The short answer: An overbite is when the upper front teeth extend noticeably farther forward than the lower front teeth. A small amount of overlap is normal and healthy; it becomes a problem when it’s pronounced enough to affect chewing, speech, jaw comfort, or the health of the front teeth and gums. Mild to moderate overbites are commonly corrected with Invisalign or braces; more severe skeletal overbites may involve surgical orthodontics. Call (804) 747-0137 or book a free consultation to find out which applies to you.
What Counts as an Overbite
Some vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth is completely normal. An overbite becomes a concern when that overlap is deep enough that the lower front teeth bite into the roof of the mouth or gum tissue, or when the jaw and teeth look visibly out of proportion.
What Causes It
Overbites can be dental (the teeth themselves are angled or positioned incorrectly) or skeletal (the upper and lower jaw are mismatched in size or position). Genetics plays a large role, but childhood habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, and early or late loss of baby teeth, can also contribute.
Why It’s Worth Correcting
Beyond appearance, an untreated significant overbite can lead to uneven wear on the front teeth, jaw strain, and in some cases difficulty with certain sounds when speaking. Catching a developing overbite early in a child, ideally around the AAO’s recommended age-7 evaluation, can sometimes mean guiding jaw growth rather than waiting to correct a fully developed skeletal overbite later.
How It’s Treated
Most dental overbites respond well to Invisalign or braces, sometimes with elastics that help pull the bite into correct alignment over the course of treatment. A significant skeletal overbite — where the jaw bones themselves are mismatched — may need surgical orthodontics in coordination with braces to fully correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my overbite needs treatment?
A real exam is the only way to know for sure. Dr. Villa evaluates the depth of the overlap, whether it’s dental or skeletal, and whether it’s affecting your bite, speech, or gum health before recommending treatment.
Can an overbite get worse if I don’t treat it?
It can, especially in a growing child, where an untreated skeletal overbite may become more pronounced as the jaw continues to develop. In adults, overbites are generally more stable but can still cause wear and jaw strain over time.
Will I need surgery to fix my overbite?
Most overbites do not require surgery. Surgical orthodontics is reserved for significant skeletal mismatches between the jaws that braces or aligners alone can’t correct — Dr. Villa will tell you plainly if your case falls into that category.
Is Invisalign strong enough to fix an overbite?
For many mild to moderate cases, yes, often with the help of small attachments or elastics. More significant cases may be better suited to braces; Dr. Villa will recommend whichever actually fits your specific bite.
Get a Real Answer About Your Bite
Request a free consultation or call (804) 747-0137. Villa Orthodontics is at 10120 W Broad St, Suite L, Glen Allen, VA, also serving Richmond, Henrico County, Innsbrook and Short Pump.
(804) 747-0137