Do I need braces for an overbite? Correction techniques and options explained

‘Overbite’ is one of those words everyone uses and few people define. It gets applied to teeth that stick out, to a lower jaw that sits back, and to upper teeth that cover too much of the lower ones, which are three different things with different fixes. If you have been told you have an overbite, or you have noticed one in the mirror or in your child, this guide explains what it is, when it matters, and the ways Australian orthodontists correct it in 2026.

This is general information. Only an examination and x-rays can tell you whether your bite needs treatment. See a registered dentist or orthodontist for an assessment.

What an overbite actually is

Strictly, an overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when you bite together. A normal bite has 2–4 mm of overlap, roughly a quarter to a third of the lower teeth covered. A deep overbite means the upper teeth cover much more of the lower teeth, sometimes all of them, so the lower teeth bite into the gum behind the upper teeth.

What most people mean by overbite is actually an overjet: the upper front teeth sitting horizontally in front of the lower ones, the ‘buck teeth’ look. Orthodontists also talk about a Class II bite, where the lower jaw itself sits further back than the upper. The three often come together, and the treatment depends on which combination you have and whether the cause is the teeth (a dental overbite) or the jaws (a skeletal overbite).

Common causes include genetics, prolonged thumb-sucking or dummy use, early loss of baby teeth, tongue thrusting, and simply the way the jaws grew. A specialist orthodontist works out the cause from a clinical exam and a side-on x-ray of the skull.

When does an overbite need treatment?

A mild overbite is normal, and plenty of people live happily with a moderate one. Norwest Orthodontics, a Sydney specialist practice, puts it plainly: a mild overbite may not necessarily require intervention. Treatment becomes worthwhile when the overbite is causing or likely to cause problems:

• Wear: lower front teeth chipping or wearing down, or upper teeth wearing the gum behind them
• Gum damage: lower teeth biting into the palate, or recession where teeth are forced against gum
• Jaw pain or clicking linked to the way the teeth meet
• Difficulty biting or chewing, or front teeth that cannot cut food
• Speech problems that a speech pathologist attributes to tooth position
• Protruding teeth at risk of injury, especially in active children
• Appearance and confidence, which is a valid reason, as long as you understand it is elective

If none of these apply and the overbite is mild, ‘monitor’ is a perfectly good plan, and a good orthodontist will say so. If several apply, or the overbite is large, correction is likely to protect the teeth over the long run, not just change how they look.

Overbite correction options

Braces

Fixed braces remain the most versatile tool for overbites. Brackets and wires align the teeth, and small rubber bands (elastics) running from upper to lower hooks gradually pull the bite into position. For a deep vertical overbite, the orthodontist may use the wire to lift the front teeth or push the back teeth down. Braces give the most precise control over tooth movement, which is why they are still recommended for complex cases. See our guide to the types of braces.

Clear aligners

Modern aligner systems can treat many mild to moderate overbites, using elastics on buttons or built-in features that hold the lower jaw forward while the trays align the teeth. Results depend on wearing them 20–22 hours a day, and large bite corrections remain harder with aligners than with braces. Our Invisalign vs braces guide covers when each makes sense.

Functional appliances

For a skeletal overbite in a child who is still growing, a functional appliance such as a Twin Block, Herbst or Forsus is designed to hold the lower jaw forward and encourage it to grow into a better position. These are usually worn for 9–15 months around ages 10–14, followed by braces to finish the alignment. They only work while the jaw is growing, which is the strongest argument for an early assessment.

Extractions

Where the front teeth protrude and the arch is crowded, removing two upper premolars creates room to move the front teeth back. Extractions are used less often than they once were, but for some adults they are the only way to achieve a good result without surgery.

Jaw surgery

For a severe skeletal overbite in an adult, where the lower jaw is significantly too short or the upper too far forward, orthognathic surgery repositions the jaw itself. Braces are worn before and after, and the whole process takes two to three years. It is the most involved option and reserved for cases where braces alone cannot achieve a stable, functional bite. Where it is clinically indicated, parts of the surgery attract Medicare benefits and hospital cover; check your policy.

Does age matter for overbite correction?

Yes, more than for most orthodontic problems. A skeletal overbite is easiest to correct while the jaws are still growing, roughly ages 10 to 14, because functional appliances can guide growth. Once growth stops, the same jaw discrepancy can only be masked by moving teeth or corrected with surgery. This is one of the specific problems behind the Australian Society of Orthodontists’ recommendation of a first orthodontic check by about age 7. Our guide to what age kids can get braces covers the timing.

Adults can and do have overbites corrected every day, with braces, aligners and occasionally surgery. The options are slightly narrower and treatment can take a little longer, but age itself is not a barrier if the teeth and gums are healthy.

What overbite correction costs in Australia

Overbite treatment is priced as orthodontic treatment, so the ranges are the same as for braces generally: an indicative $5,000–$9,000 for metal braces, $6,000–$11,000 for ceramic and $4,500–$10,500 for clinic-supervised aligners in 2026, with a Phase 1 functional appliance for a child adding $2,000–$5,000 if two phases are needed. Bite correction tends to sit toward the upper end of each range because it takes longer than simple alignment. Surgical cases add surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees that are not published as standard ranges. For the full breakdown by city, see braces cost in Australia and Invisalign cost.

Medicare does not cover orthodontics. Health fund extras may contribute a capped amount, typically with a 12-month waiting period; check your policy and compare orthodontic limits in our extras cover comparison. To estimate your out-of-pocket cost, try our braces cost calculator.

Next steps

If you suspect an overbite needs attention, book an assessment with a dentist or orthodontist registered with AHPRA; you do not need a referral. Ask three things: is this a dental or skeletal overbite, what happens if we do nothing, and what are the options with their costs in writing. If the answer is ‘monitor’, that is a legitimate result. If it is treatment, getting a second quote is reasonable for a bill in the thousands. Our orthodontist directory lists specialist practices by city.

Common questions