The four most common bite problems are overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite. Each describes how the upper and lower teeth meet. Most can be corrected with braces or aligners, and some are easiest to treat while a child is still growing.
What counts as a bite problem?
Orthodontists call a bite problem a malocclusion, which simply means the teeth do not meet the way they should when you close your mouth. In an ideal bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of and over the lower front teeth, the back teeth interlock like gears, and the jaw closes without sliding to one side.
A bite problem can come from the teeth, from the jaws, or from both. That distinction matters more than any other, because it decides what kind of treatment will work and when it should happen.
Dental or skeletal?
A dental problem means the teeth are out of position on jaws that are well matched. Braces or aligners can usually correct it at any age. A skeletal problem means the jaws themselves are mismatched in size or position. In a growing child, skeletal problems can often be guided while the jaw is still developing. In an adult, the options are different, which is why timing comes up so often in this article.
What are the four most common bite problems?
Overbite (deep bite)
Some overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth is normal. An overbite becomes a problem when the overlap is so deep that the lower front teeth disappear behind the upper ones, or even touch the gum tissue behind the upper teeth. A deep bite can wear down the front teeth, irritate the gums and put extra strain on the jaw joints.
An overbite is different from front teeth that stick forward, which orthodontists call overjet. The two often appear together, but they are measured separately and treated in different ways.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when you bite down. It can make biting into food and speaking certain sounds difficult, and it often changes the profile of the chin. Underbites are frequently skeletal, with the lower jaw growing more than the upper, so an early evaluation is especially valuable.
Crossbite
A crossbite means some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. It can affect a single front tooth or a group of back teeth on one or both sides. A back-teeth crossbite often forces the jaw to slide sideways to close, which can lead to uneven wear and, over time, uneven jaw growth.
Open bite
In an open bite, the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed, leaving a visible gap. Long-term thumb or finger sucking and tongue thrusting are common contributors in children. An open bite makes it hard to bite through foods such as sandwiches or noodles, and it can affect speech.
How do the four bite problems compare?
This summary shows what each problem looks like, why it matters and how it is usually approached.
| Bite problem | What you notice | Why it matters | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overbite | Upper front teeth cover most of the lower front teeth | Front tooth wear, gum irritation, jaw strain | Braces or aligners, sometimes with elastics |
| Underbite | Lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper ones | Chewing and speech difficulty, profile changes | Early growth guidance in kids; braces for dental cases |
| Crossbite | Some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth | Jaw shifting, uneven wear, uneven growth | Widening the upper jaw in kids, then braces or aligners |
| Open bite | Front teeth do not meet when you close | Trouble biting food, speech effects | Stopping the habit, then braces or aligners |
Why should bite problems be treated?
Straighter teeth look better, but bite correction is mainly about function. A bite that meets properly spreads chewing forces evenly across all the teeth. A bite that does not can concentrate those forces on a few teeth, leading to chipping, worn edges and gum recession around the teeth taking the strain.
- Chewing and biting become easier and more efficient.
- Worn, chipped or fractured teeth are less likely.
- Teeth that line up properly are easier to clean, which helps protect against cavities and gum disease.
- Protruding front teeth are less exposed to injury from falls and sports.
- Jaw joints and chewing muscles are not forced to compensate for a bite that shifts.
Some bite problems cause no discomfort at all, which is why they are easy to ignore. A professional evaluation is the only reliable way to know whether a bite needs attention now, later or not at all.
When is the best time to correct a bite problem?
Children: the age-7 check
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age, enough permanent teeth have arrived to spot developing problems, and the jaws are still growing. At True Smile, this first screening is part of our 7-Up Club. Many children simply need monitoring, but some benefit from early treatment.
Early treatment matters most for skeletal problems. A narrow upper jaw that causes a crossbite, for example, is often widened with an expander while the jaw is still developing, which is far easier than trying to change it later. Early intervention does not always remove the need for braces later, but it can make that later phase shorter and simpler. Our page on braces for kids explains what that first phase can look like.
Teens
By the early teens, most permanent teeth are in and growth is still active, which makes this an efficient window for comprehensive treatment. Many overbites, crossbites and open bites are corrected during this stage with fixed braces and elastics that guide the upper and lower jaws into a better relationship.
Adults
It is never too late to correct a dental bite problem. Adults respond well to both braces and aligners; the teeth still move, although the jaws are no longer growing. Our page on braces for adults covers the discreet options. Some adult skeletal problems, particularly significant underbites, are best corrected by combining orthodontics with jaw surgery performed by an oral surgeon. If that ever applies to your case, it will be explained clearly at your first visit.
How are bite problems diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis starts with the right records
A bite cannot be judged from the front in a mirror. At True Smile, diagnosis uses a thorough exam, digital x-rays and a 3D scan. Our CEPH X-ray and 3D imaging show the jaws in profile, which lets the orthodontist measure whether a problem is dental, skeletal or both before recommending anything.
Treatment options
Most bite corrections use one or more of these tools, chosen to match the cause of the problem.
- Fixed braces, in metal or tooth-colored ceramic, to move individual teeth precisely.
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign, often with small attachments, for many dental bite problems.
- Elastics (rubber bands) connecting upper and lower braces to shift how the jaws meet.
- Growth-guidance appliances such as expanders for children whose jaws are still developing.
- Habit correction for thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that keeps an open bite from closing.
After the bite is corrected, a retainer holds the teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and gums settle.
Bite problems FAQ
Can a bite problem fix itself as a child grows?
Occasionally, mild problems improve as baby teeth are replaced. Skeletal problems and crossbites that force the jaw to shift usually do not, and some get worse with growth. An evaluation around age 7 shows which situation your child is in, and many children simply need periodic monitoring.
Can adults fix an overbite or underbite without surgery?
Many can. Dental overbites and mild underbites in adults often respond well to braces or aligners with elastics. Surgery is generally reserved for significant skeletal mismatches, and records such as a CEPH X-ray are what distinguish one situation from the other.
Can Invisalign correct a crossbite or open bite?
Aligners can correct many dental crossbites and open bites, especially with attachments and elastics. Crossbites caused by a narrow upper jaw in a growing child usually need an expander first. Your orthodontist will recommend whichever option suits the cause.
Is bite correction only cosmetic?
No. A proper bite spreads chewing forces evenly, reduces tooth wear and chipping, makes teeth easier to clean and takes strain off the jaw joints. The improvement in appearance comes along with those functional benefits.
Get your bite checked
If you have noticed teeth that do not meet, a jaw that shifts when you close, or a child who still sucks a thumb, the next step is a simple evaluation. Book a complimentary consultation at our Tulsa or Bixby office. You will talk through your goals, have digital x-rays and a thorough exam, and leave knowing exactly what your bite needs and when.