How Do Orthodontists Treat Severe Overbites or Underbites?

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your upper teeth stick out way more than your lower teeth—or maybe your lower jaw juts out more than your top—welcome to the club. Severe overbites and underbites are actually pretty common, but they’re more than just cosmetic concerns. They can affect how you chew, speak, and even the long-term health of your teeth and jaw joints.

The good news? Orthodontists have a whole toolbox of ways to fix these issues. The process might sound intimidating at first, but once you break it down, it’s really a series of manageable steps designed to get your bite in balance—and your smile looking great.

Why Severe Overbites and Underbites Happen

Before diving into treatment, it helps to understand why these bite issues happen in the first place.

An overbite, where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much, can be caused by genetics, thumb-sucking during childhood, prolonged pacifier use, or even certain tongue-thrusting habits. An underbite, when the lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth, is often genetic but can also develop if the jaw grows unevenly during childhood.

Both conditions can lead to more than just a crooked smile. Over time, they may cause excessive wear on certain teeth, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even speech problems. That’s why correcting a severe bite isn’t just about looks—it’s about long-term oral health.

Step One: Comprehensive Evaluation

Treating severe bites starts with a detailed assessment. The orthodontist will usually take X-rays, 3D scans, and photos of your teeth and jaw. This helps them see how your bite lines up, how your teeth sit in your jaw, and whether the issue is more skeletal (bone-related) or dental (teeth-related).

For some people, a severe bite is mostly about the position of the teeth, which makes treatment more straightforward. For others, the jaw itself needs adjustment, which can involve more advanced techniques. Either way, this evaluation is crucial because it sets the stage for a personalized treatment plan.

Braces: Still a Go-To Solution

For many overbites and underbites, braces are the foundation of treatment. Metal braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth into better positions over time. In mild to moderate cases, braces alone might be enough to fix the bite.

With severe cases, orthodontists may combine braces with elastics (rubber bands) that help shift the jaw and teeth into proper alignment. These elastics are worn in specific patterns to correct how the upper and lower teeth come together. It takes a little patience, especially for teens and adults who need to remember to wear them consistently, but the results are worth it.

Invisalign and Clear Aligners for Severe Bites

You might have heard that Invisalign is only for minor corrections—but that’s not true anymore. Advanced clear aligner systems can handle many cases of overbites and underbites, including more severe ones.

Treatment with aligners usually involves a series of custom-made trays that gradually move teeth into position. In more complex cases, orthodontists can combine aligners with attachments or elastics to achieve the necessary bite correction. While it may take longer than braces for severe skeletal issues, the benefit is a nearly invisible treatment path, which is a huge plus for adults who don’t want the look of metal braces.

When Jaw Surgery Comes Into Play

Sometimes, severe bite problems are more than teeth—they’re skeletal. This means the jaw itself has grown in a way that braces or aligners alone can’t fully fix. In these cases, orthodontists work with oral surgeons to correct the problem.

Orthognathic surgery is the term for jaw surgery aimed at fixing severe overbites or underbites. Typically, the orthodontist will use braces before surgery to line up the teeth properly. Then, the surgeon repositions the jaw so it fits correctly with the opposing teeth. After surgery, braces or aligners may be used again to fine-tune the bite.

While surgery sounds intense, it’s often life-changing. People report improvements in chewing, speaking, and even breathing, in addition to a balanced, beautiful smile.

Other Tools and Techniques

In addition to braces, aligners, and surgery, orthodontists may use other tools for severe bites:

Palatal expanders: These widen the upper jaw to make room for crowded teeth or correct crossbites.

Headgear: Mostly used in children and teens, this device applies pressure to guide jaw growth and tooth alignment.

Each patient’s treatment is unique, so your orthodontist will decide which combination of tools is right for you.

What to Expect During Treatment

The timeline varies depending on the severity of the bite, your age, and the treatment method. Mild cases might take 12 to 18 months, while severe overbites or underbites that require surgery can take two years or more from start to finish.

It’s easy to get impatient, especially if you’re dealing with braces or elastics, but consistency is key. Wearing rubber bands as directed, keeping up with appointments, and following your orthodontist’s instructions can make a huge difference in how smoothly the process goes.

Your Path to a Balanced, Healthy Smile

Severe overbites and underbites aren’t something you have to live with. Modern orthodontics offers a variety of treatment options—braces, clear aligners, jaw surgery, and specialized devices—to help you achieve a functional, healthy, and confident smile.

If you’ve been struggling with a severe bite or are just curious about your options, it’s worth talking to a professional who can evaluate your unique situation. An orthodontist in Newpark GA can guide you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you pick the best plan for your smile and lifestyle.

Ready to Transform Your Bite? Contact Newpark Orthodontics Today!

Don’t let a severe overbite or underbite hold you back from smiling with confidence. The team at Newpark Orthodontics in Alpharetta, GA makes the process easy and personalized. Whether you’re thinking braces, clear aligners, or exploring surgical options, they’ll create a plan that fits your goals. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a balanced, healthy, and gorgeous smile!