Can Invisalign Fix Overbites?

What You'll Learn

An overbite — sometimes called a deep bite — occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal. A small amount of overlap (about 2–3 mm) is healthy and expected. When the overlap is excessive, the upper teeth can cover too much of the lower teeth, sometimes causing the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Overbites can be dental (caused by tooth position) or skeletal (caused by jaw structure). Dental overbites are the most common and respond well to aligner therapy.

Invisalign uses a series of custom-fit clear aligners to gradually shift tooth position. For overbites, the aligners work by intruding (moving upward) the upper front teeth and extruding (moving downward) the lower back teeth to level the bite. Small tooth-colored attachments bonded to certain teeth give the aligners extra grip to make these movements more precise. In some cases, small rubber bands (elastics) worn between upper and lower teeth provide additional force to correct the bite relationship.

Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate dental overbites — the most common type. If your overbite is caused primarily by tooth position rather than jaw structure, Invisalign is likely a good option. Severe skeletal overbites, where the upper jaw itself protrudes significantly, may require jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) in addition to orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will evaluate your bite with X-rays and photos to determine whether Invisalign alone can achieve the correction you need.

Treatment time for an overbite with Invisalign varies depending on severity, but most cases take 12 to 24 months. You will wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before moving to the next set. Attachments are placed at an early appointment and removed at the end of treatment. You will have periodic check-ins — typically every 6 to 10 weeks — so your dentist can monitor progress and make any needed adjustments. Wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day is essential for staying on schedule.