1. Common Bite Problems – Crossbite
A crossbite happens when upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. It can be caused by misalignment of teeth (including baby teeth) or a misalignment of the bone, and can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth.
- Posterior crossbite: If the back teeth are affected, upper teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth.
- Anterior crossbite: If the front teeth are in crossbite, the top teeth are behind the bottom teeth.
Possible consequences if not corrected: the jaw shifts to one side; lopsided jaw growth; wearing down of the outer layer of the tooth called enamel.
2. Common Bite Problems – Underbite
- The lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw.
Possible consequences if not corrected: face has a “bull dog” appearance; tooth wear; stress on jaw joints.
3. Common Bite Problems – Open Bite
- Anterior open bite: Occurs when the back teeth are together, and the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. This can result from excessive sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing.
- Posterior open bite: Occurs when the front teeth meet, but the back teeth do not.
Possible consequences if not corrected: swallowing problems; the tongue pushes through the teeth when swallowing; possible speech problems. Learn more about what causes an open bite and how it’s treated.
4. Common Bite Problems – Deep Bite
- When the bite is closed, the upper front teeth cover the bottom teeth too much.
Possible consequences if not corrected: upper teeth can bite into lower gums; lower teeth can bite into the roof of the mouth; possible gum disease and early enamel wear. A deep bite is sometimes confused with a regular overbite — see deep bite vs. overbite for the difference, or read more about deep bite treatment.
5. Common Bite Problems – Crowding
Crowding means there’s insufficient space for the teeth. This can be a result of large teeth, inadequate space in the jaw, or both, and may cause teeth that overlap, are rotated, or take on a crooked or staggered appearance.
Possible consequences if not corrected: hard to clean; possible cavities, especially between the teeth; gum disease.
6. Common Bite Problems – Spacing
Spacing is too much space between teeth. It can result from missing teeth, undersized teeth, oversized jaws, or a combination of these conditions.
Possible consequences if not corrected: food gets stuck in open areas; possible cavities and gum disease.
7. Common Bite Problems – Protrusion
- Front teeth that stick out (“buck” teeth). Teeth may appear protrusive because the upper jaw is too far forward, the lower jaw is too far back, the teeth grew in at an angle, or a combination of these conditions. Sometimes people who have protrusive front teeth also have a deep bite.
Possible consequences if not corrected: upper teeth are prone to accidental breaking; difficulty comfortably closing the mouth and lips, which can lead to dried-out oral tissues and tooth decay; speech problems; a long, narrow facial appearance.
How These Bite Problems Are Treated
The fact is that if any of these common bite problems exist in a child’s mouth, they likely will not self-correct — and the same is true for adults. Untreated problems tend to get worse with time, and many are best treated while the patient is still growing, which is why early orthodontic treatment is often recommended.
Most bite problems are corrected with braces, and some cases also involve jaw elastics for bite correction to help align the upper and lower jaw. Treatment length varies by case — see how long bite correction typically takes for a general timeline.
The goal of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy bite. When teeth and jaws line up correctly, the force created when biting or chewing food is evenly distributed, which supports clear speech and even tooth wear over time. If you suspect that you or a loved one has one of the seven common bite problems, American Braces & Smile Center can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bite problems get worse if left untreated?
Yes. Most bite problems don’t improve on their own and tend to become more difficult to correct the longer they’re left untreated, especially in adults once jaw growth is complete.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist about a bite problem?
There’s no need to wait until your child has lost all her baby teeth before consulting an orthodontist. It’s fine to talk to an orthodontist as soon as you notice a possible issue, and you don’t need a dentist referral first.
Can adults still get bite problems corrected?
Yes. Adults can absolutely have bite problems corrected with braces or Invisalign, though treatment may take a bit longer than it would for a growing child. There’s no time like the present to talk to an orthodontist about getting the smile you’ve always wanted.
What’s the difference between a deep bite and an overbite?
A deep bite is a more severe form of overbite, where the upper front teeth cover the lower teeth excessively. See our deep bite vs. overbite comparison for a full breakdown.
Do you offer free consultations for bite problems?
Yes. ABSC offers a free orthodontic consultation at our Ashburn, Woodbridge, and Alexandria, VA offices to evaluate your bite and discuss treatment options, with no obligation to start treatment.
Ready to Address a Bite Problem? Schedule a Free Consultation
Parents — there’s no need to wait until your child has lost all her baby teeth before you consult an orthodontist. And adults, there’s no time like the present to talk to an orthodontist about getting the smile you’ve always wanted.
We’d love to meet you at one of our offices in Ashburn, VA, Woodbridge, VA, or Alexandria, VA. Schedule your free orthodontic consultation today.
