The four most common bite problems are an overbite (upper front teeth overlap the lower ones too much), an underbite (lower teeth sit in front), a crossbite (some upper teeth close inside the lower ones) and an open bite (front teeth do not meet).
Orthodontists call these problems malocclusions, which simply means the teeth and jaws do not meet the way they should. They are among the most common reasons families in Southampton, Bensalem and across Bucks County come to see Dr. Jake Dorfman, and they matter for more than looks. This guide explains what each one is, what it can lead to if left alone, and how they are usually corrected in children, teens and adults.
What Does a Healthy Bite Look Like?
In a healthy bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth and overlap them a little from above. The upper back teeth sit just outside the lower back teeth, and the points of the molars fit into the grooves of the opposite molars like gears. When you close, the teeth meet evenly on both sides and the lower jaw does not have to slide anywhere to find a comfortable position.
Every bite problem below is a variation on that picture: too much overlap, too little, teeth meeting in reverse, or not meeting at all.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is when the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth vertically. Some overlap is normal. A deep overbite is when the lower teeth almost disappear behind the upper ones, and in severe cases the lower teeth can bite into the gum behind the upper teeth.
Overbite vs. overjet: what is the difference?
People often use overbite to describe front teeth that stick out, but orthodontists call that overjet: a horizontal gap where the upper teeth sit too far in front of the lower teeth. The two often appear together. Protruding front teeth are also more exposed to chips and breaks during sports and play, which is one reason our two-phase treatment page lists severe overbite with protruding front teeth as a reason to consider early care.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite is when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when you close. It can come from the position of the teeth, from the size and position of the jaws, or from both. A mild dental underbite may only involve a few teeth. A skeletal underbite, where the lower jaw has grown further forward than the upper jaw, tends to become more noticeable with growth.
Why underbites deserve an early look
Underbites can affect chewing and speech, and they are one of the problems that respond best while a child is still growing. Once growth is finished, correcting a significant skeletal underbite may involve jaw surgery alongside braces, which is exactly what early evaluation is meant to help families avoid when possible.
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite is when some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. It can involve a single front tooth, called an anterior crossbite, or the back teeth on one or both sides, called a posterior crossbite. Posterior crossbites often come from an upper jaw that is too narrow.
Signs of a crossbite to watch for
- The lower jaw shifts to one side when your child closes their mouth
- One or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower teeth
- Uneven wear or chipping on the teeth that hit in reverse
- A smile that looks narrow, with dark spaces at the corners
In children, a narrow upper jaw can often be widened with a palatal expander while the jaw is still growing. Our post on how palatal expanders work explains that appliance in detail.
What Is an Open Bite?
An open bite is when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed. An anterior open bite, the most common type, leaves a visible gap between the front teeth, which can make it hard to bite into a sandwich or an apple and can affect certain speech sounds. Less often, the open space is between the back teeth.
Habits that can contribute
Long-term thumb or finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use and a tongue that pushes forward when swallowing can all hold the front teeth apart. Correcting the habit is often part of the treatment, because teeth moved without addressing the habit can drift back.
Bite Problems at a Glance
| Bite problem | What you see | Common contributors | How it is often treated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overbite (deep bite) | Upper front teeth cover most of the lower front teeth | Jaw growth pattern, tooth position | Braces or aligners, often with elastics |
| Overjet (protrusion) | Upper front teeth stick out ahead of the lower teeth | Jaw size, thumb sucking | Braces with elastics; early care in growing children |
| Underbite | Lower front teeth sit in front of the upper teeth | Jaw growth, inherited jaw size | Early growth guidance; braces; surgery in severe adult cases |
| Crossbite | Some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth | Narrow upper jaw, tooth position | Palatal expander in children; braces or aligners |
| Open bite | Front teeth do not meet when the back teeth close | Thumb sucking, tongue thrust, mouth breathing | Habit correction plus braces or aligners |
What Causes Bite Problems?
Most bite problems are inherited. Jaw size and the size of the teeth run in families, and a mismatch between them is behind a lot of crowding, overbites and underbites. Other causes are acquired, and these are the ones early evaluation can catch.
- Oral habits: thumb sucking, finger sucking and prolonged pacifier use
- Mouth breathing: breathing through the mouth can change how the jaws and tongue rest
- Baby teeth lost too early or too late: this can let neighboring teeth drift and block permanent teeth
- Tongue thrust: a tongue that pushes forward during swallowing
Why Should Bite Problems Be Corrected?
A bite that does not fit together well rarely improves on its own, and it often gets worse with age. Teeth that meet unevenly wear unevenly, and a bad bite can contribute to jaw discomfort, headaches and difficulty chewing. Crowded or overlapping teeth are also harder to clean, which raises the risk of decay and gum disease over time.
For adults, the good news is that it is not too late. Braces for adults correct the same overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites we treat in teens, and clear ceramic braces or Invisalign keep treatment discreet.
How Are Bite Problems Treated at Each Age?
Children (around ages 7 to 10)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, while jaws are still growing. Some bite problems, particularly crossbites and certain underbites, are much easier to guide at this age. Our post on when your child should first see an orthodontist explains what that first visit looks like, and the most common outcome is simply monitoring.
Teens
Once most permanent teeth are in, braces or Invisalign move the teeth into position, and elastics are often added to bring the upper and lower jaws into the right relationship. Teens still have some growth left, which helps with bite correction.
Adults
Adult bites are corrected with the same tools, braces or clear aligners, though treatment plans account for finished jaw growth. In severe skeletal cases, orthodontic treatment may be combined with jaw surgery, and Dr. Dorfman will tell you plainly if your case falls into that group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Problems
Can Invisalign fix an overbite or underbite?
Many overbites, mild underbites and crossbites can be treated with Invisalign, often with elastics, and Dr. Dorfman is a Diamond Plus Invisalign provider. Severe skeletal problems may respond better to braces or a combined approach.
Will my child grow out of a bad bite?
Usually not. Some crowding in young children changes as baby teeth are replaced, but true crossbites, underbites and open bites from habits tend to persist or worsen. An evaluation tells you which you are dealing with.
How long does bite correction take?
It depends on the problem and the patient’s age. Braces treatment typically takes 12 to 24 months, and bite correction is often the part of treatment that needs the most consistent elastic wear.
Is a bite problem only cosmetic?
No. Bite problems can affect chewing, speech, tooth wear and how easy the teeth are to clean, which is why we evaluate function as well as appearance.
Find Out What Your Bite Needs
If you have noticed teeth that overlap too much, a jaw that shifts, or front teeth that do not meet, an evaluation will tell you exactly what is going on and whether anything needs to happen now. Learn more about braces in Southampton, PA and how Dr. Jake Dorfman, a board certified orthodontist, corrects bite problems for children, teens and adults.
Consultations are free and no referral is needed. Schedule your free consultation, or call our Southampton office at (215) 910-4376 or our Bensalem office at (215) 935-4639.