When Dr. Mazumder evaluates your bite at your first consultation at MBraces, he uses specific clinical terms to describe how your teeth and jaws relate to each other. If you have heard words like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite — or if these terms came up at a dental appointment — this guide will help you understand exactly what they mean, how they develop, and what treatment options are available.
What Is a Normal Bite?
In an ideal bite, the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by a small amount (roughly 2–3 millimeters vertically), and the upper front teeth extend slightly forward of the lower front teeth horizontally. The back teeth fit together like interlocking gears, with the cusps of the upper teeth fitting into the grooves of the lower teeth. When this system is working properly, chewing forces are distributed evenly and teeth wear at a normal rate.
Most orthodontic bite problems involve variations from this ideal.
Overbite (Deep Bite)
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. A small overbite is normal and expected. A deep overbite — sometimes called an excessive overbite — occurs when the upper teeth cover more than a third to half of the lower front teeth when biting together.
In severe cases, the lower front teeth bite into the roof of the mouth (palate), causing tissue irritation and accelerated wear on both the upper and lower front teeth. Deep overbites can also contribute to jaw pain and temporomandibular joint problems.
Treatment options include traditional braces or Invisalign, often combined with bite-correcting appliances. Early treatment during the growth years can sometimes correct a developing deep overbite more simply than waiting until all growth is complete. See our Common Treatments page for before-and-after examples.
Overjet (Protruding Front Teeth)
Overjet is sometimes confused with overbite but refers to something different: the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. When the upper front teeth protrude significantly forward of the lower front teeth, this is overjet — commonly referred to as “buck teeth.”
Significant overjet is a functional concern because protruding front teeth are more vulnerable to trauma. Studies show that children with large overjet are at significantly elevated risk of dental injury from falls and impacts. Early reduction of overjet through orthodontic treatment provides meaningful protection. Phase One treatment can address developing overjet in children as young as eight.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends further forward than the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting. This is a skeletal discrepancy — meaning it involves the jaw bones, not just the teeth — and is often hereditary.
Underbites can cause difficulty chewing, accelerated wear on tooth enamel (since the teeth are grinding in an abnormal pattern), and jaw joint discomfort. In children, interceptive orthodontic treatment during the growth years can guide jaw development and minimize the severity of an underbite. In adults with severe underbites, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be needed alongside orthodontic treatment. Early identification gives patients the most options.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, rather than outside them as they should. This can affect the front teeth (anterior crossbite) or the back teeth (posterior crossbite), or both.
Posterior crossbites are commonly caused by a narrow upper jaw and are often corrected in children with a palatal expander, which gradually widens the upper jaw to the appropriate width. Early treatment is especially important for crossbites — teeth in crossbite can cause the jaw to shift to one side when biting, which over time leads to asymmetric jaw development and potential TMJ issues.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not make contact when the back teeth are together. A space remains between the upper and lower front teeth even at maximum bite force. This makes biting into food very difficult — patients with significant open bites often cannot bite through a piece of bread or a vegetable directly with their front teeth.
Open bites frequently develop from prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue-thrusting habits. Treatment involves braces to bring the front teeth into contact, often combined with a specialized appliance such as a tongue crib to retrain the tongue position. Early treatment is especially effective when the habit that caused the open bite can also be addressed.
When Should These Be Treated?
The timing of treatment depends on the type and severity of the bite problem. As a general principle, skeletal issues (those involving the jaw bones) are best addressed during the growth years when the jaws are still developing and can be influenced by orthodontic and orthopedic forces. Dental-level issues (involving only the teeth, not the underlying bone) can be addressed at any age.
The only way to know what you or your child is dealing with — and when and how it should be treated — is a proper evaluation. At MBraces, free consultations are available at our Bristol, Rocky Hill, and Waterbury offices. Dr. Mazumder will explain exactly what he finds and what treatment he recommends. Request an appointment online or call us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a crossbite correct itself as a child grows?
Crossbites very rarely self-correct. In most cases, if left untreated they become more pronounced as growth continues and the jaw develops in an asymmetric pattern. Early evaluation and treatment are strongly recommended.
Is a small overbite normal?
Yes. A small overbite of 2 to 3 millimeters is completely normal and expected. It is when the overlap exceeds roughly 30 to 50 percent of the lower front tooth height that it becomes clinically significant and treatment is typically recommended.
My child’s teeth do not touch in the front. Is this serious?
An open bite should be evaluated by an orthodontist. Severity varies, but open bites can affect chewing ability, speech, and long-term dental health. Early treatment, especially while a causative habit such as thumb sucking can be addressed simultaneously, tends to produce the best outcomes.
Can an underbite be corrected without surgery?
In children, many underbites can be significantly improved or corrected without surgery through orthopedic appliances and braces that take advantage of remaining jaw growth. In adults with severe skeletal underbites, surgery is often required. The earlier an underbite is identified, the more non-surgical options are available.
Will my insurance cover bite correction treatment?
Most orthodontic insurance plans cover treatment for bite problems as well as cosmetic alignment concerns. Coverage specifics vary by plan. Our team will review your insurance benefits at your free consultation and provide a complete cost estimate.