Lingual Braces to Fix an Overbite: A Nashville Orthodontist's Guide

If you have been living with an overbite and feeling self conscious about your smile, you are probably weighing your options. This guide breaks down how lingual braces work for overbite correction, when they outperform clear aligners like Invisalign, and what to realistically expect from treatment.

Overbite results with Lingual Braces & Starling Orthodontics:  Myth busting

Before lingual braces...

After lingual braces!

Scroll Down further to see more results on this case study!

Lingual Braces vs. Clear Aligners for Overbite Correction

At Starling Orthodontics in Brentwood, TN, we often recommend braces over clear aligners for moderate-to-severe overbites because brackets and wires deliver more precise control over tooth movement and jaw alignment. Research backs this up:

A 2023 study in the American Journal of Orthodontics found that Invisalign achieved only about 33% of the intended overbite correction in adults with deep overbites, with vertical movements and tooth inclination changes consistently falling short of predictions.  

A separate systematic review confirmed that vertical control remains one of the weakest dimensions of clear aligner treatment.

Clear aligners can help mild overbites, but complex bite issues, crowded teeth, rotated teeth, and cases needing significant bite opening or intrusion are usually better managed with braces. Lingual braces offer the best of both worlds: the power of full orthodontic treatment with the most invisible look for an orthodontic appliance, making them ideal for image conscious adults and teens.

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• Lingual braces deliver continuous, full-time force and handle vertical corrections reliably
• Clear aligners depend on 20–22 hours of daily wear and struggle with certain movements such intrusion and torque
• Traditional braces offer the same mechanical advantages as lingual but sit on the front of teeth

What Is an Overbite and When Is It a Problem?

An overbite is the vertical overlap between your upper front teeth and lower front teeth. Normal overlap is roughly 10–20% of the tooth height. A deep overbite means 50% or more overlap, and in severe cases your bottom teeth can bite directly into the gums behind your upper teeth, causing gum damage, enamel wear, and jaw discomfort over time.‍

Left untreated, a deep overbite can lead to chipped or fractured front teeth, gum recession, TMJ strain, headaches, and a prematurely aged facial appearance where the lower face appears collapsed.

What Are Lingual Braces and How Do They Work?

Lingual braces are orthodontic brackets bonded to the tongue or lingual side surfaces of the teeth instead of the front, making them hidden from view when you smile or talk. They are virtually invisible to others, making them the most discreet orthodontic option available.

• Digital scans capture a 3D map of your mouth so custom brackets and wires can be designed for each tooth
• Lingual braces are robotically customized to the contours of the back of teeth, ensuring a precise fit
• Lingual braces are custom made for each patient's teeth, and fitting lingual braces requires a highly experienced orthodontist with the lingual technique
• They work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth into better alignment and correct the bite
• Modern lingual systems use advanced wire technology and 3D planning, allowing precise tooth-by-tooth control that is especially useful for correcting overbites

How Lingual Braces Fix a Deep Overbite

Lingual braces effectively correct overbites like traditional braces by intruding over-erupted upper teeth, repositioning lower teeth, and leveling the arches to reduce excessive overlap.

• Your orthodontist may use special arch wires, bite turbos, or temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to open the bite. Orthodontists use temporary bite blocks to manage severe deep overbites with lingual braces
• Lingual braces are effective for correcting deep overbites because they deliver force around the clock, unlike aligners that depend on wear compliance
• Braces move teeth continuously 24/7, while clear aligners may struggle with complex vertical and bite changes

Can Lingual Braces Fix My Overbite? Who Is a Good Candidate?

Most patients with mild to severe overbites can be treated with lingual braces after a full orthodontic evaluation. Consulting a specialized orthodontist is recommended to assess treatment suitability.

• Healthy gums and bone: sufficient periodontal support is essential since intrusion places stress on roots
• Good oral hygiene habits: lingual brackets sit behind the teeth where plaque builds easily
• Motivation for a discreet option: professionals, performers, and anyone who wants a perfect smile without visible hardware
• Willingness to adapt: speech returns to normal within one to two weeks for many patients, but the initial adjustment takes patience
• Severe deep overbites can pose challenges for any braces treatment by themselves, and very extreme skeletal discrepancies may require combination treatments with surgery or other orthodontic appliances

When Braces Are Better Than Clear Aligners for Overbite

We typically recommend braces over clear aligners in these situations:

• Deep overbite requiring significant intrusion or bite opening
• Crowding, rotated teeth, or gaps that need bodily root movement
• Missing teeth or complex extraction cases
• Lingual braces offer a fixed treatment that does not require compliance like clear aligners, making them more predictable for correcting overbites
• Braces allow orthodontists to use elastics, auxiliary wires, and TADs more easily for fine-tuning how upper and lower teeth fit together

For adults who want to maintain their appearance in professional and social settings, lingual braces are the go-to option that keeps you boardroom and camera friendly.

Lingual Braces Overbite Case Study with Real Patient results at Starling Orthodontics

Before & After- Front View

Before & After- side view

Before view- lower front teeth higher than the back teeth

After view-Lower teeth in level plane with back teeth

Before & After side view- green lines show correction of "leaned back" upper teeth

Lingual braces advantages here for this case:

• Bite opening for overbite correction.  Clear aligners struggle with this.
• Uprighting "leaned back" upper teeth.  Clear aligners are very unpredictable with this as well.  Braces are a much better option in general- but lingual braces are outstanding.

Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces for Overbite Correction

Here is an honest look at what most people appreciate and what takes getting used to.

Pros:

• Truly invisible from the front, delivering a smile transformation without anyone noticing your treatment
• Strong, predictable overbite correction with full-time force application
• No visible staining on front teeth since brackets sit behind the teeth
• Less cheek and lip irritation compared to front-side ceramic braces or metal braces
• A good fit for adults and teens who have tried and failed with aligners

Cons:

• Lingual braces can cause temporary speech difficulties, including a mild lisp in the first week or two
• Tongue discomfort, and occasional ulcers from contact with brackets early in treatment
• Cleaning lingual braces is more challenging than traditional braces due to limited visibility
• Lingual braces are the most expensive orthodontic treatment option because of customized brackets and complex installation

Lingual Braces Comfort, Eating, and Speech

Most patients feel pressure, a bit of an awkward bite, and tongue awareness in the first three to five days, then adapt as the tongue learns its new normal. Dull "sores" are a normal part of the process, and not overly panful.  A mild lisp is common early on, but regular talking and reading aloud help speech returns to normal within one to two weeks for most people.

• Eat softer foods for the first few days and cut firm items into smaller pieces
• Avoid very sticky or hard foods that can loosen brackets
• Any discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and smooth wax on irritating spots
• In our Nashville orthodontist  practice, many patients report the initial uncomfortable period is far outweighed by the benefit of wearing braces nobody can see

Cost and Treatment Time Compared to Other Options

Lingual braces are the most expensive orthodontic option because every bracket is custom-designed, laboratory-fabricated, and requires additional chair time from a highly trained orthodontist. Lingual braces typically cost more than conventional braces, and the increased cost is due to customized brackets and complex installation.

• Treatment time for overbite correction with lingual braces is generally similar to traditional braces, often 14–24 months depending on severity
• Clear aligners may appear cheaper initially, but refinements, extra trays, and limited bite control can extend treatment or reduce predictability in complex cases
• At Starling Orthodontics, we provide transparent fee estimates, flexible payment plans, and insurance assistance so you can make an informed decision before starting

What to Expect During Lingual Braces Treatment at Starling Orthodontics

• Consultation: complimentary first visit with digital photos, scans, X-rays, and a bite analysis to evaluate your overbite and overall oral health
• Custom plan: your orthodontist reviews your goals, explains why braces may be recommended for your overbite, and compares lingual braces with other options
• Bonding day: teeth are cleaned, brackets are bonded to the inside surfaces using a precision transfer tray, and first arch wires are placed
• Adjustments: visits every six to ten weeks to change wires, monitor overbite correction, and make fine-tuning changes to both the function and aesthetics of your bite
• Questions about discomfort, cleaning, or progress are addressed at every appointment

Oral Hygiene and Care with Lingual Braces

Lingual braces require meticulous oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup around hidden brackets and along the gumline.

• Brushing after every meal with a soft-bristled brush, angling toward the brackets
• Flossing with threaders or interdental brushes to maintain clean spaces between teeth
• Using a water flosser and fluoride rinse for extra protection
• Continuing regular checkups with your general dentist every six months during treatment

Is Lingual Braces Treatment Right for Your Overbite? Next Steps in Nashville, TN

Lingual braces can lingual braces fix many types of overbite, including deep overbites, while staying completely hidden. They combine the mechanical strength of traditional braces with an appearance that lets you live, work, and socialize without anyone knowing you are in treatment.

• Schedule a complimentary consultation at Starling Orthodontics to find out if you are a good candidate
• During this visit, our orthodontist will examine your bite, discuss your goals, and compare lingual braces with options like ceramic braces and Clarity clear aligners
• No referral is needed. Contact us by phone or through our online request form to get started on your smile transformation

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