Overbite Correction: Can Removable Aligners Fix Your Bite?

If you've been told you have an overbite — or you've noticed your upper teeth sit significantly further forward than your lower teeth — you've probably wondered whether clear aligners can fix it. It's one of the most common questions adults ask when considering orthodontic treatment. The honest answer is: it depends on the type and severity of the overbite, but removable aligners can successfully correct many cases when combined with the right clinical approach. This guide explains what overbite correction involves, when aligners are a realistic option, and when other approaches may be more appropriate.

This guide is for anyone who has an overbite and is exploring whether removable aligners — sometimes called invisible braces or overbite braces — could be a viable treatment option. Whether you're a young adult or well into your 50s and beyond, the information here applies equally. As always, this is general educational content — only a face-to-face clinical assessment can determine what's right for your specific case.

What Is an Overbite? (Simple Definitions)

Before discussing overbite correction, it helps to understand what an overbite actually is — because the term is used loosely, and that can cause confusion.

Overbite vs. Overjet

In clinical terms, these are two different measurements:

Many patients use "overbite" to describe both. For the purposes of this guide, we're covering both — because overbite correction often involves addressing the vertical overlap, horizontal protrusion, or both. You can learn more about each on our dedicated overbite and overjet condition pages.

Dental Overbite vs. Skeletal Overbite

This is the distinction that matters most for treatment planning:

This is why an orthodontic assessment that includes X-rays (specifically a lateral cephalometric radiograph) is so important — it allows the clinician to determine whether the overbite is dental, skeletal, or a combination of both.

Can Removable Aligners Fix an Overbite? Case-by-Case Factors

The answer to whether aligners can fix your overbite depends on several factors. Here's an honest breakdown:

Cases Where Aligners Often Work Well

• Mild to moderate dental overbite — where the teeth need to be repositioned but the jaws are reasonably well-aligned
• Mild to moderate overjet — where the upper front teeth protrude but the underlying jaw relationship is acceptable
• Deep bite with crowding — where crowded teeth and a deep bite can be addressed together by aligning the teeth and opening the bite
• Relapse cases — where teeth have shifted back after previous orthodontic treatment, recreating an overbite that was once corrected

Cases That Require Careful Assessment

• Moderate skeletal discrepancy — aligners may be able to camouflage the appearance to some extent, but the underlying jaw relationship won't change
• Complex bite issues — where the overbite is combined with other problems like a crossbite or significant spacing
• Significant vertical excess — deep bites where the lower front teeth bite into the gum behind the upper front teeth can be challenging for aligners alone

Cases Where Aligners Alone Are Unlikely to Be Sufficient

• Severe skeletal overbite — where the jaw discrepancy is too large to camouflage with tooth movement alone
• Growing patients with skeletal concerns — functional appliances or growth modification may be needed first
• Cases requiring significant molar movement — while modern aligners are better at this than earlier generations, large-scale molar repositioning remains more predictable with fixed braces in some cases

When Elastics and Attachments Are Used

One of the biggest misconceptions about clear aligners is that they work alone — just the plastic trays, nothing else. For overbite correction, that's rarely the full picture. Most effective aligner-based overbite treatment involves additional components:

Attachments

Attachments are small, tooth-coloured composite bumps bonded to specific teeth. They give the aligner something to "grip" and allow more precise control over tooth movements. For overbite correction, attachments are commonly placed on:

• Upper and lower premolars — to help intrude (push up) the front teeth or extrude (pull down) the back teeth, opening the bite
• Upper front teeth — to help tip them back and reduce the overjet
• Lower front teeth — to control their position as the bite changes

Attachments are visible up close but generally not noticeable in everyday conversation. They're removed at the end of treatment without damaging the teeth.

Class II Elastics

For overbite cases involving increased overjet (upper teeth protruding forward), your clinician may prescribe Class II elastics — small rubber bands that connect from hooks on the upper aligner to hooks on the lower aligner. These elastics provide a gentle, constant force that helps:

• Move the upper teeth backwards
• Move the lower teeth slightly forward
• Improve the overall bite relationship

Elastics need to be worn consistently — typically 20+ hours per day — to be effective. Compliance with elastic wear is one of the most important factors in successful overbite correction with aligners.

Bite Ramps

Some aligner systems include built-in bite ramps — small raised areas on the inside of the upper aligner behind the front teeth. When you bite together, these ramps contact your lower front teeth and help gradually open a deep bite. They work passively while you wear your aligners.

What to Expect: Monitoring, Bite Changes, and Stability

Overbite correction is typically more involved than simple alignment (straightening crowded teeth). Here's what the treatment journey usually looks like:

Treatment Timeline

Note: These are general estimates. Actual treatment time depends on case complexity, the aligner system used, patient compliance, and biological response. Your clinician will provide a personalised estimate after assessment.

Monitoring and Adjustments

Overbite correction requires closer monitoring than simple alignment cases. Expect:

• Regular check-ups — typically every 6–8 weeks, though some clinicians prefer more frequent visits for bite correction cases
• Tracking assessments — your clinician will check that your teeth are moving as planned and that the bite is responding as expected
• Mid-course corrections — if movements aren't tracking perfectly, your clinician may adjust the plan, add or reposition attachments, or order refinement trays
• Elastic compliance checks — if elastics are prescribed, your clinician will assess whether they're being worn consistently

What Bite Changes Feel Like

As your bite changes during treatment, you may notice:

• Your bite feeling "different" or unfamiliar — this is normal as teeth move into new positions
• Temporary periods where your bite feels "off" — certain teeth may meet differently during transitional phases
• Mild sensitivity or pressure, especially when starting new trays or beginning elastic wear
• Gradual improvement in how your teeth come together over the course of treatment

Stability and Retention

After overbite correction, retention is crucial. Teeth — especially those that have been moved to correct a deep bite — have a strong tendency to relapse. Your retention plan will likely include:

• Removable retainers — worn every night, typically indefinitely or for several years
• Fixed bonded retainers — a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, which is particularly important after bite correction to maintain the vertical changes
• Regular retainer checks — your clinician should review retainer fit and tooth position periodically after treatment

You can read more about what to expect on our overbite condition page, including how different severities are managed.

Who Clear Aligners May Not Be Suitable For

Honest clinical information means being transparent about who aligners may not help — or where alternative approaches may produce better results. Clear aligners for overbite correction may not be suitable if:

• The overbite is primarily skeletal: if the problem is the jaw relationship rather than tooth position, aligners can only camouflage so much. Severe skeletal discrepancies may require fixed braces, combined treatment, or orthognathic (jaw) surgery
• Active, unstabilised gum disease is present: orthodontic treatment can worsen periodontitis. Gum health must be stable before starting any bite correction
• Compliance is a concern: overbite correction with aligners requires consistent tray wear (20–22 hours daily) and often elastic wear. If this isn't realistic for your lifestyle, fixed braces — which aren't removable — may be more predictable
• Significant molar movement is needed: while aligners can achieve meaningful molar movements, some cases are more efficiently managed with fixed braces
• The deep bite is severe and traumatic: cases where the lower teeth bite into the palatal gum tissue can be particularly challenging and may benefit from a fixed appliance approach initially

Safety and Compliance Notes for UK Patients

If you're considering overbite correction in the UK, here are some important regulatory and safety considerations:

GDC Standards

The General Dental Council requires that orthodontic treatment, including bite correction, is provided by or under the supervision of a GDC-registered dental professional. Overbite correction is a more complex orthodontic procedure than simple alignment, and it requires proper diagnostic imaging, treatment planning, and clinical monitoring. The GDC has published specific guidance on aligners sent directly to your home — the risks highlighted are particularly relevant for bite correction cases.

ASA/CAP Advertising Standards

Under ASA/CAP guidelines, providers cannot make misleading claims about what aligners can achieve. Marketing that suggests any overbite can be "fixed" with clear aligners, or that shows specific before-and-after outcomes as guaranteed, is not consistent with advertising standards. Look for providers who explain the range of possible outcomes and are transparent about limitations.

Informed Consent

Before starting any overbite correction treatment, you should receive clear, written information about:

• Your diagnosis — what type of overbite you have and what's causing it
• The proposed treatment plan — including attachments, elastics, and estimated timeline
• Realistic outcomes — what the treatment is expected to achieve and any limitations
• Risks — including the possibility of incomplete correction, relapse, root shortening, and gum recession
• Alternatives — including fixed braces, combined approaches, or no treatment
• Costs — a full breakdown including refinements and retainers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can removable aligners correct an overbite?

Yes — removable aligners can correct many overbites, particularly dental overbites where the issue is caused by tooth position. Treatment typically involves clear aligner trays combined with attachments and sometimes Class II elastics. However, severe skeletal overbites may require fixed braces or combined approaches. A clinical assessment with X-rays is needed to determine suitability.

How long does overbite correction take with aligners?

Treatment time varies by severity. Mild cases may take 6–9 months, moderate cases 9–15 months, and complex cases 12–18 months or longer. Factors that affect duration include the severity of the overbite, whether elastics are needed, patient compliance, and whether refinement stages are required. Your clinician will provide a personalised estimate after assessment.

Do you need elastics to fix an overbite with aligners?

Not always, but often — especially if there's an increased overjet (horizontal protrusion). Class II elastics provide additional force to help correct the bite relationship. Attachments are almost always needed for overbite correction with aligners. Your treatment plan will specify what's required for your specific case.

Can aligners fix a deep bite?

Many deep bites (excessive vertical overbite) can be improved with aligners, particularly when the deep bite is caused by tooth position rather than jaw structure. Aligners with bite ramps and strategic attachments can help open a deep bite by intruding the front teeth or adjusting the back teeth. Severe deep bites may be better managed with fixed braces.

Is overbite correction painful?

Most patients experience mild pressure or discomfort when starting new aligner trays or beginning elastic wear — this typically settles within a few days. Overbite correction may involve slightly more awareness than simple alignment because the bite is actively changing. If you experience significant pain, contact your clinician.

How much does overbite correction cost in the UK?

Private overbite correction with clear aligners in the UK typically ranges from approximately £2,000 to £5,500 depending on case complexity, the aligner system used, and what's included (refinements, retainers, monitoring). You can view our pricing page for a transparent breakdown. Always confirm what's included before starting treatment.

Can you fix an overbite without braces?

Clear aligners are removable and are not traditional braces — but they are still an orthodontic appliance. For mild to moderate dental overbites, aligners (sometimes called "overbite braces") can often achieve effective correction without metal brackets. However, it's important to understand that aligners used for bite correction will typically include attachments and may include elastics, so the treatment isn't entirely invisible.

Will my overbite come back after treatment?

There is a risk of relapse after any orthodontic treatment, and overbites can be particularly prone to this. Wearing retainers consistently after treatment is essential. Most clinicians recommend nightly retainer wear indefinitely, and many also recommend a fixed bonded retainer behind the front teeth for long-term stability. Skipping retainers significantly increases the risk of your bite reverting.

Do I need a specialist for overbite correction?

Not necessarily, but it depends on the complexity of your case. Many general dentists with additional orthodontic training can manage mild to moderate overbite correction with aligners. Complex cases — particularly those with skeletal components, severe deep bites, or combined problems — may benefit from referral to a specialist orthodontist. A responsible clinician will refer you if your case is beyond their scope of practice.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. Every case is different, and treatment suitability can only be determined through an in-person clinical assessment by a GDC-registered dental professional. Timelines, costs, and outcomes described are estimates and may vary based on individual factors. Overbite correction outcomes depend on case complexity, patient compliance, and biological response.