Overbite Correction in Houston, TX
If you are researching overbite correction in Houston, you are already taking a positive step toward a healthier bite and a more confident smile. An overbite is not only about appearance. Left unaddressed, a deep overbite can affect how you chew, how you speak, and how comfortable your jaw feels. At Greater Houston Orthodontics, our board-certified team, Dr. Amir Davoody, Dr. Rana Mehr, and Dr. Panagiotis Kyteas, corrects overbites with precision and comfort at two convenient locations: our Bellaire Boulevard office near West University and our Gaylord Drive office in Memorial.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is a type of malocclusion, or “bad bite,” in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. A small amount of overlap is completely normal and even healthy. The issue is a deep overbite, where the upper teeth cover much or all of the lower teeth, sometimes deep enough that the lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth.
Orthodontists generally see two kinds. A dental overbite is caused mainly by how the teeth are positioned, while a skeletal overbite is driven by how the upper and lower jaws have grown in relation to each other. Telling the two apart matters, because it shapes the treatment plan, and it is one of the first things we determine at your consultation.
Why Correcting an Overbite Matters
Patients are often surprised at how much a deep overbite can affect day-to-day health, not just looks. Over time, an untreated deep overbite can lead to:
- Excessive tooth wear and enamel loss as the teeth grind against each other in the wrong places
- Jaw strain and TMJ discomfort, affecting the jaw joints (the hinges where the lower jaw meets the skull) and the muscles around them
- Gum irritation and a higher risk of damage when lower teeth contact the gums or palate
- Speech difficulties in some cases
- Self-consciousness about smiling
Correcting an overbite, whether in a child, a teen, or an adult, helps prevent these complications and supports better long-term oral health.
Signs You May Have an Overbite
Many people have a deep overbite without realizing it has a name. A few common signs to look for:
- Your upper front teeth cover much or all of your lower front teeth when you bite down.
- Your lower front teeth touch or come close to the roof of your mouth.
- You notice uneven or accelerated wear on certain teeth.
- You experience jaw tension, clicking, or headaches.
- Your lower teeth are difficult to see when you smile.
A few of these signs do not necessarily mean you need treatment, but they are worth a professional look. The only way to know for certain how deep an overbite is, and whether it is dental or skeletal, is an in-person evaluation, which we offer at no cost.
What Causes an Overbite?
Most overbites trace back to genetics and the way the jaws develop, so they often run in families. Childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can contribute, as can the early loss of baby teeth or missing teeth that allow others to drift. Because jaw growth plays such a large role, an overbite that is addressed while a child is still growing is frequently simpler to correct than one treated in adulthood, though effective options exist at every age.
Overbite Treatment Options in Houston
There is no single “best” overbite treatment. The right choice depends on whether the overbite is dental or skeletal, how deep it is, and your age and goals. We will recommend the most effective, comfortable path at your complimentary consultation.
Braces for Overbite
Metal or ceramic braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct moderate to severe overbites. Braces give us detailed control over both the teeth and the bite, applying steady, planned pressure over time. They are a proven, durable option for both younger and older patients and handle complex cases especially well.
Invisalign for Overbite
Invisalign clear aligners can correct many mild to moderate overbites discreetly. The custom aligners shift the teeth gradually and are removable for meals and cleaning, which makes them a popular choice for adults and teens who prefer a nearly invisible option. As a Blue Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, our team has extensive experience using aligners for bite correction.
Treating an Overbite in Children
In growing children, we can sometimes guide the development of the jaws so the bite has a better foundation, reducing the complexity of later treatment. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by around age 7. Learn more about early treatment.
Severe or Skeletal Overbites
When an overbite is driven by a significant jaw discrepancy, the most stable, lasting result may involve surgical orthodontics, coordinated with an oral surgeon. These cases are less common, and we will always explain clearly if and why surgery is part of the recommendation.
Will Correcting an Overbite Change My Profile?
Patients often ask whether fixing an overbite will affect how their face looks. For most dental overbites, treatment improves the smile and bite without dramatically changing the profile. When an overbite is skeletal, meaning it stems from how the jaws are positioned, correcting it can produce a more balanced profile, which many patients consider a welcome benefit. Because the jaws and the soft tissue around them are connected, even modest bite corrections can subtly improve how relaxed the lips and chin appear at rest. During your consultation we will explain what to realistically expect for your specific case, so your goals guide the plan and there are no surprises.
What to Expect: The Overbite Correction Process
Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, our process is built around comfort, clarity, and a lasting result:
- Comprehensive consultation. We evaluate your bite, determine whether the overbite is dental or skeletal, and create a detailed plan that addresses alignment, jaw position, and long-term stability.
- Digital scanning and imaging. Comfortable, high-resolution scans replace messy molds and let us map your treatment precisely.
- Active treatment. You begin with braces or aligners, monitored closely by our doctors with periodic adjustments.
- Retention. Once your overbite is corrected, we provide custom retainers to protect your new bite for the long term.
How Much Does Overbite Treatment Cost?
The cost of correcting an overbite depends on the type of treatment and how complex the case is. We keep pricing transparent, review your orthodontic insurance benefits, and offer 0% interest in-house financing with low monthly payments. You can explore the details on our financing page and our Invisalign cost guide, or we will walk through the numbers at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix an overbite?
Most overbites are corrected with braces or Invisalign, which gradually move the teeth and improve the bite. In growing children, guiding jaw development can help, and significant skeletal overbites may involve jaw surgery. The right approach depends on your specific bite.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Yes, Invisalign can correct many mild to moderate overbites. Deeper or skeletal overbites may be better treated with braces or a combined approach. We will tell you honestly which option fits your case.
How long does overbite treatment take?
It varies with the severity of the overbite and the treatment chosen, but most cases fall in the range of roughly 12 to 24 months. We will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
Is an overbite just a cosmetic issue?
No. While correcting an overbite improves your smile, it also protects against tooth wear, gum damage, and jaw strain, and can make chewing and speaking more comfortable.
Can adults have an overbite corrected?
Absolutely. Teeth can be moved at any age, and many of our overbite patients are adults. Clear aligners make adult treatment especially discreet.
Will my overbite come back after treatment?
Teeth naturally tend to drift over time, which is why retention is part of every plan. Once your overbite is corrected, we provide custom retainers and clear guidance on wearing them. Used as directed, retainers keep your corrected bite stable for the long term.
Is overbite treatment covered by insurance?
Many orthodontic insurance plans contribute toward correcting an overbite, especially when it affects function and not only appearance. Our team will review your benefits and explain your out-of-pocket cost before you begin.