How to Fix an Overbite on Mercer Island
Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Alissa Borda treats overbites in kids, teens, and adults with braces or clear aligners
You've been told you (or your child) has an overbite. Maybe your dentist flagged it. Maybe you've noticed it yourself — your upper teeth cover your lower teeth more than they should, and it's starting to bother you. Now you're wondering: Is this a big deal? Do I need braces? Is surgery on the table?
Let's cut to what you actually want to know: most overbites don't need surgery. They're one of the most common reasons people see an orthodontist, and for the vast majority of patients, braces or clear aligners fix the problem completely.
At Islander Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Alissa Borda has treated overbites in kids, teens, and adults across Mercer Island, Bellevue, and the greater Eastside. She'll tell you exactly what's going on, what your options are, and what it'll cost — all at your free exam.
What You'll Learn in This Article
What Is an Overbite — and When Does It Need Treatment?
An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth vertically. A small amount of overlap — roughly 1 to 3 millimeters — is completely normal. Your teeth are supposed to fit together that way.
It becomes a problem when the overlap is excessive. If your upper teeth cover more than half of your lower teeth (or you can barely see your lower teeth at all when you bite down), that's a deep overbite that likely needs treatment.
Dental Overbite
The teeth are positioned incorrectly, but the jaw itself is fine. This is the more common type and is almost always correctable with braces or clear aligners alone.
Skeletal Overbite
The upper and lower jaws are different sizes or aren't aligned properly. Mild to moderate skeletal overbites can still be treated with orthodontics. Only severe cases may require surgical correction.
During your free exam at Islander Orthodontics, Dr. Borda uses digital imaging to determine exactly what type of overbite you're dealing with and what's causing it. No guessing.
What Causes an Overbite?
Genetics
This is the big one. The size and shape of your jaw is largely inherited. If one or both parents had an overbite, there's a good chance their kids will too.
Childhood Habits
Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can push the upper teeth forward and affect how the jaw develops. The key word is "prolonged."
Missing or Lost Teeth
When teeth are missing (especially lower teeth), the remaining teeth shift. Over time, this can create or worsen an overbite.
Natural Drift
Teeth move throughout your life. An overbite that was mild in your twenties can deepen by your forties. This is one reason adults seek treatment.
Signs You Might Have an Overbite
Here's a quick self-check: close your mouth naturally (don't clench) and smile in a mirror. How much of your lower teeth can you see? If the answer is "barely any" or "none," you may have a deep overbite worth evaluating.
How to Fix an Overbite: Your Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on three things: what type of overbite you have, how severe it is, and your age. Here's a comparison:
| Overbite Treatment Comparison | Braces | Clear Aligners | Elastics (Rubber Bands) | Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moderate to severe overbites, all ages | Mild to moderate overbites, teens and adults | Used with braces or aligners to correct jaw position | Severe skeletal overbites only |
| How it works | Brackets and wires reposition teeth and adjust bite alignment | Custom trays gradually shift teeth into correct position | Connects upper and lower arches to guide jaw alignment | Repositions the jaw bone surgically |
| Typical timeline | 12–24 months | 12–18 months | Worn during a portion of overall treatment | Orthodontics before and after surgery |
| Visibility | Visible (metal or ceramic options) | Nearly invisible | Small bands, barely noticeable | N/A |
| Removable? | No | Yes — remove to eat and brush | Removed and replaced daily | N/A |
Elastics aren't a standalone treatment
They're used alongside braces or aligners to correct the jaw relationship. If you've seen people with rubber bands connecting their top and bottom braces, that's what's happening — the bands are training the jaw into better alignment. Most overbite patients end up using elastics for at least part of their treatment.
Clear aligners work for more overbites than you might think
There's a perception that aligners are only for "easy" cases. That's outdated. Dr. Borda actually published peer-reviewed research comparing clear aligners to traditional braces in teenagers — she knows exactly when aligners will deliver excellent results and when braces are the smarter choice.
Surgery is the exception, not the rule
Most overbite patients never need it. Surgery is reserved for severe skeletal overbites where the jaw discrepancy is too significant for orthodontics alone. If you're worried about surgery, there's a very good chance it's not in your future — but the only way to know for sure is an evaluation.
So How Do I Know Which Option Is Right for Me?
That depends on what Dr. Borda sees during your exam. She'll evaluate your bite, take digital images, and walk you through exactly what's going on. Then she'll recommend the approach that'll give you the best result in the most efficient timeline.
No pressure to decide that day. No one will follow up with sales calls. One of the things patients consistently mention about Islander Orthodontics is that Dr. Borda takes the time to explain everything clearly and never makes them feel rushed.
"Dr. Borda is really special and came highly recommended by my dentist."
Overbite Treatment by Age
Overbite Treatment for Kids (Ages 7–11)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That sounds early, but there's a reason: at this age, the jaw is still growing. That gives us options we won't have later.
For kids with significant overbites, early intervention — sometimes called Phase 1 treatment — can guide jaw growth so the upper and lower jaws develop in better proportion. This might involve a growth appliance or limited braces rather than a full set.
Not every kid needs early treatment. Some overbites are better addressed once all the permanent teeth are in. Dr. Borda is straightforward about this — if your child doesn't need treatment yet, she'll tell you.
"My two children are currently in treatment and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of genuine care and expertise of Dr. Borda and her team!"
Overbite Treatment for Teens (Ages 12–18)
The teenage years are the most common time to correct an overbite. All the permanent teeth are in (or almost in), the jaw is still somewhat adaptable, and treatment tends to be faster and more predictable than it is in adulthood.
Teens can choose between braces and clear aligners depending on their overbite severity and personal preference. Both options work. Dr. Borda's published research specifically studied clear aligner outcomes in teenagers, so she has a research-backed understanding of when aligners will work beautifully for a teen and when braces are the better path.
For families balancing school at MIHS, Islander Middle School, or Bellevue schools, our early morning appointments starting at 7 AM mean your teen can get adjusted before first period. No missed classes, no awkward mid-day pickups.
Overbite Treatment for Adults
If you're an adult thinking "I should've done this years ago" — you're not alone. Plenty of adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond get overbite treatment. It works at any age.
The process is similar to teens, though treatment may take a bit longer since the jaw is no longer growing. Braces and clear aligners are both effective for adult overbites. Many adults lean toward clear aligners for the discretion factor — especially professionals who'd rather not show up to a client meeting in metal brackets.
Dr. Borda's background in general dentistry (she completed a residency at the VA Hospital before specializing in orthodontics) gives her a broader perspective on adult oral health. She'll factor in any existing dental work — crowns, implants, missing teeth — when designing your treatment plan. Learn more about adult orthodontics at Islander Orthodontics.
"She answers all of our questions and takes good care of us."
What Does Overbite Treatment Cost on Mercer Island?
Let's talk about it, because most orthodontist websites won't.
Overbite treatment on Mercer Island and the Eastside typically ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 depending on:
- •The severity of your overbite
- •Whether you choose braces or aligners
- •How long treatment takes
- •Your age (adult treatment can sometimes be more complex)
At Islander Orthodontics, your free exam includes a complete cost breakdown. You'll know your total, your insurance coverage, and your out-of-pocket before you commit to anything. No ballpark estimates, no "we'll figure that out later."
Making It Affordable
All orthodontic insurance accepted
We verify your benefits and handle the paperwork
In-house financing
Spread payments over the length of treatment with no third-party lender
Pay-in-full discount
Save when you pay upfront
Complete cost transparency
You'll never be surprised by a bill
What Happens If You Don't Fix an Overbite?
An overbite won't correct itself. In fact, it typically gets worse with time as teeth continue their natural drift. Here's what can happen if you wait:
Tooth Damage
A deep overbite means your lower teeth are hitting the backs of your upper teeth (or the roof of your mouth) every time you bite down. Over years, this wears down enamel, chips teeth, and can lead to costly dental work.
Jaw Problems
An overbite puts extra stress on the jaw joint. Over time, this can contribute to TMJ pain, clicking, grinding, and chronic headaches.
Gum Issues
When lower teeth bite into the gum tissue behind your upper teeth, it causes irritation and recession. This creates pockets where bacteria collect, increasing your risk of gum disease.
Harder to Treat Later
In kids and teens, the jaw is still adaptable. In adults, treatment takes longer and options may be more limited. The earlier you address it, the simpler it tends to be.
This isn't about scaring you into treatment. It's about being honest: waiting doesn't make an overbite easier to fix. It makes it harder.
Why Mercer Island Families Choose Islander Orthodontics
There are several orthodontists on the Eastside. Here's why families from Mercer Island, Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, and Redmond choose Islander:
Board-Certified Expertise
Dr. Borda is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics — the highest voluntary credential in the specialty. Not all orthodontists pursue board certification. She did, because it means a higher standard of care for her patients.
Published Researcher
Her peer-reviewed study on clear aligners vs. braces in teenagers isn't just academic — it directly informs how she recommends treatment for overbite patients choosing between the two options.
Hometown Roots
Dr. Borda grew up on Mercer Island. Pixie Hill, MIHS class of 2002, basketball and softball for the Islanders. She didn't just open a practice here — she came home.
Three Graduate Degrees
DMD, MPH, and MS from top programs including OHSU for her orthodontic specialty training. Plus a general dentistry residency at the Greater Puget Sound VA Hospital, which gives her a perspective on overall oral health that most orthodontists don't have.
Early Morning Hours
We open at 7 AM Tuesday through Friday and 8 AM on Mondays. Get your appointment done before school or work — families from across the I-90 corridor appreciate not having to take half a day off for an adjustment.
Locally Owned
Islander Orthodontics isn't a corporate chain. It's Dr. Borda's practice, built for this community.
"After meeting with 3 of the orthodontists on Mercer Island, we selected Islander Orthodontics and couldn't be happier. Dr. Borda and her team have been great through my daughter's treatment and my son will be starting with them in the fall."
Frequently Asked Questions About Overbite Treatment
Can you fix an overbite without surgery?
Yes — the vast majority of overbites are corrected with braces or clear aligners, often combined with elastics. Surgery is only recommended for severe skeletal overbites where the jaw itself needs repositioning. During your free exam, Dr. Borda will tell you whether your overbite can be treated non-surgically.
How long does it take to fix an overbite?
Most overbite treatment takes 12 to 24 months, depending on severity. Mild cases may wrap up sooner. During your free exam at Islander Orthodontics, Dr. Borda provides a realistic timeline specific to your situation — not a vague range.
Are braces or Invisalign better for an overbite?
Both work well — the right choice depends on the severity of your overbite and your personal preferences. Dr. Borda's published research compares these two approaches specifically in teenagers, giving her a research-informed perspective on which option will deliver the best result for your case.
At what age should you fix an overbite?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7. However, most overbite treatment happens between ages 12 and 18 when all permanent teeth are in. Adults can correct overbites at any age — it's never too late.
Does insurance cover overbite treatment?
Most orthodontic insurance plans cover a portion of overbite treatment. At Islander Orthodontics, we accept all orthodontic insurance and verify your benefits before your appointment so you know your coverage upfront. We also offer in-house financing and a pay-in-full discount.
What's the difference between an overbite and an overjet?
An overbite is the vertical overlap — how much your upper teeth cover your lower teeth from top to bottom. An overjet is the horizontal gap — how far forward your upper teeth sit in front of your lower teeth. Many people use "overbite" to describe both, and some patients have elements of each. Dr. Borda evaluates both during your exam.
Will my overbite come back after treatment?
Not if you wear your retainer as directed. Retainers keep your teeth in their corrected position after treatment ends. Without them, teeth can shift back toward their original position over time. Dr. Borda's treatment plans always include retention so your results last.
Schedule Your Free Overbite Exam
If you think you or your child has an overbite, the fastest way to know for sure is a quick evaluation with a board-certified orthodontist. At Islander Orthodontics, exams are always free, thorough, and zero-obligation.
Or call us at (206) 707-7650
Islander Orthodontics
Mercerdale Professional Center
3236 78th Ave SE #102, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: (206) 707-7650
Hours: Monday 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Tuesday–Friday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Serving Mercer Island, Bellevue, Renton, Newcastle, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, and the greater Eastside.
Islander Orthodontics
Mercerdale Professional Center (lower level)
3236 78th Ave SE #102, Mercer Island, WA 98040