How to Fix an Overbite Naturally (What Works and What Doesn’t)

If you’re here wondering how to fix an overbite naturally—without braces, aligners, or surgery—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched questions in dental health today.

Here’s the honest answer from Elate Orthodontics:
✅ Natural methods can help improve jaw alignment and relieve symptoms.
🚫 But they won’t completely fix a moderate to severe overbite.
That said, these habits and exercises can make a noticeable difference—especially if your overbite is mild or still developing.

🦷 What Exactly Is an Overbite?

An overbite happens when your upper front teeth significantly overlap your bottom teeth. A little overlap is normal—but when it’s too deep, it can cause:

• Jaw pain and TMJ issues
• Headaches or neck tension
• Uneven tooth wear
• Speech challenges
• A recessed chin or short facial profile

👶 What Causes It?

It’s usually a mix of genetics, early childhood habits (like thumb-sucking), or jaw growth that didn’t match up over time. Even bad posture and breathing through your mouth can make things worse.

🧠 Can You Fix an Overbite Without Braces?

Here’s the thing:
You can support better jaw alignment with good habits, tongue posture, and facial muscle training. But if your overbite is moderate or severe, orthodontic treatment is almost always necessary.

Let’s explore your natural options—then talk about when to consider braces, aligners, or even jaw surgery.

✅ 5 Natural Techniques That Might Help

1. Tongue Posture (aka Mewing)

Where you rest your tongue matters. Try this:

• Gently press the tip of your tongue just behind your top front teeth.
• Keep your lips sealed and breathe through your nose.
• Don’t let your teeth touch while resting.

This habit trains your tongue and jaw to support a healthier bite over time.

👉 Dive deeper: Mewing – Can It Improve Your Bite?

2. Jaw Exercises

Strengthen your jaw with a few easy movements:

• Slowly open and close your mouth 10–15 times.
• Shift side-to-side to stretch muscles.
• Chew sugar-free gum to keep those muscles active.

These movements improve coordination and may help ease bite tension.

3. Ditch Bad Oral Habits

Some habits make overbites worse:

• Thumb-sucking
• Nail-biting
• Chewing on pens or pencils
• Sleeping face-down or resting your hand on your chin

Breaking these habits can prevent things from getting worse—especially in kids.

4. Myofunctional Therapy

This is like physical therapy for your face. A trained therapist can help you:

• Improve tongue positioning
• Strengthen facial muscles
• Train your breathing patterns

It’s especially effective when started early—but adults can benefit too.

5. Nutrition + Posture

What you eat and how you sit can play a role:

• Eat foods that require chewing (think apples, carrots)
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D
• Sit tall, avoid slouching—bad posture can make jaw alignment worse

🛑 But Let’s Be Real: Natural Fixes Have Their Limits

Even if you’re doing everything right, these methods can only take you so far. Here’s when it’s time to get professional help:

🔧 Real Overbite Fixes: Braces, Aligners, or Surgery

✅ Braces or Clear Aligners (Like Invisalign)

These are the go-to for correcting overbites. They don’t just move your teeth—they realign your entire bite over time.
At Elate Orthodontics, we treat kids, teens, and adults with:

• Metal or clear braces
• Invisalign or Angel Aligners
• Rubber bands to guide jaw correction

🦷 Want to know how aligners stack up?
Check out: Invisalign at Elate Orthodontics

🩺 Surgical Options

In rare cases—usually for adults with a skeletal overbite—braces alone won’t cut it.
Orthognathic jaw surgery might be necessary to reposition the jawbone. It’s a bigger step, but for the right patient, it can be life-changing.

📍 Want a Personalized Plan?

We get it—every smile is different. That’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether you’re looking for a completely natural approach or you’re ready for braces, our team is here to help.

👉 Learn about early orthodontic care for kids
📍 Visit us at any of our locations in Frisco, The Colony, or Prosper

🌍 External Resource

For more information on non-surgical treatment, check out Face Lift Dentistry®, a unique approach focused on jaw alignment without braces or surgery.

❓ FAQ: Fixing Overbites Naturally

Can I fix my overbite by myself?
You can improve it slightly with posture and exercises, but most cases need a professional plan.

What is the fastest way to fix an overbite?
Braces or aligners are your best bet. In some advanced clinics, non-invasive systems like JawTrac® offer quick cosmetic corrections too.

Can you fix an overbite with jaw exercises?
They help strengthen muscles, but they won’t move bones or realign your bite completely.

Does chewing gum help the jawline or bite?
Yes—mildly. It strengthens jaw muscles and encourages even chewing, but it’s not a fix.

Is surgery ever necessary?
Sometimes, yes. Especially if your jawbones are significantly misaligned. We’ll always explore less invasive options first.