Can Clear Aligners Fix an Overbite?

An overbite is one of the most common dental concerns in Australia, and one of the most common reasons people seek teeth straightening treatment. If you have been told you have a deep bite, or you have noticed your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth, you are probably wondering whether clear aligners can actually fix it.

The short answer is yes, for most people. Here is what you need to know.

What Is an Overbite?

An overbite, sometimes called a deep bite, occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. A small amount of overlap, around 2 to 3mm, is completely normal. When the overlap exceeds this, it is considered a malocclusion that may need attention.

Overbites are measured as a percentage of the lower teeth covered by the upper teeth. An overlap of more than 30 percent is generally considered moderate to severe. Left untreated, overbites can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, TMJ issues, and affect the overall appearance of the smile and lower face.

There are two types of overbite worth knowing about:

• Dental overbite: caused by the position of the teeth themselves. The most common type and the most treatable with clear aligners.
• Skeletal overbite: caused by the position or size of the jaw bones rather than the teeth. More complex and may require combined treatment approaches.

Can Clear Aligners Fix an Overbite?

Yes, for mild to moderate dental overbites, clear aligners are a proven and effective treatment. They work by applying controlled, progressive force to specific teeth, gradually repositioning them to reduce the vertical overlap.

The key factor is the type and severity of the overbite. A dental overbite caused by tooth position is well within the scope of clear aligner treatment for most cases. A skeletal overbite caused by jaw structure is more complex and may require a different approach, though mild to moderate skeletal overbites can still benefit from aligner therapy in many cases.

For most adults with a mild to moderate overbite, clear aligners are not just a viable option. They are often the most convenient and cost-effective treatment available.

How Clear Aligners Treat an Overbite

Clear aligners address an overbite through a combination of tooth movements designed to reduce the vertical overlap between the upper and lower teeth.

Intruding the Upper Front Teeth

In many overbite cases, the upper front teeth have over-erupted, sitting lower than they should relative to the jaw. Aligners can apply gentle upward force to move these teeth back into a more appropriate position, reducing the amount they cover the lower teeth.

Extruding the Back Teeth

Bringing the back molars slightly forward vertically helps open the bite, reducing the depth of the overbite by creating more even contact across the full arch.

Addressing Associated Crowding

Many overbite cases come with associated crowding, particularly in the lower arch. Resolving the crowding as part of treatment often contributes to correcting the bite as teeth settle into their correct positions.

Treatment Duration

Overbite correction with clear aligners typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on severity. A personalised 3D treatment plan will confirm the projected duration for your specific case before treatment begins.

When Aligners Are Not Enough

Clear aligners are not appropriate for every overbite. Cases where aligners may not be sufficient include:

• Severe skeletal overbites: where the jaw discrepancy is significant enough that tooth movement alone cannot achieve the desired result. These cases may require orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontic treatment.
• Very severe deep bites: where the lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth. These cases often require specialised in-person management beyond the scope of at-home treatment.
• Cases requiring significant vertical movement: some overbite corrections require complex vertical tooth movements that are more predictably achieved with in-person orthodontic management and specialised attachment systems.

The only way to know for certain whether your overbite is suitable for clear aligner treatment is to have your case assessed. At Jawology, every case is reviewed by an Australian-registered dental professional before treatment is confirmed, so you will know upfront whether aligners are the right option for your specific overbite.

Overbite Treatment with Jawology

Jawology's clear aligner treatment is suitable for mild to moderate overbites, including cases where the overbite is combined with crowding or spacing. Treatment is planned by Australian-registered dental professionals using 3D software that simulates the full movement of your teeth before a single aligner is made.

You can start from home using an at-home impression kit, or visit a partner clinic for a 3D scan for a more detailed digital record. Progress is monitored throughout treatment via the DentalMonitoring ScanBox app.

• Single arch treatment: from $1,945
• Dual arch treatment: from $2,435
• Payment plans: Afterpay (6 fortnightly instalments, 0% interest) and Humm (6 or 12 months fortnightly, 0% interest)

Frequently Asked Questions