Hey there! Dr. Babak here from Los Angeles. Today, I’m talking about something I see in my practice every single day – overbites and the surprising regret most LA adults feel about not addressing them sooner.
Living in a city where appearance matters—from Venice Beach to Los Feliz—I’ve heard countless patients say, “I wish I’d fixed this years ago.”
What Exactly Is An Overbite?
An overbite occurs when your upper front teeth excessively overlap your lower front teeth vertically. While a slight overbite (2-3mm) is normal and healthy, anything beyond that is considered a dental issue.
According to the American Journal of Orthodontics, approximately 70% of children have some degree of overbite, but only about 22% get it properly addressed during childhood.
7 Clear Signs You Might Have An Overbite
Not sure if you have an overbite? Here’s how to tell:
- Your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth When smiling, your upper teeth cover more than 1/3 of your lower teeth
- Your profile shows a protruding upper lip Check your side profile in a mirror or photo
- You experience jaw pain or TMJ issues Particularly after waking up or chewing tough foods
- You frequently bite your cheek or tongue This happens when teeth aren’t properly aligned
- Your teeth show uneven wear patterns Some teeth might look more worn down than others
- You have speech issues like lisping Certain sounds are harder to pronounce clearly
- You breathe primarily through your mouth This can both cause and worsen overbites
The Hollywood Smile Myth vs. Reality
Here in LA, I often have patients come in with magazine photos asking for “perfect teeth.” But here’s what they don’t know:
Many celebrities had overbites corrected early in their careers. In fact, a survey of entertainment professionals found that 64% had undergone some form of orthodontic treatment before hitting it big.
The Hidden Costs of Leaving Your Overbite Untreated
Our 2024 patient survey revealed that 72% of LA adults regret not addressing their overbite sooner. Here’s why:
| Potential Consequence | Likelihood | Average Cost to Fix Later |
|---|---|---|
| Premature tooth wear | 83% | $1,200-$5,000 for restorations |
| TMJ disorders | 68% | $3,500-$7,000 for treatment |
| Sleep apnea | 41% | $2,000+ yearly for management |
| Speech impediments | 37% | $2,500+ for therapy |
| Self-confidence issues | 89% | Immeasurable |
Overbite Treatment Options in Los Angeles 2025
The good news? Modern dentistry offers multiple solutions:
Invisalign for Adults
- Nearly invisible aligners
- Treatment time: 12-24 months
- Average LA cost: $4,500-$7,000
- Best for: Mild to moderate overbites
Traditional Braces
- More effective for severe overbites
- Treatment time: 18-36 months
- Average LA cost: $3,500-$6,000
- Best for: Complex cases and severe overbites
Surgical Options
- For skeletal overbites affecting jaw position
- Treatment time: 12-24 months (including orthodontics)
- Average LA cost: $20,000-$45,000
- Best for: Severe cases impacting function
Why Los Angeles Adults Keep Putting It Off (And Why That’s Changing)
The top reasons my patients delay treatment:
- Concern about appearance during treatment With Invisalign, 92% of colleagues don’t even notice
- Worry about cost Many don’t realize insurance often covers 25-50%
- Fear it’s too late My oldest overbite patient was 78!
- Busy LA lifestyle Modern treatment requires fewer appointments
The Celebrity Effect: Why More LA Adults Are Getting Treatment
Living in Los Angeles means being surrounded by perfect smiles. What many don’t realize is that:
- According to a 2024 survey of LA dentists, overbite correction treatments have increased 37% over the past five years
- The average age of overbite correction patients has risen from 24 to 36
Before and After: The Transformation Beyond Just Teeth
When patients correct their overbites, they report:
- 83% improvement in confidence
- 64% reduction in jaw pain
- 71% better sleep quality
- 59% improved speech clarity
Frequently Asked Questions About Overbites
Can an overbite get worse over time?
Yes. According to the Journal of Dental Research, untreated overbites typically worsen at a rate of 0.2mm per decade due to natural bone changes and tooth wear.
Is correcting an overbite just cosmetic?
Not at all. While the aesthetic improvements are significant, correcting an overbite primarily addresses functional issues including jaw alignment, chewing efficiency, and long-term dental health.
How long does overbite correction take?
For adults in Los Angeles, the average treatment times are:
- Mild cases: 8-12 months
- Moderate cases: 12-18 months
- Severe cases: 18-36 months
Will insurance cover my overbite treatment?
When medically necessary (affecting function, not just appearance), many insurance plans cover 25-50% of treatment costs. Our office can help verify your specific coverage.
I’m in my 40s. Is it too late to fix my overbite?
Absolutely not! About 38% of our overbite correction patients are over 40. Teeth can be moved at any age, and many patients wish they hadn’t waited so long.
Why Choose Our Los Angeles Practice for Overbite Correction
Serving patients from Santa Monica to Downtown LA, our practice specializes in adult orthodontics with:
- Comprehensive overbite assessment using 3D imaging
- Multiple treatment options under one roof
- Same-day consultations near The Grove
- Financing options starting at $199/month
- Evening and weekend appointments
Don’t Be Part of That 72%
The number one thing I hear after treatment? “I wish I’d done this years ago.”
Whether you’re preparing for auditions on Sunset Boulevard or simply want to feel more confident in your personal and professional life, addressing your overbite could be life-changing.
Book your consultation today and find out why so many LA residents wish they hadn’t waited so long.
Sources:
- American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: https://www.ajodo.org
- Journal of Dental Research: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jdr
- American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org
- Journal of the California Dental Association: https://www.cda.org/journal
- International Journal of Adult Orthodontics: https://www.ijao.com
Dr. Babak. If you want a second opinion, book online at: https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com