Do Overbites Get Worse Over Time?

An overbite is a dental condition where your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth more than is normal. A slight overbite is typical and usually harmless, but a more pronounced one can be a bigger issue — especially if it’s left untreated.

Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, specialize in diagnosing and treating overbites in people of all ages. Proactive care helps prevent long-term dental and jaw complications because overbites can worsen over time. Here’s what you need to know.

How your overbite changes with time

Several factors can cause an overbite to develop or worsen over time. For children, prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or bottle-feeding can alter jaw development, leading to misalignment of both jaws and teeth.

In teens and adults, overbites can worsen due to issues like:

• Tooth loss, because missing teeth can increase overbite severity
• Jaw growth imbalances, where your upper and lower jaws grow at different rates
• Teeth grinding or clenching, which can wear down your lower teeth and make an overbite more noticeable
• Crooked or crowded teeth that cause bite problems over time

While a small overbite isn’t usually cause for concern, an overbite that gets progressively more severe can start to cause symptoms that affect your comfort, confidence, and overall dental health.

Signs your overbite is getting worse

Teeth move gradually, so a worsening overbite isn’t always obvious at first. However, a few possible signs that your overbite is getting worse are:

• Increased jaw pain or discomfort
• Worn-down front teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Speech issues (like lisps)
• Frequent headaches or facial tension
• Damage to tooth enamel from improper alignment

Over time, a deep overbite can also contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and symptoms like clicking, locking, or pain in your jaw joint.

The benefits of early orthodontic treatment

The good news? Overbites can be effectively treated at any age. At Touni Orthodontics, we offer personalized treatment plans using traditional braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances to correct overbites and improve your overall oral health.

For children, early orthodontic evaluation by age 7 is one of the best ways to monitor jaw development and intervene if necessary. For teens and adults, treatment can relieve discomfort, enhance appearance, and prevent future dental complications.

Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. If you’ve been wondering whether your overbite is worsening, it might be — and we can help you get answers and start a treatment plan that fits your needs. 

Schedule a consultation at Touni Orthodontics by calling our office or booking an appointment online today, and take the first step toward lasting alignment and comfort.