image-conscious teens and adults with mild to moderate overbite who can commit to wearing aligners as instructed.
3. Braces plus elastics or springs
For a more pronounced overbite jaw problem, orthodontists often combine braces with extra appliances.
- Elastics (rubber bands): Connect upper and lower teeth to pull the top teeth back and the lower teeth forward.
- Functional devices (Herbst, Forsus springs): Attached to braces to guide jaw growth in teens or to reposition teeth more aggressively in adults.
Best for: Growing children and teens; some adults with moderate overbite who want to avoid surgery where possible.
Read More: Orthodontics for Teenagers
4. Braces with extractions (creating space)
When the upper teeth are very crowded or protrusive, extractions can help with overbite repair.
- Usually premolar teeth are removed to create space.
- Braces then pull the front teeth back into that space, reducing protrusion and overlap.
Best for: Severe overbite linked to dental protrusion; patients with full lips or very crowded arches.
5. Braces plus jaw surgery (for skeletal overbite)
If the main problem is the overbite jaw (skeletal mismatch), braces alone may not be enough.
- Braces line up teeth first.
- Orthognathic (jaw) surgery repositions the upper and/or lower jaw so the bite and facial profile are balanced.
- Braces stay on for several months after surgery to fine-tune the bite.
Best for: Adults and older teens with severe skeletal overbite, jaw pain, or functional problems like difficulty biting or breathing.
6. Growth-guidance in kids
In growing children, early treatment can gently influence how the jaws grow.
- Functional appliances, expanders, and partial braces can reduce the severity of an overbite before all adult teeth come in.
- This may shorten or simplify future full braces treatment.
Best for: Children (often ages 7–11) with clear signs of developing severe overbite.
7. Retainers and long-term maintenance
After overbite correction, retainers are essential to keep results stable.
- Fixed (bonded) retainers or removable retainers are worn as directed.
- Without retainers, teeth can drift and some overbite can return.
Read More: Retainer Options
Can Braces Fix an Overbite? Will Braces Fix Overbite in all Cases?
Most dental overbites can be corrected with braces for overbite alone or braces combined with elastics, springs, or extractions. When people ask “does braces fix overbite” or “will braces fix overbite,” the honest answer is: for many patients, yes, but not for everyone.
- If the overbite is mainly in the teeth, overbite teeth braces are usually enough.
- If the overbite jaw relationship is very off, braces plus surgery may be needed for a truly stable, healthy result.
Your orthodontist will assess X-rays, photos, and digital scans to decide whether braces alone can fully correct your specific overbite.
Read More: Correct Teeth Alignment
How to Fix an Overbite Naturally: What’s Realistic?
Many Canadians search “how to fix an overbite naturally,” hoping to avoid braces or surgery. Natural approaches have limits and cannot replace proper orthodontic care in most cases.
What may help (supportive, not a cure):
- Improving tongue posture (resting on the palate instead of pushing between the teeth).
- Addressing mouth-breathing with your dentist, family doctor, or ENT.
- Myofunctional therapy (muscle training) to correct swallowing and tongue habits in select cases.
What cannot fix a true overbite:
- DIY braces, rubber bands, or “bite hacks” from social media.
- Forcing your jaw into new positions without supervision.
These can damage teeth, gums, and joints and may create a worse bite long-term.
Read More: Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces Cost?
Overbite Correction Options: Quick Comparison
Option | Works for… | Involves jaw surgery? | Typical use in Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
Braces for overbite | Mild–moderate dental overbite | No | Very common for teens/adults |
Clear aligners | Mild–some moderate overbites | No | Popular with adults/older teens |
Braces + elastics/springs | Moderate to severe dental overbite | No | Common when elastics alone not enough |
Braces + extractions | Severe overbite with protrusion | No | Selected severe crowding cases |
Braces + jaw surgery | Severe skeletal overbite | Yes | For major jaw mismatch/functional issues |
Early growth-guidance | Developing overbite in kids | Rarely | Used to reduce severity early |
Signs Your Overbite Needs Attention
Consider booking an orthodontic consult in Canada if you notice:
- Lower front teeth nearly or completely hidden when you bite together.
- Front teeth or gums chipping or wearing unevenly.
- Jaw pain, headaches, or clicking joints when chewing or talking.
- Difficulty biting into foods like sandwiches or apples.
An orthodontist can tell you clearly how do you fix an overbite in your specific case, including whether you have a severe overbite and which combination of overbite correction tools is safest.
Read More: Invisalign Pros Cons
Overbite Repair in Canada: What to Expect
Assessment:
A typical Canadian orthodontic assessment includes:
- Full exam of teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
- X-rays and digital scans to see tooth roots and jaw bones.
- Photos of your teeth and profile to plan cosmetic and functional changes.
You then receive a written treatment plan outlining whether overbite teeth braces, clear aligners, or surgery are recommended, along with the estimated timeline and fees.
Treatment:
Time varies with age and severity:
- Mild overbite: often 12–18 months with braces or aligners.
- Moderate to severe overbite: often 18–30 months, sometimes with extra appliances or extractions.
- Cases needing jaw surgery: Typically, 2–3 years total, including pre- and post-surgical orthodontics.
Read More: Jaw Surgery
Costs and Insurance in Canada
Fees vary by province, city, and clinic, but some general patterns apply across Canada.
- Comprehensive braces or aligners often range in the low-to-mid thousands of dollars, with severe overbite or jaw surgery adding to total cost.
- Many orthodontic offices, Like York Orthodontics, offer monthly payment plans, family discounts, and flexible options to match different budgets.
If you need an estimate price:
- Mild overbite (limited braces or clear aligners, no extractions, no surgery): About CAD $3,000–$5,000 overall.
- Moderate overbite (full braces or aligners, average 18–24 months): About CAD $5,000–$7,500 overall in many parts of Canada.
- Severe overbite, complex tooth movements (extractions, elastics, longer time): Often CAD $7,000–$10,000 or more, depending on complexity and city.
- Overbite plus jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery + braces): Orthodontics: usually in the upper CAD $7,000–$10,000 range.
- Hospital/surgeon fees: It can add several thousand dollars more; in some provinces, parts of surgery may be partially covered by public health plans if there is a medical need.
- Early/phase‑1 treatment in kids (growth‑guidance appliances, partial braces): Commonly CAD $2,000–$4,000 for that first phase, with a second full phase later in the usual braces range.
Read More: CDCP Braces
How insurance usually affects your cost
Many Canadian dental plans that include orthodontics cover about 50%–80% of eligible costs, but they usually cap this with a lifetime maximum (often around CAD $1,500–$3,500 per person).
Example:
- Treatment fee: $6,000
- Insurance covers 50% up to a $2,000 lifetime maximum
- Insurer pays $2,000; your out‑of‑pocket is $4,000.
Because limits and rules differ a lot, the only precise number will come from:
- A written orthodontic quote for your exact overbite case, and
- A pre‑determination of benefits from your insurance provider.
Most clinics in Ontario, including offices such as York Orthodontics, typically break the total into a down payment plus 0%‑interest monthly payments so that even higher‑end cases are easier to manage within a set budget each month.
Read More: Orthodontic Insurance
Daily Life with Overbite Teeth Braces or Aligners
Whether you choose clear aligners or braces for overbite, day-to-day life usually adjusts quickly.
- Comfort: Mild soreness after adjustments or new aligners is normal and usually improves within a few days.
- Eating: Braces may require avoiding very hard or sticky foods; aligners must be removed for meals.
- Oral hygiene: Extra attention to brushing and flossing is key to prevent stains and decay during treatment.
Most patients can continue school, work, and sports with only small lifestyle tweaks.
Read More: Foods to avoid with Braces
Why Early Treatment Matters
- Treating an overbite earlier, especially in kids and teens, often means:
- Shorter treatment time overall.
- Less invasive options (for example, avoiding or reducing the need for jaw surgery).
- Better long-term protection for teeth and jaw joints.
Adults can still get excellent results, but bone and growth patterns are less flexible, so planning is even more important.
Read More: Orthodontist for Kids
York Orthodontics: Overbite Care in North York and Thornhill
For patients in the Greater Toronto Area wondering “how do you fix an overbite” with a trusted local team, York Orthodontics offers full overbite correction services for children, teens, and adults.
York Orthodontics has two convenient branches in North York and Thornhill, Ontario, both designed with a very comfy environment for families, including child friendly spaces and relaxed, modern treatment areas. Their expert, kind orthodontic team tailors treatment, whether overbite teeth braces, clear aligners, or more advanced options, to each patient’s specific needs and budget, helping you choose a plan that fits your health goals and financial comfort.
FAQs
Some minor shifting over time is normal, but good retainer use greatly reduces the chance of a significant overbite returning. If you lose or break your retainer, contact your orthodontist quickly to prevent relapse.
Yes. A slight overbite is actually ideal because it helps protect the back teeth and allows efficient chewing. Treatment focuses on overbites that are too deep or causing cosmetic or functional problems.
Correcting a deep or severe overbite can soften lip strain, improve the profile, and balance facial proportions. Your orthodontist can show expected changes with photos or digital simulations before treatment.
They are designed to be long-term, but teeth and jaws can still respond to habits, aging, and missing teeth. Regular dental checkups and consistent retainer wear are the best ways to keep results stable.
In most cases, no. Healthy adults of many ages can safely undergo overbite repair with braces, aligners, or combined orthodontic–surgical plans. A full exam will determine what is realistic for your health and goals.