How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite? Timeline & Factors

Many people feel uneasy when they first learn they have an overbite. It’s one of those things that sounds complicated, but really isn’t. Some overbites are subtle and barely noticeable. Others are more pronounced and affect how your teeth meet or how your jaw feels.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to fix an overbite, you’re already ahead; you’re asking the right question. And yes, overbites can be corrected at any age with the right plan.

What Exactly Is an Overbite?

Before we get into how long treatment takes, it helps to understand what an overbite actually is. It simply means your top front teeth sit further forward than your bottom teeth. A little overlap is totally normal, but when the gap becomes too big, it can start causing problems, things like uneven enamel wear, speech quirks, or even jaw tension.

People often notice:

• Upper teeth covering too much of the lower teeth
• Difficulty biting into foods
• The lower jaw looks slightly recessed
• Lower teeth looking crowded or pushed backwards

Some overbites are dental (caused by the teeth). Others are skeletal (caused by the jaw). And some are a mix of both. This matters because the more involved the issue, the longer the treatment takes.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite?

Honestly, the timeline isn’t as tidy as those “6 months to 2 years” estimates you see everywhere… though, yes, that’s technically the range. Some people move through treatment surprisingly fast; others take the scenic route. It all depends on what’s actually happening inside your mouth, the teeth, the bite, the jaw, and even your daily habits.

Anyway, here’s the real picture:

Mild Overbite

Timeline: 6–12 months

Mild cases? They’re usually the quickest to behave. A little crowding, a small overlap, nothing dramatic. Braces or aligners can shift things into place before you even realize how much time has passed. Honestly, some patients are almost done by the time they’ve settled into a routine.

Moderate Overbite

Timeline: 12–18 months

This is the “most people” category. Not too simple, not too complicated — just enough movement needed that your teeth want a full year (give or take) to cooperate. Aligners and braces both do the job here. The difference is usually in discipline: wear-your-aligners vs. show-up-for-your-tightening. Same destination, slightly different vibe.

Severe Overbite

Timeline: 18–24 months

Now we’re talking deeper bites, bigger shifts, and sometimes a bit of jaw coordination. These cases tend to unfold slowly because the orthodontist is guiding your bite with more precision. You might see elastics, attachments, bite ramps — little things that look simple but do a lot of heavy lifting. It’s a longer process, but it’s also where the biggest transformations happen.

Skeletal Overbite (Jaw-Related)

Timeline: 18–36 months

This one depends heavily on age. Teens usually move faster because their jaws haven’t finished growing; adults… well, adult bones are stubborn. You may need extra appliances, and in the most complex cases, even surgical help. It’s not super common, but it’s part of the timeline conversation.

What Affects How Long Overbite Treatment Takes?

Severity of the overbite:

Small overlaps move quickly. Deep or jaw-related ones take more time and careful control.

Age and jaw growth:

Younger mouths respond faster because they’re still developing. Adults can absolutely fix overbites, it just takes a little more patience.

Treatment method:

Braces, clear aligners, elastics, bite-correcting appliances… each works at its own pace, depending on the type of movement needed.

Patient consistency:

Skipping aligners, forgetting elastics, or missing appointments? All of that can slow things down more than most people expect.

Overall oral health

Gum issues, cavities, or weakened enamel need attention first. Orthodontists won’t start major tooth movement until the foundation is healthy.

What Are the Main Methods Used to Fix an Overbite?

Different treatments work for different types of overbites. Here are the most common methods orthodontists use, and when each one is recommended.

Clear Aligners

Great for mild to moderate overbites. They apply gradual pressure to shift teeth and improve the bite. Works best when worn 20–22 hours daily.

Traditional Braces

Ideal for moderate to severe overbites. Braces give orthodontists more control over tooth and jaw movement, especially for deep bites.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Used with braces and sometimes aligners to adjust how the upper and lower teeth meet. They speed up bite correction when worn consistently.

Functional Appliances (For Kids & Teens)

Devices like expanders or growth-guidance appliances help redirect jaw development. They work best before the jaw fully matures.

Tooth Reshaping or Limited Extractions

In cases with severe crowding contributing to an overbite, removing one or two teeth can create space for proper alignment.

Jaw Surgery (For Adults with Severe Skeletal Overbite)

A corrective jaw procedure may be recommended when the jaw position, not just the teeth, is causing the overbite. This is used only in complex cases.

Retainers (Post-Treatment Stabilization)

Not used to fix the overbite, but essential for keeping everything in place once the correction is done.

How Overbite Treatment Works: Step-by-Step

People often think overbite correction is only about pushing the upper teeth back, but the process is a bit more nuanced.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The orthodontist examines your bite, takes X-rays, photos, and digital scans.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

They map out your tooth movement and create a personalized overbite fixing plan.

Step 3: Appliances Are Placed

Depending on the treatment, this may mean aligners, braces, elastics, or additional attachments.

Step 4: Active Correction Phase

The teeth slowly shift, the bite adjusts, and the overbite reduces.

Step 5: Refinement Phase

Often needed with aligners. Minor adjustments ensure the bite is accurate.

Step 6: Retention Phase

A retainer keeps everything in place. Without it, the overbite may return.

Can You Fix an Overbite without Braces?

Yes. It depends on the case, but many people correct overbites with aligners. Clear aligners apply controlled force without metal wires or brackets. They’re ideal for mild and moderate overbites, and in some cases, even deeper ones when designed by an experienced orthodontist.

People searching “can you fix overbite without braces?” or “can overbites be fixed with aligners?” often discover they’re great candidates.

Aligners are popular for a reason:

• They’re discreet
• Comfortable
• Removable
• Allow easier cleaning
• Require fewer clinic visits

If you're an adult looking for a low-visibility solution, fixing overbite with Smilepath clear aligners can be an excellent option.

Does Fixing an Overbite Hurt?

Some discomfort is normal. Teeth move gradually, so mild soreness appears during the first few days of braces or new aligner trays. It’s not usually intense, and it fades quickly.

Most people describe it as pressure rather than pain.

Will Fixing an Overbite Change Your Face?

Often, yes, subtly and positively. When teeth and jaws align properly, the lower face looks more balanced.

Possible improvements include:

• Better jawline definition
• Improved profile
• Less strain in the mouth muscles
• More harmonious smile

These changes are natural results of correcting the bite, not drastic alterations.

What about Overbite Exercises? Do They Help?

Searches like “what exercises help fix an overbite?” come up frequently. The truth is, exercises can support jaw relaxation but do not move teeth or correct overbites on their own.

Exercises may help with:

• Jaw tension
• Clenching
• Mild muscle imbalance

But professional orthodontic treatment is the only way to fix overbite teeth safely and effectively.

Fastest Way to Fix an Overbite

Everyone wants the fastest route, but it depends on the specifics.

Fastest pathways include:

• Clear aligners for mild to moderate cases

6–12 months on average.

• Braces with elastics for more complex cases

12–18 months if the patient is consistent.

• Early treatment for kids

Guiding jaw growth early can prevent long treatments later.

What doesn’t work fast? Skipping appointments, inconsistent aligner wear, and ignoring orthodontic instructions.

Is It Ever Too Late to Fix an Overbite?

No. Adults fix overbites every day. Teeth respond to movement at almost any age.

The only difference is that adults may need more controlled movement or longer timelines because the jaw has fully formed. Still, overbite dental correction is absolutely possible at 25, 35, 45, and beyond.

How Long Does It Really Take to Fix an Overbite

Fixing an overbite isn’t an overnight thing, but it is doable, and honestly, the payoff is huge. Some people finish in just a few months. Others need closer to two years. It really depends on what’s going on inside your mouth: the severity of the bite, how your jaw is shaped, the treatment you choose, and yes, how consistent you are with it.

Aligners have made the whole process way easier for adults who want something discreet. Braces? Still the powerhouse option, especially for complicated cases that need more control.

If you’re sitting there wondering, “Okay, but my overbite, how long will it take?” then you’re already ahead. That curiosity is the first real step. The only way to get an exact timeline is a simple consultation, and it’ll give you a clear idea of what your smile needs and how long the journey will actually be.