Overbite Treatment for Adults in London
Short answer
How do adults fix an overbite?
Most adult overbites are corrected with clear aligners or fixed braces, often with elastics, over 12 to 24 months. Severe skeletal overbites may need braces combined with jaw surgery. Private treatment in London typically starts at £2,650 for Invisalign or £2,800 for metal braces.
An overbite is the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over your lower front teeth. A small overlap of two to three millimetres is normal and healthy; it only becomes a problem when the upper teeth cover most or all of the lower teeth, or when they also stick forward (often called buck teeth or an overjet). We see many adults in London who have lived with a deep bite since childhood and decide to correct it in their twenties, thirties or later, usually because of wear, gum soreness or the look of their smile.
| Treatment | Best for | Typical time | Typical London fee (private, from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | Mild to moderate dental overbites | 9–18 months | £2,650–£2,800 |
| Metal braces with elastics | Moderate to deep overbites | 18–24 months | £2,800 outer, £3,650 central |
| Ceramic braces with elastics | Moderate to deep overbites, less visible | 18–24 months | £3,150 outer, £4,000 central |
| Lingual braces | Adults who want brackets hidden | 18–24 months | £4,800 outer, £9,870 central |
| Braces plus jaw surgery | Skeletal overbites from jaw position | 18–30 months | Orthodontic fee plus surgical fee |
| Bonded and removable retainers | Holding the result | Long term | Often included; £450–£500 upper and lower if not |
What is an overbite?
Orthodontists separate two measurements that people often lump together as "overbite":
- Overbite (vertical): how far the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth when you bite together. A deep overbite is when the overlap is large; in a complete overbite the lower teeth may touch the gum behind the upper teeth.
- Overjet (horizontal): how far the upper front teeth sit in front of the lower teeth. A large overjet is what most people mean by buck teeth.
Many adults have both. The distinction matters because the mechanics of correction are different, and it changes which appliance works best.
What causes an overbite in adults?
An overbite usually starts in childhood and is carried into adult life. Common causes include:
- Jaw size and position: a lower jaw that sits further back than the upper jaw (a skeletal Class II pattern) is the most common reason for a large overjet and deep bite.
- Tooth position: upper teeth that tip forward, or lower front teeth that have over-erupted, can deepen the bite even when the jaws are well matched.
- Habits in childhood: thumb sucking and prolonged dummy use can push upper teeth forward.
- Missing or worn back teeth: when back teeth are lost or worn down, the bite can close and the front teeth overlap more.
- Crowding: lower front teeth that crowd behind the upper teeth deepen the overlap over time.
At your consultation we look at whether the cause is mainly the teeth (dental) or mainly the jaws (skeletal), because that decides whether braces or aligners alone can do the job.
Is an overbite a problem if it does not bother me?
Not always. A mild overbite is normal and some deep bites stay stable for life. Reasons adults decide to treat it include:
- Wear: lower front teeth can wear the back of the upper teeth, and upper teeth can wear the front of the lower teeth.
- Gum damage: in a deep bite the lower teeth can bite into the gum behind the upper teeth, causing soreness and recession.
- Jaw discomfort: some people with deep bites notice tension or clicking around the jaw joints.
- Appearance: protruding upper teeth or a "gummy", deep-bite smile is a common reason for treatment.
- Future dental work: crowns, veneers and implants are easier to plan and last longer on a corrected bite.
How do aligners fix an overbite?
Clear aligners such as Invisalign move the teeth in small planned steps using a series of trays. For overbites, the plan usually combines:
- Intrusion of the front teeth, which pushes them slightly up into the gum to reduce the overlap.
- Levelling of the curve of the lower teeth.
- Attachments, small tooth-coloured bumps that give the trays grip. See our guide to Invisalign attachments.
- Bite ramps built into the trays, which stop the back teeth meeting so they can settle.
- Elastics from upper to lower teeth to correct an overjet.
Aligners suit many mild and moderate dental overbites and are popular with adults who want treatment to be discreet. Our guide does Invisalign fix an overbite? goes into the limits in more detail, and Invisalign cost in the UK and London explains how fees change with case complexity.
When are braces the better choice?
Fixed braces give the orthodontist continuous control over every tooth, which is useful for deep bites, large overjets and cases where the roots need to move a long way. Braces are usually combined with elastics worn between the upper and lower arches. Options include metal, ceramic and lingual braces; our guide to types of braces compares them, and braces for adults in London covers what treatment is like day to day.
As a rule of thumb:
| Situation | Usually works well | Usually harder |
|---|---|---|
| Mild overbite, little crowding | Aligners or braces | — |
| Deep bite with worn lower teeth | Braces or aligners with bite ramps | Aligners alone without ramps |
| Large overjet (buck teeth) | Braces with elastics | Aligners if teeth must move far bodily |
| Lower jaw well back | Braces plus surgery for full correction | Braces or aligners alone |
| Overbite with gaps | Aligners or braces | — |
Next step
Talk to a London orthodontist
Tell us what you are looking for and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation. There is no obligation to go ahead.
Request a consultationDo adults need jaw surgery to fix an overbite?
Only a minority do. Surgery is considered when the lower jaw is significantly behind the upper jaw and moving teeth alone would leave the face out of balance or the bite unstable. In those cases, treatment usually follows three stages: braces to line up the teeth, surgery to reposition the jaw, then a shorter phase of braces to finish the bite. The orthodontic fee and the surgical fee are quoted separately.
For many adults with a moderate skeletal pattern, there is also a "camouflage" option: moving the teeth to hide the jaw difference without surgery. It will not change the profile, but it can give a good bite and smile.
How long does adult overbite treatment take?
| Severity | Typical treatment time | Typical reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (overlap slightly larger than normal) | 9–14 months | Every 8–10 weeks |
| Moderate (most of the lower teeth covered) | 12–18 months | Every 6–10 weeks |
| Deep or complete overbite | 18–24 months | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Surgical cases | 18–30 months in total | More frequent around surgery |
Time depends on how far the teeth need to move and how well you wear aligners or elastics. Elastics in particular only work when worn as prescribed, often 20 or more hours a day.
{{CTA}}
How much does overbite correction cost in London?
There is no separate "overbite price". The fee is the price of the brace or aligner course needed to correct your bite, so it depends on the appliance and the complexity of the case. Typical private fees in London start from about £2,650 to £2,800 for adult Invisalign, £2,800 (outer London) to £3,650 (central London) for metal braces and £3,150 to £4,000 for ceramic braces. For a full breakdown, see how much braces cost in London and the UK, or try the London Invisalign and braces price index.
Ask whether your quote includes:
- Records, scans and the treatment plan
- All appointments and any refinement aligners
- Elastics and emergency visits
- Retainers at the end of treatment
What happens after the overbite is corrected?
Deep bites have a well-known tendency to deepen again, so retention matters. Most adults are given a bonded retainer behind the front teeth and a removable retainer to wear at night. Our retainer costs guide explains the options and replacement prices.
Related bite problems
An overbite is often seen alongside other bite issues. If your teeth sit behind the lower teeth instead, read our guide to underbite correction. If some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, see crossbite treatment. Gaps between protruding upper teeth are covered in closing a gap in your teeth, and narrow upper jaws in our guide to palate expanders.
How to start overbite treatment in London
The first step is a consultation with an orthodontist, who will examine your bite, take photos and a 3D scan, and explain whether aligners, braces or a surgical plan suits you. You will receive a written quote with the treatment time before you commit. To arrange one, request a consultation using our online form and tell us your preferred area of London.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fix an overbite as an adult?
How long does overbite correction take?
How much does overbite treatment cost in London?
Is an overbite bad for your teeth?
Can Invisalign fix a deep overbite?
Related guides
Next step
Talk to a London orthodontist
Tell us what you are looking for and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation. There is no obligation to go ahead.
Request a consultation