Can a Dentist Fix an Overbite? Understanding What Can—and Cannot—Be Changed

An overbite is one of those dental terms almost everyone has heard, yet it is frequently misunderstood.

Some degree of vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth is normal. In fact, a healthy bite generally includes some overlap. The concern begins when that relationship becomes excessive enough to affect tooth wear, appearance, gum health, jaw function, or the long-term stability of the smile.

So, can a dentist fix an overbite?

Yes but the more important question is:

What is causing the overbite, and what exactly needs to be corrected?

Depending on the patient, treatment may involve orthodontics, Invisalign or other clear aligner therapy, restorative dentistry, porcelain veneers or crowns, replacement of worn or missing teeth, or referral for more complex orthodontic or surgical treatment.

And sometimes, an overbite does not need to be “fixed” at all.

At the Henderson, Nevada practice of Marielaina Perrone, DDS, evaluating an overbite is not simply about making the front teeth look straighter. It means looking at how the entire bite functions, how the teeth have aged, and whether changing one part of the smile could create problems somewhere else.

“I don’t treat an overbite because a number on a chart says it should be different. I want to know whether the bite is damaging the teeth, affecting function, compromising the smile, or likely to create problems over time. Treatment should solve a problem. Not create a new one.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

What Is an Overbite?

An overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the jaws are closed.

A certain amount of overlap is normal.

When the upper teeth cover an excessive portion of the lower front teeth, it may be described as a deep bite or excessive overbite.

In more severe cases, the lower front teeth may contact the backs of the upper teeth or even the gum tissue behind them.

But this is where terminology becomes important.

An overbite is not the same thing as an overjet.

Overbite

Overbite refers primarily to vertical overlap.

Overjet

Overjet refers to how far the upper front teeth project horizontally in front of the lower front teeth.

A patient can have:

• Excessive overbite without significant overjet
• Excessive overjet without a particularly deep bite
• Both conditions simultaneously
• A normal variation that does not require treatment

That distinction matters because the appropriate treatment may be very different.

Is an Overbite Always a Problem?

No.

This is one of the most important things to understand about bite relationships.

Human teeth are not supposed to meet edge-to-edge in the front. Some overlap is normal and often desirable.

The goal of treatment is therefore not to eliminate the overbite.

The goal is to establish a comfortable, stable relationship among the teeth, muscles, jaws, and supporting tissues.

A deeper bite becomes more concerning when it contributes to problems such as:

• Excessive tooth wear
• Chipping or fracture
• Lower teeth contacting gum tissue
• Gum recession
• Shortened-looking front teeth
• Difficulty maintaining restorations
• Crowding
• Bite instability
• Jaw discomfort in some patients
• Cosmetic concerns
• Repeated failure of bonding, veneers, or crowns

Some patients, however, have lived comfortably with a deeper bite for decades without significant damage.

That is why diagnosis matters more than simply labeling the bite.

What Causes an Overbite?

There is no single cause.

An overbite may result from the position of the teeth, the relationship of the jaws, changes that occur over time, or a combination of factors.

Genetics and Jaw Development

The size, shape, and position of the upper and lower jaws are influenced significantly by genetics.

If the lower jaw is positioned farther back relative to the upper jaw, the front-to-back relationship can contribute to an excessive bite relationship.

This is fundamentally different from a problem caused primarily by tooth position.

Tooth Position

Sometimes the underlying jaw relationship is relatively normal, but the teeth have erupted or moved into positions that create a deep bite.

Orthodontic movement may be particularly effective in these cases.

Tooth Wear

Overbite is not exclusively something that develops during childhood.

The bite can change throughout adulthood.

Years of:

• Grinding
• Clenching
• Acid erosion
• Enamel loss
• Fractured teeth
• Worn restorations

can reduce tooth height and alter how the upper and lower teeth come together.

This can make the bite appear progressively more “collapsed.”

Missing Back Teeth

The posterior teeth play an important role in supporting the bite.

When molars or premolars are lost and not replaced, surrounding teeth can move and the bite can change.

That doesn’t mean every missing back tooth automatically creates an overbite, but loss of posterior support can contribute to significant changes in certain patients.

Childhood Oral Habits

Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, tongue habits, and other developmental factors can influence tooth and jaw relationships while a child is growing.

Depending upon the habit, however, the resulting bite problem may be an open bite, increased overjet, crossbite, or another malocclusion rather than simply an overbite.

Can a General Dentist Diagnose an Overbite?

Yes.

A general dentist can evaluate the bite and determine whether there are signs that it is affecting oral health.

The examination may include evaluating:

• Amount of vertical overlap
• Horizontal overjet
• Tooth position
• Tooth wear
• Chipping
• Gum recession
• Existing restorations
• Jaw relationship
• Missing teeth
• Muscle tenderness
• Jaw movement
• Facial proportions
• Smile aesthetics

Dental photographs, digital scans, X-rays, and models of the teeth may also be useful depending on the situation.

For more complicated orthodontic or skeletal cases, collaboration with an orthodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be appropriate.

A good diagnosis includes knowing when another specialist should be part of the treatment team.

How Can a Dentist Fix an Overbite?

There isn’t one universal treatment.

The appropriate solution depends heavily upon why the overbite exists.

1. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Clear aligner systems such as Invisalign can correct many tooth-position-related bite problems in appropriately selected patients.

Treatment may involve moving teeth vertically and horizontally to improve the relationship between the upper and lower arches.

Aligners can sometimes address:

• Mild to moderate deep bites
• Crowding
• Spacing
• Certain overjet problems
• Rotated teeth
• Some bite discrepancies

But aligners are not automatically the best solution simply because they are less visible than braces.

The complexity of the tooth movement matters.

2. Traditional Orthodontics

Braces remain an extremely effective way to move teeth and correct many bite relationships.

Depending on the case, orthodontic treatment can:

• Intrude certain teeth
• Extrude others
• Correct crowding
• Coordinate the arches
• Change incisor angulation
• Improve overbite and overjet

More complex cases may benefit from an orthodontist’s expertise.

For growing children and teenagers, timing can also influence treatment because jaw growth may still be occurring.

3. Porcelain Veneers

This is where overbite treatment becomes particularly misunderstood.

Porcelain veneers do not orthodontically correct a true skeletal overbite.

Veneers change the shape, proportion, color, and visible position of teeth.

They do not move the jaw.

However, veneers can sometimes play an important role in the treatment of an adult whose primary concern is the appearance of worn, short, uneven, or poorly proportioned front teeth associated with the bite.

For example, an adult may have:

• Moderately worn front teeth
• A stable bite
• Unattractive tooth proportions
• Discoloration
• Minor alignment issues
• No desire for comprehensive orthodontics

Carefully designed veneers might improve the appearance of the smile.

But the bite must be evaluated first.

“Veneers should never be used to disguise a bite problem we haven’t understood. Before I change the length or position of a front tooth, I need to know where the opposing tooth goes when the patient bites, speaks, and moves the jaw.”

— Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS

That distinction is critical.

Cosmetic camouflage is not the same as orthodontic correction.

4. Dental Crowns

Crowns may become part of treatment when teeth are substantially:

• Worn
• Broken
• Heavily restored
• Structurally weakened
• Shortened by years of function

In these situations, the problem may be larger than tooth alignment.

The dentist may need to restore lost tooth structure while simultaneously rebuilding a functional bite.

This can become a form of full-mouth rehabilitation rather than simple cosmetic dentistry.

5. Dental Bonding

Composite bonding can sometimes improve small cosmetic irregularities related to tooth wear or proportions.

It is conservative and can often be completed without extensive tooth preparation.

However, bonding placed into an unfavorable deep bite can fracture repeatedly.

If the lower teeth continually strike the new bonding, simply replacing it again and again does not address the reason it keeps breaking.

The bite needs to be part of the treatment plan.

6. Replacing Missing Teeth

If missing teeth have contributed to bite changes, replacing them may be part of a larger restorative plan.

Depending on the patient, options can include:

• Dental implants
• Fixed bridges
• Implant-supported restorations
• Removable prostheses

Again, replacing a tooth does not automatically “fix an overbite.”

It may instead restore support necessary for rebuilding a more stable overall bite.

7. Full-Mouth Rehabilitation

Some adults do not have a traditional orthodontic problem at all.

They have an aging, worn dentition.

Years of grinding, erosion, fractures, failing restorations, and tooth loss can significantly change the bite.

These patients may notice:

• Their teeth look shorter
• Their lower teeth barely show
• The upper teeth increasingly cover the lowers
• Their smile appears older
• Their face seems different
• Crowns or bonding keep breaking

Treatment may require reconstructing multiple teeth rather than simply moving them.

This is where restorative and cosmetic dentistry overlap with bite rehabilitation.

8. Orthognathic Surgery

Some severe overbites are primarily skeletal, meaning the relationship between the upper and lower jaws—not simply tooth position—is responsible.

In significant skeletal discrepancies, orthodontics alone may not fully correct the problem.

Orthognathic jaw surgery may be considered in selected cases, typically through coordinated treatment involving an orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Most people asking whether their dentist can fix an overbite will never require jaw surgery.

But it is important to recognize the limitation:

Dentistry can change teeth very predictably. Changing the underlying adult jaw relationship is a different matter.

Can an Overbite Be Fixed Without Braces?

Sometimes.

Clear aligners may eliminate the need for traditional braces in suitable orthodontic cases.

Restorative dentistry may be appropriate when the primary problem involves worn or damaged teeth rather than tooth position.

And some minor cosmetic concerns can be improved with bonding or veneers.

But treatment should not be chosen backward.

In other words:

“I don’t want braces” should not automatically become “therefore I need veneers.”

First determine what is wrong.

Then determine which treatments can predictably correct it.

Then consider the patient’s preferences among those reasonable choices.

Can Veneers Fix an Overbite Without Orthodontics?

This deserves its own answer because it is searched so frequently.

Usually, veneers cannot truly correct an overbite.

They can alter the visible shape and apparent position of teeth, which may improve the appearance of certain bite-related problems.

But if teeth require significant movement, orthodontics is generally the more biologically appropriate method of repositioning them.

Trying to make severely misaligned teeth look straight solely by removing tooth structure and placing porcelain can require unnecessarily aggressive preparation.

That conflicts with a conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry.

Sometimes the best cosmetic dentistry is actually:

Orthodontics first, minimal dentistry afterward.

Or perhaps orthodontics eliminates the need for veneers altogether.

When Orthodontics and Veneers Work Together

The choice isn’t always orthodontics versus veneers.

Sometimes they are complementary.

Consider an adult patient with:

• A deep bite
• Crowded front teeth
• Uneven tooth lengths
• Worn enamel
• Old bonding
• Discoloration

Trying to solve everything with porcelain alone could require substantial tooth preparation.

Instead, limited orthodontics might first place the teeth into better positions.

Then only the teeth that genuinely need restoration receive veneers or bonding.

This can allow the final dentistry to be more conservative.

“Moving a tooth into the right position can sometimes save us from having to remove healthy tooth structure just to make it look like it’s in the right position.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

That is an important concept in modern interdisciplinary cosmetic dentistry.

Does an Overbite Cause Teeth to Wear Down?

It can.

A deep bite can create unfavorable contact between upper and lower teeth.

Over many years, this may contribute to:

• Flattened incisal edges
• Enamel thinning
• Small chips
• Cracks
• Shorter teeth
• Exposed dentin
• Increased sensitivity

But bite is only one possible contributor.

Bruxism, acid erosion, diet, reflux, tooth position, and enamel characteristics can all influence wear.

A worn tooth does not prove the overbite caused it.

The pattern of wear must be evaluated.

Can an Overbite Cause Gum Recession?

In certain situations, traumatic tooth contact or unfavorable tooth position may contribute to periodontal problems.

For example, lower front teeth in an extremely deep bite may contact soft tissue behind the upper teeth.

Crowded teeth positioned outside the ideal bony envelope may also have thinner gum tissue.

However, gum recession is multifactorial.

Other contributors can include:

• Periodontal disease
• Aggressive brushing
• Thin tissue
• Tooth position
• Orthodontic history
• Tobacco use
• Trauma

Correcting the bite alone does not guarantee gum recession will reverse.

Does an Overbite Cause TMJ Problems?

This is another area where oversimplification is common.

Some patients with bite abnormalities also experience:

• Jaw discomfort
• Muscle fatigue
• Headaches
• Clicking
• Clenching
• Limited jaw movement

But temporomandibular disorders are complex.

It is usually inappropriate to tell a patient that an overbite is definitively the cause of TMJ symptoms without a thorough evaluation.

Changing the bite specifically to “cure TMJ” deserves considerable caution.

Can an Overbite Get Worse With Age?

The bite is not necessarily frozen at age 18.

Teeth continue to experience forces throughout life.

Changes may result from:

• Tooth wear
• Grinding
• Tooth loss
• Gum disease
• Bone loss
• Restorative dentistry
• Tooth movement
• Changes in muscular function

For some adults, the overbite itself may not dramatically worsen, but the consequences of the bite become more visible as teeth accumulate decades of wear.

That distinction is important.

Can Adults Fix an Overbite?

Absolutely.

There is no rule saying orthodontic treatment belongs only to teenagers.

Adults routinely undergo clear aligner and traditional orthodontic treatment.

The important difference is that an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing the way a child’s are.

That means certain skeletal discrepancies that might have been influenced during growth require different approaches in adulthood.

Adult treatment also needs to account for:

• Existing crowns
• Veneers
• Dental implants
• Missing teeth
• Periodontal health
• Bone levels
• Tooth wear
• Previous dental treatment

This is why adult bite correction often benefits from comprehensive planning.

How Long Does It Take to Correct an Overbite?

There is no meaningful universal timeline.

A relatively minor tooth-position problem may require considerably less treatment than a complex skeletal discrepancy.

Factors include:

• Severity
• Age
• Tooth movement required
• Treatment method
• Periodontal health
• Patient compliance
• Whether restorative treatment is also necessary

Promises such as “fix your overbite in six months” should therefore be viewed in the context of the individual diagnosis.

Fast is valuable only when it is also biologically appropriate and stable.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Overbite?

The cost depends primarily on what treatment is actually needed.

A patient needing limited clear aligner therapy has a completely different treatment plan from someone requiring comprehensive orthodontics.

Likewise, a patient whose bite has collapsed from severe tooth wear may need extensive restorative treatment rather than conventional orthodontics alone.

Cost may be influenced by:

• Type of orthodontic treatment
• Length and complexity
• Number of teeth restored
• Need for veneers or crowns
• Missing teeth
• Implant treatment
• Specialist involvement
• Jaw surgery in uncommon severe cases

A responsible estimate requires diagnosis first.

How Do You Know Which Treatment Is Right?

A useful way to think about overbite treatment is to ask three separate questions.

1. Is the problem primarily dental?

Are the teeth simply in unfavorable positions?

Orthodontics may be the most logical solution.

2. Is the problem primarily restorative?

Have the teeth become worn, fractured, shortened, or heavily restored?

Restorative rehabilitation may be necessary.

3. Is the problem primarily skeletal?

Is the relationship between the jaws responsible for the bite discrepancy?

Specialist orthodontic evaluation—and occasionally surgical evaluation—may be appropriate.

Many patients have a combination.

That is why simply looking at a photograph and saying, “You need Invisalign” or “You need veneers” can miss the bigger picture.

What Dr. Perrone Looks at Before Changing an Overbite

For an adult cosmetic patient, the evaluation should go beyond whether the teeth appear straight.

Dr. Perrone considers the relationship among:

Teeth. Gums. Bite. Face. Smile. Existing dentistry. Long-term function.

If porcelain veneers are being considered, additional questions become particularly important:

Will the lower teeth strike the porcelain?

Is there enough space to create the desired tooth length?

Are the front teeth already worn?

Is the patient grinding?

Would orthodontics make the restorative treatment more conservative?

Is the bite stable enough to protect the final result?

Would changing the front teeth alter speech or function?

This is the difference between designing pretty teeth and designing a smile that has to function thousands of times every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overbites

Can a regular dentist fix an overbite?

A general dentist can diagnose an overbite and may provide clear aligner or restorative treatment depending on training, experience, and complexity. More complicated orthodontic or skeletal cases may be referred to an orthodontist or oral surgeon.

Is an overbite normal?

Some vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth is normal. Treatment is generally considered when the relationship is excessive, damaging, unstable, functionally problematic, or cosmetically concerning.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Clear aligners can correct many mild to moderate bite problems, but suitability depends upon the type and severity of the malocclusion.

Can veneers fix an overbite?

Veneers can alter tooth shape and appearance but do not move the jaws or truly orthodontically reposition teeth. They may be appropriate for selected cosmetic or restorative situations after the bite has been carefully evaluated.

Can crowns fix a deep bite?

Crowns may be part of rehabilitating a severely worn or damaged bite, but they are not a universal treatment for overbite.

Can an overbite be fixed as an adult?

Yes. Adults can undergo orthodontic and restorative treatment. Severe skeletal discrepancies require different considerations because adult jaw growth is complete.

Do all overbites need treatment?

No. A stable, healthy overbite that is not damaging teeth or creating functional or aesthetic concerns may not require correction.

Can an overbite cause chipped teeth?

An unfavorable bite can contribute to excessive forces, wear, and chipping, although other factors such as grinding and trauma may also be involved.

Can an overbite come back after orthodontics?

Teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment, which is why retention is important. Long-term changes in the mouth can also affect the bite.

Should I get braces or veneers for an overbite?

If the fundamental problem is tooth position, orthodontics is generally the more conservative way to move teeth. Veneers may be appropriate when tooth shape, color, wear, or existing damage also needs correction. Some patients benefit from combining the two.

Fixing an Overbite in Henderson, NV: Treat the Cause, Not Just the Appearance

So, can a dentist fix an overbite?

Yes—but “fixing” it can mean very different things.

For one patient, the answer may be clear aligners.

For another, orthodontic treatment with a specialist.

For another, replacing missing teeth.

For someone with decades of tooth wear, the solution may involve reconstructing damaged teeth and restoring lost function.

And for a patient with a healthy, stable overbite?

The best treatment may be no treatment at all.

The important part is understanding the difference.

At her Henderson, Nevada practice, Marielaina Perrone, DDS approaches adult bite and cosmetic treatment by considering how the teeth look and how they function together. For patients considering Invisalign, porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding, or a comprehensive smile makeover, the bite becomes part of the design rather than an afterthought.

Patients from Henderson, Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills, Inspirada, Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding Southern Nevada communities can schedule a consultation to determine whether their overbite is primarily an orthodontic, restorative, cosmetic, or skeletal concern.

“A beautiful smile shouldn’t come at the expense of a healthy bite. The best result is one where aesthetics and function support each other.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

About Marielaina Perrone

Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is a trusted cosmetic and family dentist in Henderson, NV, known for helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through personalized, compassionate care. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she combines advanced dental expertise with an artistic eye to deliver exceptional results in porcelain veneers, dental implants, smile makeovers, periodontal therapy, Botox, dermal fillers, and facial aesthetic treatments.

A graduate with honors from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Perrone remains committed to lifelong learning and regularly pursues advanced continuing education in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and facial aesthetics. Her comprehensive approach focuses on enhancing oral health, facial harmony, and overall confidence through customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique goals.

Dr. Perrone is passionate about patient education, preventive care, and building lasting relationships founded on trust, communication, and comfort. She believes every patient deserves individualized attention and treatment that supports both long-term health and a confident smile.

Proudly serving Henderson, Green Valley, Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding communities, Dr. Perrone is dedicated to providing modern, patient-centered dentistry in a welcoming environment. Outside the office, she enjoys cooking, staying active, spending time with family, and participating in community activities throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

 

Reviewed for Clinical Accuracy

Every article published on drperrone.com is personally written or clinically reviewed by Marielaina Perrone, DDS to ensure it reflects current evidence-based dentistry, modern treatment recommendations, and her philosophy that beautiful smiles are created through personalized care, facial harmony, and long-term oral health.

Last Reviewed: July 2026