When most people think about orthodontic treatment, the first thing that comes to mind is crooked or crowded teeth. But a significant amount of orthodontic work actually has to do with how the upper and lower jaws come together, what dentists call your bite, or occlusion.
Bite problems are common, and they can affect a lot more than just the look of your smile. Left unaddressed, bite issues can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and changes in facial structure over time. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of the three most common types and what each one means for your teeth and oral health.
Overbite: Too Much Overlap at the Front
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than is ideal. A small amount of overlap is completely normal, it’s expected. The problem arises when that overlap becomes excessive, to the point where the lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth or nearly disappear behind the uppers when the jaw closes.
Overbites can stem from the jaw structure itself (the bones are positioned incorrectly) or from the teeth alone (the jaw is fine, but the teeth sit too far forward). Certain childhood habits, like prolonged thumb-sucking or extended pacifier use, can also play a role. Seeing a dentist early can make a meaningful difference in how straightforward treatment ends up being.
Why it matters: A deep overbite puts extra pressure on the front teeth, increases the risk of chipping and wear, and can contribute to jaw discomfort and TMJ issues over time.
Underbite: When the Lower Jaw Sits Forward
An underbite is the opposite situation, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, giving the jaw a protruding appearance. Underbites are most often caused by a lower jaw that is too far forward, or an upper jaw that hasn’t developed fully. In some cases, tooth positioning alone creates the appearance of an underbite even when the jaws themselves are well-aligned.
Underbites tend to be more complex to treat than overbites, particularly when the underlying issue is skeletal. In children who are still growing, early orthodontic intervention can guide jaw development in a healthier direction. In adults, treatment may involve braces or clear aligners, and in more severe cases, corrective jaw surgery.
Why it matters: An underbite affects chewing efficiency, creates uneven pressure across the teeth, and can cause the front teeth to wear down faster. It may also have an impact on speech and contribute to jaw-related discomfort.
Crossbite: A Sideways Misalignment
A crossbite is different from the first two. Rather than a front-to-back issue, it’s a lateral one, one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside when the mouth is closed. It can happen on one side, both sides, or in the front teeth.
Crossbites can be skeletal, dental, or a combination of both. They often develop because of genetics, delayed baby tooth loss, or irregular tooth eruption.
One thing that sets crossbites apart: they can cause the jaw to habitually shift sideways to accommodate the bite, which over time may contribute to facial asymmetry, particularly in younger patients who are still developing.
Why it matters: Crossbites cause uneven tooth wear, can affect jaw development in children, and are generally considered one of the bite issues most worth addressing early.
Is it The Time to Look at Your Bite?
All three of these conditions are treatable. Options range from clear aligners and traditional braces to functional appliances, and, in more complex cases, orthodontics combined with jaw surgery. Whether you’re dealing with a mild overbite or something more involved, getting a proper assessment is the best place to start. If you’ve been searching for an orthodontics program in Welland, we’re here and ready to help.
Our team at The Pines Dental offers orthodontic assessments and bite evaluations for patients of all ages in Welland and Fonthill. Contact us to book a consultation, and get a proper look at what’s going on with your bite.
