Blog Summary: If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between an overbite and an underbite—or how to correct them—this blog covers everything you need to know.
Malocclusions, or misalignments of the teeth and jaw, often take the form of overbites or underbites. While minor bite variations are normal, excessive misalignment can cause complications such as jaw pain, tooth wear, and speech difficulties.
This comprehensive post explores the key differences between overbites and underbites, including their causes, potential complications, and treatment options.
Key highlights include:
- Understanding Bite Types: Compare overbites vs underbites vs normal alignment
- Causes of Malocclusions: From genetics to childhood habits like thumb-sucking
- Effective Treatment Options: Braces, appliances, and whether Invisalign can help
- The Importance of Early Intervention: How treating bite issues early can prevent complications
Plus, a dedicated FAQ section answers common questions like “Which is worse: overbite or underbite?” and “Can an overbite or underbite go away naturally?”
Overbites and underbites are two different types of dental malocclusions, which is a fancy way of saying misalignments of the teeth and jaw.
There are many types of malocclusions, ranging from spacing or crowing issues (Class I) to overbites & overjets (Class II), to underbites & crossbites (Class III). That said, overbites and underbites are the most common types of malocclusions.
So, what exactly defines underbites vs overbites, what causes them, and how do you treat them? Here’s what you need to know.
Comparing Overbites & Underbites
Technically speaking, everyone has a tiny overbite. In fact, in a typical bite, the upper teeth do slightly overlap the lower teeth. The key here is that, per the California Association of Orthodontics (CAO), when this overlap is more than 2-3 mm, it’s called an overbite. So what most people refer to as just an “overbite” is technically an “excessive overbite,” but no one commonly uses that terminology.
Per the CAO, underbites are pretty much the opposite of overbites. They’re not necessarily defined by a gap of a certain measurement, either. In the CAO’s words, “If the lower front row extends out in front of the upper row, you have an underbite.”
Why Malocclusions Like Overbites & Underbites Happen
There are a number of reasons why you or your kiddo might have an overbite or an underbite. These include habits and genetics. Some of the most common causes of malocclusions, according to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) are:
- Excessive pacifier use
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting in children aged 1-3
- Early loss of baby teeth
- The eruption of extra teeth
- Having abnormally shaped teeth
How to Fix an Overbite or Underbite
The solutions for how to fix underbites or overbites are generally the same. Orthodontics must be used to move the teeth and jaw to where they should be.
Wearing braces is the most common method of fixing overbites or underbites.
Other methods of fixing overbites & underbites include:
- Herbst Appliances: Herbst appliances are used to move the lower jaw forward, so they can be used to fix overbites. They are attached to the back molars in the upper and lower jaws.
- MARA Appliances: MARA is short for “mandibular anterior repositioning device”. The mandible is a bone that forms the lower jaw in the posterior (or back) of the mouth. And as these devices are used to reposition teeth, that’s where the name comes from. They can be used to fix overbites.
- Twin Blocks: These removable appliances are generally used to assist in fixing overbites in kids who are still growing. They’re usually used with other orthodontic appliances like braces.
- Elastics: These are used on braces, applying extra force to correct overbites/underbites that are on the more severe side.
People often wonder “Can Invisalign fix an overbite or underbite?”, and the answer is that they sometimes can, but not always. It depends on the patient and severity of the malocclusion.
Some people also ask our tooth-loving crew here at The Super Dentists about how to fix an underbite naturally, in other words, without orthodontics. Unfortunately, there is no “natural” method of fixing either type of issue. That’s because any treatment for an overbite or underbite must slowly move the teeth and jaw into their proper positions by applying pressure.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Overbites and underbites can be fixed at any age, but typically, you can avoid further complications from developing by tackling them when your little one is younger, during early jaw development. This is where Phase I orthodontics at The Super Dentists come in handy.
Phase II orthodontics, meanwhile, still addresses these issues, but is completed after most permanent teeth have come in.
Looking for more information? Check out our patient resources and FAQs below. Otherwise, if you’re ready to see how we can help correct an overbite or underbite, feel free to reach out at any time. We are here to help!
FAQs
Which is worse, an overbite or underbite?
Neither is worse than the other; overbites and underbites are just two different types of malocclusions.
Do overbites & underbites go away naturally?
Not usually, no.
Will Invisalign fix an overbite or underbite?
It’s possible depending on the severity & specifics of the overbite or underbite.
