Bite problems are a common reason that many people visit an orthodontist. An improper bite, formally termed a malocclusion, not only affects the appearance of your smile and face, but can also affect chewing, breathing, and even speaking. There are several different malocclusions, but two of the most common are an overbite and an underbite. What is the difference between the two, and what are some treatment options for these conditions?
Overbite
An overbite is a term that refers to the overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. Normally, the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth by 3-5mm. Anything more than 5mm is considered abnormal. There are two main types: dental overbite and skeletal overbite. Dental overbite occurs when teeth aren’t properly aligned. Skeletal overbite occurs when the lower jaw is misaligned or too small to fit correctly to the upper jaw. Overbite mostly occurs due to genetics but can be worsened by thumb sucking, excessive pacifier use, and other habits that press or put pressure on the teeth and jaw bone during infancy. An abnormal overbite can put extra stress on the temporomandibular joint, causing discomfort, pain, and even headaches.
How can you treat an overbite?
For children and teens, removing baby teeth can help with an overbite, as it gives more room for the permanent teeth to grow in straight. Teeth removal isn’t recommended for adults but can be an option in severe cases to give the other teeth more room to move. For a dental overbite, braces, Invisalign®, or growth modification devices typically work well. Skeletal overbite usually requires surgery to realign the jaw.
Underbite
An underbite is a term that refers to the lower teeth sitting in front of the upper when the jaws are closed. Underbite affects the molars and the upper incisors as well. Similar to an overbite, an underbite also occurs due to genetics and can be made worse by thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and other habits during infancy. Underbites should be treated immediately, for if left untreated it can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, which is an inflammation and arthritis of the joint near the temples that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the head.
How can you treat an underbite?
The earlier that treatment for an underbite starts, the better. However, parents should wait until their child is at least 7 years old to seek treatment, when the permanent teeth begin to come in. In less severe cases of underbite, braces, an upper jaw expander, or a “reverse-pull” face mask may be used to align the teeth or jaw correctly. Teeth removal may also help to improve an underbite if teeth crowding is an issue. For severe cases, especially if it is caused by a birth defect such as cleft lip/palate, early surgery can help. This may include reshaping to shorten the lower jaw or lengthen the upper jaw, or the use of wires, plates, or screws to maintain proper jawbone shape.
If you or your child are suffering from an overbite or underbite, the experts at Johnson & Collins are here to help. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we have transformed the smiles of thousands of patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with office locations in Southlake and Bedford, Texas. We work with our patients to figure out the best orthodontic treatment plan to fit their lifestyle, and we work with many insurance providers to ensure our patients are covered.
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