How to fix an overbite or underbite

What overbites and underbites are

Cleveland Clinic describes an overbite as a vertical misalignment in which the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than they should, and says a small overbite is normal. The AAO describes an underbite as a bite problem in which the lower front teeth or jaw sit in front of the upper teeth, affecting an estimated 5 to 10 percent of people worldwide. Both are types of malocclusion, or bad bite.

How to fix an overbite

Healthline says traditional braces are the standard for severe overbites and overjets, with coils, springs and bands helping shift the jaw. Clear aligners are less visible and removable but must be worn at least 22 hours a day and are best suited to minor to moderate cases, because they do not apply steady enough pressure for severe overbites. Headgear and other appliances are used mainly in growing children and teens, often with braces. Jaw surgery is for overbites too severe for braces alone and usually needs braces before and after.

How to fix an underbite

The AAO says in growing children a palatal expander with reverse-pull headgear can encourage the upper jaw to grow forward, and growth-guiding treatment can address skeletal issues early. Braces are effective for tooth-position problems and are often paired with elastics or other appliances to guide the jaw. Clear aligners suit mild underbites that tooth movement alone can correct. Jaw (orthognathic) surgery is for significant skeletal discrepancies, usually in adults after jaw growth finishes, combined with orthodontics before and after. The AAO says many mild underbites caught early can be treated without surgery.

Children and adults

Cleveland Clinic says children's bones are still growing and their teeth move more easily, so orthodontics alone can often correct an overbite, using palate expanders, headgear, braces, removal of baby teeth to make room and retainers. For adults, orthodontics may be all that is needed, with traditional or clear braces, tooth extractions to create space and retainers, and some severe cases need jaw surgery. The AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

How long does it take to fix an overbite?

Healthline says traditional braces are usually worn for one to three years, with adjustments about monthly, and that a retainer is typically needed afterwards to keep the overbite from returning. Cleveland Clinic says it depends on your situation and the page gives no time. The sources we read give no typical duration for aligners, headgear or surgery, so ask your orthodontist for an estimate.

Can you fix an overbite naturally or at home?

Healthline says stopping habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, tongue thrusting, nail biting and mouth breathing may reduce the need for braces, especially in childhood, but that once teeth have flared out, home approaches are less likely to change their position. It warns to be skeptical of online products promising to fix flared teeth, because incorrect pressure can seriously injure teeth and the jawbone. We found no source in our reading on exercises that correct an overbite or underbite. For closing a gap between teeth at home, none of the sources we read describes a safe home method, so ask your dentist.

What an orthodontist will check

The AAO says an orthodontist combines a clinical exam, digital X-rays and photos, 3D scans or impressions to show whether an underbite is dental, skeletal or mixed, and that guides treatment. Only a dentist or orthodontist can safely treat a severe overbite or overjet, according to Healthline.

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