Got An Overbite? Here's Why Braces Will Help You Fix It | Zenyum SG
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Got An Overbite? Here's Why Braces Will Help You Fix It | Zenyum SG

August 6, 2025

The tale of Freddie Mercury

Before we dive into how braces can help fix an overbite, let’s talk about Freddie Mercury. The most famous example of an overbite is Freddie Mercury’s teeth. The famous rockstar had four extra teeth in the back of his mouth that pushed his front teeth forward. Freddie however, refused to fix his overbite because he believed it was what made his voice so unique. While Freddie embraced his overbite as part of his identity, many people feel differently, and that is completely valid. For some, an overbite can lead to discomfort, affect confidence, or make them feel self-aware in photos or conversations. Whether it’s about how your smile looks or how your bite feels, wanting to make a change is nothing to be ashamed of. That’s where Zenyum clear aligners can help, giving you a solution that is subtle, effective, and made to fit your lifestyle.

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Read more: Overbite Explained: Causes, Symptoms and How to Fix It

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a natural variation in how our teeth and jaws align. In fact, most people have a slight overbite to some degree. It's simply the way the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones, and for many, it's just part of their unique smile. Overbites come in all degrees and shapes, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. In some cases, people choose to adjust their bite to improve comfort or to make chewing and speaking feel more balanced. Thanks to modern dentistry, gentle options like clear aligners make that process simple and discreet, all while supporting your overall oral health. At the end of the day, having an overbite doesn’t take away from your confidence, beauty, or individuality. And whether you choose to treat it or embrace it as it is, you deserve to feel great about your smile.

Common Signs of an Overbite:

  • Top teeth cover most of your bottom teeth
  • Chin appears recessed or weak in profile
  • Lips don’t close naturally
  • Clicking or jaw pain when chewing
  • Difficulty speaking clearly (e.g. lisp or unclear pronunciation)

What Causes an Overbite?

Overbites often start in childhood and may be caused by:

  • Genetics (jaw size/shape)
  • Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
  • Chronic mouth breathing
  • Tongue thrusting during swallowing
  • Jaw growth imbalance (upper jaw developing faster than the lower)

Why you shouldn’t procrastinate on treating your overbite

Treating your overbite can have serious benefits for your health. Delaying orthodontic treatment for your overbite could result in exacerbated health issues, such as:

  • Chewing food is harder because your teeth don't meet optimally. The extra effort put into chewing (or "masticating", if you're bougie like that) can also create additional tension in your jaw. Decidedly not fun.
  • You could be wearing down the back of your teeth while chewing, so your teeth become thinner and weaker. Bacteria can grow easily and there’s a risk it’ll become more painful or difficult to chew over time.
  • Buck teeth and overbites can lead to pain or clicking sounds when you move your jaws, which can be more than a little uncomfortable.
  • Speaking more with your tongue so you can’t speak as clearly or pronounce certain vowels. You might even develop a lisp!

Does an Overbite Affect Your Face Shape?


Yes, especially moderate to severe overbites. They can:

  • Make your chin appear smaller or pushed back
  • Create a shorter, rounder lower face
  • Push lips outward, changing your resting facial expression

Feature Affected Impact of Overbite
Jawline Softer, less defined
Chin Appears recessed
Smile appearance Teeth look "tucked in"
Lip posture May not close naturally


How to Fix an Overbite

1. Clear Aligners (Best for Mild to Moderate Cases)

  • ZenyumClear™: Great for minor corrections
  • ZenyumClear™ Plus: Offers better bite control
  • ZenyumClear™ Extra: For full-arch movements or extraction cases

Read more: Your All-in-one Guide to Zenyum Invisible Braces Costs

2. Traditional Braces (Best for Moderate to Severe Overbites)

  • Metal or ceramic brackets
  • Offer maximum control
  • Usually needed for Class 2 Overbites or complex malocclusions

Read more: A Complete Guide to the Price of Braces in Singapore

3. Orthognathic Surgery (Severe Skeletal Cases)

  • Only recommended when jaw structure itself causes the overbite
  • Often combined with braces or aligners

How Long Do Braces Take to Fix an Overbite?

The time it takes to fix an overbite depends on three key factors:

  • Severity of the overbite (mild, moderate, or severe)
  • Age of the patient (younger patients often respond faster)
  • Type of treatment (clear aligners, traditional braces, or surgery)

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Clear Aligners (e.g. ZenyumClear™, ZenyumClear™ Plus, Extra)

  • Mild Overbite: ~6–9 months
  • Moderate Overbite: ~9–15 months
  • Complex Moderate (Full Arch or Extractions): ~15–18 months

Ideal for: Adults with mild-to-moderate dental-based overbites
Benefits: Discreet, removable, minimal disruption to lifestyle

2. Traditional Braces (Metal or Ceramic)

  • Mild Overbite: 12–18 months
  • Moderate to Severe Overbite: 18–30 months
  • With Jaw Growth Issues: May require longer tracking and elastic wear

Ideal for: Severe or complex overbites (especially with crowding or jaw shifts)
Benefits: More precise control of tooth and jaw movement

3. Surgical Orthodontics (Orthognathic Surgery)

  • Pre-surgery Braces Phase: 6–12 months
  • Surgery & Recovery: 1–2 months
  • Post-surgery Braces Phase: 6–12 months
  • Total Time: 18–36 months


Ideal for: Skeletal overbites where jaw bones are misaligned
Benefits: Dramatic improvement in both function and facial aesthetics

Treatment Type Best For Estimated Time
Clear Aligners (ZenyumClear™) Mild overbites 6–9 months
Clear Aligners (ZenyumClear™ Plus) Moderate overbites 9–15 months
Clear Aligners (ZenyumClear™ Extra) Complex moderate cases 15–18 months
Traditional Braces Moderate to severe overbites 12–30 months
Orthognathic Surgery (with braces) Severe skeletal overbites 18–36 months

Can an Overbite Get Worse Over Time?


Yes. Without treatment, overbites can worsen due to:

  • Tooth grinding or wear
  • Jaw misalignment
  • Speech and chewing difficulties
  • Increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease

Can Adults Fix an Overbite?


Yes, adults can absolutely fix an overbite, and adult overbite treatment is more common than you might think. Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or even 60s, modern orthodontic solutions are effective, discreet, and tailored to adult lifestyles. Some adults have lived with an untreated overbite since childhood, while others develop or notice worsening symptoms over time due to factors like tooth wear, shifting teeth, jawbone changes with age, tooth loss, or long-term habits such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, or teeth grinding. While it’s true that children’s jaws are more adaptable, adults can still achieve excellent results with the right treatment approach! It may just take a bit more time. Contrary to popular belief, treatment doesn’t always take significantly longer for adults. Although adult jawbones are no longer growing, and tooth movement may be slightly slower (especially if dental restorations are involved), age is not a barrier to success. Many adults complete their treatment within 12 to 24 months and report that fixing their overbite was one of the best decisions they made for their long-term dental health and personal confidence.

Common Adult Concerns (and Why You Shouldn’t Worry)

Concern Reassurance
"Am I too old?" You’re never too old to improve your bite or smile.
"Will it be obvious?" Invisible aligners and ceramic braces make treatment nearly unnoticeable.
"Will it affect my job or speaking?" Most people adjust within days. Many public-facing professionals wear aligners with no issue.
"Is it painful?" Mild discomfort is normal initially, but it fades quickly. Most adults describe it as manageable.

Invisible braces can fix your overbite

Zenyum’s invisible braces are designed to gently guide your teeth into better alignment, including improving overbites. In most cases, your dentist may use a technique called IPR (Interproximal Reduction) to create small amounts of space between teeth. With the help of precision attachments (called buttons) and elastics, your teeth are gradually shifted into their ideal positions. Treatment is discreet, comfortable, and designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. If you are curious whether we can help with your overbite, take our free smile check below. Whether you are starting your smile journey or just exploring options, remember: every smile is unique, and meant to be celebrated. Smile More!

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How to get started with Zenyum Aligners

Start your Smile Check

Answer a few questions, and take four teeth pictures. It only takes a few minutes!

Book an appointment

Receive a call from us to schedule your dentist appointment

Visit your dentist

You’ll have 3D scans and X-rays taken of your teeth by your dentist

Approve your plan

Give the green light for your Zenyum aligners to go into production after approved by your dentist.