Overbite Correction in Encinitas, CA
What most people call an "overbite" is usually a jaw problem — not a tooth problem.
When parents say their child has an overbite, they usually mean the upper teeth stick out too far in front of the lowers. Orthodontists call that overjet. And in most cases, it's not that the upper teeth are in the wrong position — it's that the lower jaw hasn't grown forward enough to meet them.
Simply pushing the upper teeth back doesn't solve the problem.
The teeth follow the jaws. When the lower jaw is set back relative to the upper, the front teeth end up with a horizontal gap between them — what parents see as "the overbite." Closing that gap by retracting the upper teeth can improve the appearance, but it doesn't change where the lower jaw sits — and it doesn't address what a recessed lower jaw does to everything behind it.
A recessed lower jaw compresses the space where the airway sits. Children with excessive overjet and a recessed mandible often show signs of restricted breathing, mouth breathing, and the downstream effects Dr. Liatti looks for in every evaluation.
This is why Dr. Liatti measures the jaw relationship on a 3D scan before recommending anything. The scan shows the position of both jaws in millimeters — not a visual estimate. That measurement is what separates a treatment plan that addresses the cause from one that only masks the gap.
Find out what's driving your overbite — measured in 3D at your free evaluation.
Book Your Free ConsultationWhen the lower jaw is still growing, you can change where it ends up.
In a growing child, the lower jaw can be encouraged to grow forward with the right appliance at the right time. The overjet closes because the jaws now fit together properly, and the airway space behind the jaw opens up as a result.
Most overjet correction happens during comprehensive treatment, not Phase 1 — but identifying the jaw discrepancy early matters. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age seven so an orthodontist can monitor the jaw relationship and time treatment to the growth window when it will have the greatest impact.
Once growth is complete, the jaw can no longer be redirected. In adults, overjet caused by a recessed lower jaw can only be corrected with surgical orthodontics — or managed by moving teeth to camouflage the jaw discrepancy. Camouflage can close the gap between the front teeth, but it doesn't change the jaw position or the airway.
The difference between treating during growth and treating after growth is significant. Dr. Liatti evaluates the jaw position, the growth potential, and the airway before recommending one path over another.
The approach follows the anatomy.
Mild to moderate overjet
For mild to moderate overjet — where the jaw discrepancy is small or the issue is primarily dental — braces or Invisalign with elastics is the most common and effective treatment. Elastics are small rubber bands that connect the upper and lower arches and provide the sustained force that brings the bite together. Patient compliance with elastics is one of the most important factors in how well treatment works — worth knowing up front if your teen is the patient.
Severe overjet
When the overjet reflects a larger skeletal discrepancy — where the lower jaw is significantly set back — Dr. Liatti may recommend a functional appliance like a Herbst or MARA. These position the lower jaw forward during growth to redirect where it ends up. This isn't just moving teeth — it's redirecting skeletal growth so the lower jaw catches up to the upper.
Dr. Liatti leans away from extractions due to airway considerations — removing teeth can reduce the space available for the tongue. In the rare cases where extractions are part of the plan, he evaluates the impact on the airway and facial profile first.
Overjet in adults
For adults who have finished growing, mild to moderate overjet can be improved with braces or Invisalign using elastic mechanics. Severe skeletal discrepancies may require jaw surgery to reposition the mandible. Dr. Liatti is direct about which cases can be treated with orthodontics alone and which benefit from a surgical approach.
You might notice the teeth — or you might notice the breathing first.
Upper teeth that stick out
When the upper front teeth sit well ahead of the lowers — what most people call an "overbite" — that horizontal gap is excessive overjet. It usually means the lower jaw is set back, not that the upper teeth are flared forward. A scan tells the difference.
A recessed chin or small-looking lower jaw
If the chin appears to sit behind the upper lip in profile, the lower jaw may not have grown forward enough. This is often easier to see from the side than the front.
Mouth breathing or snoring
A recessed lower jaw compresses the airway space behind it. Children with this pattern often breathe through the mouth, snore, or show restless sleep — signs that the jaw position may be affecting more than the bite.
Lips that don't close comfortably
When the overjet is significant, the lips may not come together at rest without effort. The mouth stays slightly open, which reinforces mouth breathing and all the patterns that come with it.
Noticing any of these signs? A free evaluation gives you a clear answer — and a 3D look at what's driving it.
Book Your Free ConsultationWhat our patients say.
I recently finished my orthodontic treatment at Encinitas Orthodontics. I had an underbite but now it’s perfect. Dr. Liatti’s treatment method to move my teeth considered my overall health instead of just how the teeth looks, unlike other orthodontists who…
We have been to several other orthodontists in the north county area for braces for my other two kids, but I switched to Dr. Liatti at Encinitas Orthodontics for my third child’s braces and he is unquestionably the best in the business!
We love Dr. Liatti and his amazing staff! Our older son was treated for airway restriction/sleep apnea, and our younger son for a crossbite that would have permanently damaged his adult teeth.
We consulted with multiple orthodontists before and after meeting Dr. Liatti. We live quite far (1 hour drive) but it was 100% the right decision. Each of our children have received personalized care and treatment plans.
Dr. Liatti and his staff came in and saved me from a previously horrible Invisalign experience. Within two weeks, I had a new treatment plan (done the correct way with the latest technologies from a board certified orthodontist) and a new caring, funny…
I just finished my journey with braces through Encinitas Orthodontics/Dr. Liatti. He and his team are friendly and very knowledgeable.
Serving North County San Diego & beyond.
Encinitas Orthodontics is located at 317 N El Camino Real, Suite 203, in Encinitas, CA — serving families from across North County San Diego and the greater San Diego area who are looking for overbite and Class II correction.
Patients visit from Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, and Oceanside.