Have you ever looked closely at how your top and bottom teeth meet when you close your mouth? Most people don’t think about it much, but how your teeth fit together is super important for your smile, how you chew food, and even how you speak. Sometimes, teeth don’t line up perfectly. When this happens, it’s called a “malocclusion,” a fancy word for a “bad bite.” Two common types of malocclusion—underbite vs overbite—can significantly affect your bite and overall oral health.
Two common types of bad bites are an underbite and an overbite. You might have heard these words before, but what exactly do they mean? And if you have one, what can be done about it? Let’s break down the differences and discuss how dentists and orthodontists can help.
What Is a Bite?
Before we dive into underbites and overbites, let’s understand what a “bite” really is in dentistry for your dentist in Balmain experience. Think of your bite as how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. Ideally, your top teeth should slightly overlap your bottom teeth, and the points of your molars (the teeth at the back) should fit neatly into the grooves of the opposing molars. This perfect fit allows you to chew food properly, speak clearly, and helps keep your teeth healthy.
When your bite isn’t quite right, it can cause various problems, from difficulty eating certain foods to feeling self-conscious about your smile. Understanding underbites and overbites is key.
What Is An Overbite?
An overbite is probably the more common of the two. In simple terms, with an overbite, your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth by a noticeable amount when your mouth is closed. It’s like your top teeth are covering too much of your bottom teeth.
Imagine looking at someone’s profile. If they have a significant overbite, their upper jaw might look like it sticks out more than their lower jaw. Sometimes, an overbite is called “buck teeth,” especially if the upper front teeth stick out very far.
There are different levels of overbites. A small overlap is normal and healthy. When the overlap is too great, it becomes a problem.
What Causes An Overbite?
- Genetics: Often, overbites run in families. If your parents or grandparents had an overbite, you might also be more likely to have one.
- Bad habits in childhood: Thumb-sucking or pacifier use: If a child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier for a long time, especially past the age of 3 or 4, it can push the front teeth forward.
- Tongue thrusting: This is when a child pushes their tongue against their front teeth when swallowing.
- Missing teeth: If a lower tooth is lost, the upper teeth might drift down more.
- Jaw development issues: Sometimes, the upper jaw grows too much, or the lower jaw doesn’t grow enough.
Problems An Overbite Can Cause
- Difficulty chewing: It can be harder to bite into certain foods.
- Speech problems: Some people with severe overbites might have a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
- Wear and tear on teeth: The lower front teeth can hit the roof of the mouth or the back of the upper teeth, causing them to wear down over time.
- Jaw pain: Constant strain on the jaw joint can lead to discomfort.
- Aesthetic concerns: Many people feel self-conscious about how an overbite affects their smile.
What Is An Underbite?
Now, let’s talk about the opposite: an underbite. With an underbite, your lower front teeth stick out in front of your upper front teeth when your mouth is closed. It’s like your bottom jaw is too far forward.
If you look at someone with an underbite from the side, their lower jaw might appear to jut out, giving them a more prominent chin.
Underbites are less common than overbites but can be more noticeable.
What Causes An Underbite?
- Genetics: Just like overbites, underbites can be hereditary. If someone in your family has an underbite, you might be more likely to have one.
- Jaw development issues: This is a major cause. The lower jaw might grow too much, or the upper jaw might not grow enough.
- Missing upper teeth: If some upper teeth are missing, the lower jaw can naturally shift forward.
- Certain habits (less common than with overbites): Habits like constantly pushing the lower jaw forward can contribute, but genetic factors are usually stronger for underbites.
Problems An Underbite Can Cause
- Difficulty chewing: It can be very hard to bite and chew food properly, especially hard foods.
- Speech problems: Underbites can significantly affect speech, leading to lisps or difficulty with “s” and “sh” sounds.
- Jaw pain and TMJ issues: The jaw joint (TMJ) can experience a lot of stress, leading to pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
- Excessive wear on teeth: How the teeth grind against each other can cause them to wear down quickly.
- Esthetic concerns: Many people with underbites feel their facial appearance is affected, leading to self-esteem issues.
Diagnosis: How Dentists Identify Bite Problems
So, how do dentists and orthodontists figure out if you have an underbite or an overbite? It’s usually pretty straightforward and involves a few key steps:
- Visual Examination: The dentist will simply look at your teeth and how they come together when you bite down. They’ll also observe your facial structure.
- Dental X-rays: X-rays provide a detailed picture of your teeth, roots, and jawbones. This helps the dentist see the underlying bone structure and how the jaws are aligned.
- Moulds or Digital Scans: Impressions of your teeth (moulds) or digital scans are taken to create a precise 3D model of your mouth. This allows the dentist to study your bite from all angles and plan the best course of treatment.
- Discussion of Symptoms: The dentist will ask about any problems you’re experiencing, such as difficulty chewing, jaw pain, or speech issues.
Based on all this information, your dentist, like dentist Chatswood, can accurately diagnose your bite problem and recommend the right treatment. They might refer you to an orthodontist, who is a specialist in correcting bite problems and straightening teeth.
Treatment Options for Overbite
Good news! Overbites can almost always be treated, often with great success. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the overbite and the patient’s age.
For Children and Teens
- Growth Modification Appliances: Because children’s jaws are still growing, orthodontists can use special appliances to guide jaw growth. These might include:
- Headgear: Worn outside the mouth, headgear helps slow the growth of the upper jaw or encourage the growth of the lower jaw.
- Functional Appliances: These are removable appliances that fit into the mouth and help reposition the jaw. Examples include Herbst appliances or Forsus springs, which encourage the lower jaw to grow forward.
- Braces: Traditional metal braces or clear braces are commonly used to move teeth into their correct positions. Braces apply gentle, constant pressure to shift teeth over time.
- Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign): Clear aligners can be an option for some mild to moderate overbites. These custom-made, clear plastic trays gradually move teeth. They are changed every week or two.
For Adults
- Braces: Braces are still a very effective treatment for adults with overbites. The treatment might take longer than for children, but excellent results can be achieved.
- Clear Aligners: Many adults prefer clear aligners because they are nearly invisible and removable, making eating and cleaning easier. They can be used for various overbite cases.
- Tooth Removal: In some severe cases where there’s not enough room in the mouth, extracting one or more teeth might be necessary to create space for the remaining teeth to align properly.
- Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): For very severe overbites in adults whose problem is primarily due to jaw misalignment and not just tooth position, jaw surgery might be recommended. This procedure repositions the jaws to create a proper bite. It’s usually done in combination with braces.
Treatment Options for Underbite
Treating an underbite can sometimes be more complex, especially in adults, but excellent treatment options are still available.
For Children and Teens
- Growth Modification Appliances: Early treatment is key for underbites in children. Appliances can encourage the upper jaw to grow forward or restrict the growth of the lower jaw.
- Palatal Expander with Facemask: A palatal expander widens the upper jaw, and a facemask (worn at home) pulls the upper jaw forward. This is often very effective in young children.
- Chin Cap: Less common now, but a chin cap can be used to restrict the lower jaw’s forward growth.
- Braces: Once jaw growth is managed, braces are often used to align the teeth properly.
- Reverse-Pull Headgear: Similar to the facemask mentioned above, this appliance helps to bring the upper jaw forward.
For Adults
- Braces: Braces can correct some underbites in adults, especially if the problem is more about the tooth than the jaw position.
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners can sometimes be used to move teeth into a better position for mild underbites. However, they may not be as effective for more severe underbites.
- Tooth Removal: Similar to overbites, removing certain teeth might be considered to create space and improve alignment.
- Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): For adults with moderate to severe underbites, jaw surgery is often the most effective treatment. This is because adult jaws have stopped growing. Surgery involves carefully repositioning the upper and/or lower jaw to achieve a correct bite. It is almost always performed in conjunction with braces worn before and after surgery.
Why Early Intervention Matters
You might have noticed that many treatment options for both overbites and underbites involve “growth modification” and are best for children. This is because early intervention is incredibly important, especially for underbites.
When a child’s jaws are still growing, an orthodontist can guide that growth. It’s like gently steering a young sapling as it grows. It’s much easier to influence jaw development in a child than to correct a fully developed jaw in an adult.
Benefits of Early Treatment
- More effective and less invasive: Catching a bite problem early can often prevent the need for more complex treatments like jaw surgery later on.
- Shorter treatment times: Early treatment can sometimes make the overall orthodontic process shorter.
- Prevents worsening of the condition: Addressing the problem early stops it from becoming more severe.
- Better long-term results: Proper jaw alignment established early can lead to a more stable and healthy bite throughout life.
- Improved self-esteem: Correcting a noticeable bite problem early can significantly boost a child’s confidence.
If you notice any signs of an overbite or underbite in your child, scheduling a visit with a dentist or orthodontist is a good idea. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. This doesn’t mean they’ll get braces at 7, but it allows the orthodontist to monitor their growth and intervene if necessary.
Conclusion
Whether you have an overbite or an underbite, both are common bite problems that can affect your oral health, jaw comfort, and overall well-being. Understanding the difference between underbite and overbite is the first step towards seeking the right help.
Thankfully, with advancements in dentistry and orthodontics, there are many effective overbite or underbite treatment options available for people of all ages. From traditional braces to modern clear aligners and, in some cases, jaw surgery, a personalised plan can be created to help you achieve a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Remember, if you’re concerned about bite misalignment in children and adults, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dental professional. Addressing these issues improves your smile’s aesthetics and contributes significantly to your long-term oral health.
Ready to Correct Your Bite Problem?
If you’re in Chatswood and are looking for expert advice on correcting bite problems, whether it’s an underbite vs. overbite concern, the team is here to help. Our experienced team can assess your bite, discuss the difference between underbite and overbite in your specific case, and explain the best overbite or underbite treatment options for you or your child.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Simply Dental Chatswood for your Chatswood dentistry experience and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile!
