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This article was co-authored by Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.
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If your top teeth stick out further than your bottom teeth, you might have an overbite. While some protrusion is natural, a severe overbite can cause health issues down the line, like the inability to chew or speech impediments. We’ve answered some of your common questions about overbites to let you know how you can start fixing yours today.
Things You Should Know
- Visit your dentist for x-rays to determine the severity of your overbite.
- Ask your dentist about wearing a plastic aligner to correct a minor overbite.
- See an orthodontist to get braces for a severe overbite. You'll wear braces for 2 years and you may need to use a retainer once the braces come off.
Steps
How do you know if you have an overbite?
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![Step 1 Check your teeth alignment by biting down and smiling.]()
Check your teeth alignment by biting down and smiling. Close your mouth normally with your teeth resting in their natural position. With your teeth clenched shut, smile into a mirror and see how much your top teeth extend over your bottom ones. A slight overlap is normal, but if your top teeth stick out a lot more than your bottom teeth, you probably have an overbite.[2] -
![Step 2 Get a checkup from your dentist.]()
Get a checkup from your dentist. They can give you a physical exam and x-rays to determine whether or not you have an overbite.[3] They can also help recommend treatment and tell you how severe your overbite is.[4]- An overbite is considered severe when the teeth overlap by 3.5 millimetres (0.14 in) or more.
- If your dentist notices that you have an overbite, they can refer you to an orthodontist.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs there any way to fix an overbite at home?
Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFEDr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.
Licensed DentistNo, there aren't any viable options here. You can absolutely fix an overbite, with things like aligner therapy or braces, but all of these options need to be overseen by a dentist. -
QuestionAre there any types of mouth guards I can use to fix my overbite?
Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSDr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.
Board Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonMouth guards can help stop an overbite from getting worse if yours is caused by grinding your teeth. However, to actually fix an overbite, you'll need braces, clear aligners, or a retainer. -
QuestionCan putting my overbite under my bottom teeth fix my overbite naturally?Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSDr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.
Board Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonNo, changing your jaw position throughout the day won't fix your overbite. You'll need a permanent fix, like braces or clear aligners, to adjust your teeth and jaw position.
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Tips
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Dental insurance will often pay for some of the cost of orthodontic procedures. If you have insurance, check with your provider before paying out of pocket.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21473-overbite
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21473-overbite
- ↑ Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE. Licensed Dentist. Expert Interview. 3 June 2021.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21473-overbite
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001058.htm
- ↑ Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE. Licensed Dentist. Expert Interview. 3 June 2021.
- ↑ https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/overbite-and-overjet/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1073874605000046
- ↑ https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/overbite-and-overjet/
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To successfully fix an overbite, get a dental checkup to see what type of malocclusion you have. If it is bad enough to require professional help, search for an accredited orthodontist and ask about various treatment options. To fix a less severe overbite, try transparent aligners or traditional wire retainers. To deal with a more severe overbite, full braces and tooth extractions may be required. For advice on pursuing jaw surgery to fix an extreme overbite, scroll down!
