It depends on how big your overbite is. A small overbite can sometimes be corrected in a few months. A deeper bite usually takes longer, often a year or more. For most people, treatment goes from a few months to around two years. Your dentist can give you a much better idea once they’ve looked at your bite.
At YOR Dental in MediaCity, Manchester, we treat overbites with Invisalign and Spark clear aligners. We’ll talk you through how long your treatment is likely to take at your free consultation.
Why it takes time
Fixing an overbite isn’t just about pushing your front teeth back. It’s about changing how your top and bottom teeth meet when you bite. That takes more work than closing a small gap or straightening one crooked tooth.
Teeth also need to move slowly. Gentle, steady pressure gives the bone around your teeth time to adjust as they shift. Trying to rush things isn’t good for your teeth or roots, so it’s worth being patient.
What helps the aligners do their job
Your dentist might stick a few small tooth-coloured bumps onto some of your teeth. These are called attachments, and they help the aligners grip and move your teeth.
Some people also need to wear small elastic bands that hook onto their aligners. These help adjust how your top and bottom teeth line up. Not everyone needs them, and your dentist will tell you if you do.
The easiest way to slow things down
Not wearing your aligners enough. They need to be in for around 22 hours a day, so only take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth.
If they spend hours in your bag or on your bedside table, your teeth won’t move as planned, and your treatment can end up taking longer. If you’ve been given elastics, wear them exactly as your dentist tells you.
Think your bite might need looking at?
If your top front teeth stick out a lot, or your bottom teeth bite into the gum behind your top teeth, book a free consultation at our MediaCity clinic. We’ll take a look and talk you through your options.
Can an overbite come back after treatment?
It can if you stop wearing your retainer. When treatment ends, your teeth need time to settle, and they can drift back towards where they started. Wearing your retainer as your dentist advises, usually at night long term, keeps your bite where it should be.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face to face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
