We’ve all heard the phrase “your bark is worse than your bite”—but when it comes to oral health, your bite is more important than you might think.
In dental terms, your bite is how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed. Ideally, they should align in a way that supports proper chewing, speech, and even jaw comfort. But when things are off, it’s called a malocclusion, and it can cause much more than cosmetic concerns.
Let’s walk through the seven most common bite issues we see—and how orthodontic treatment can help restore function, balance, and confidence.
1. The Crossbite: When the Top Teeth Hide Behind
Imagine your top teeth tucking inside your bottom teeth. That’s called a crossbite, and it’s more common than you might think. Crossbites can involve just one tooth or several, and they come in two flavors:
- Posterior Crossbite: This happens when the back upper teeth fall inside the lower ones.
- Anterior Crossbite: Less common, this type affects the front teeth, with the top ones sitting behind the bottom ones.
Crossbites can lead to jaw shifting, uneven jaw growth, enamel wear, and even gum disease. The good news? Early orthodontic treatment can help realign everything before long-term issues develop.
2. The Underbite: When the Bottom Teeth Take the Lead
In an underbite, the lower jaw juts forward, causing the bottom front teeth to sit in front of the upper ones. This often runs in families or develops when jaw growth is uneven.
While underbites can make chewing and speaking difficult, they can also affect facial balance and cause jaw discomfort over time. With the right intervention—especially if caught early—orthodontics can gently bring the jaw back into proper alignment.
3. The Open Bite: When the Teeth Don’t Quite Meet
An open bite is a bit of a gap—literally. It occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed. There are two types:
- Anterior Open Bite: The front teeth don’t meet, but the back ones do. Often caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use.
- Posterior Open Bite: The opposite—front teeth meet, but the back ones don’t.
Open bites can make everyday functions like biting, chewing, or speaking more difficult. Plus, when only some teeth take on all the chewing force, it can cause uneven pressure and damage over time.
4. The Deep Bite: When the Overlap Goes Too Far
A deep bite happens when the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth vertically—sometimes even biting into the gums or roof of the mouth.
While some overlap is natural, excessive overlap can cause serious issues: enamel erosion, gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and even jaw discomfort. This is one bite issue we keep a close eye on, especially during developmental years.
5. The Crowded Smile: When Teeth Compete for Space
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room in your mouth for all your teeth to come in properly. They might twist, overlap, or push forward or backward.
Beyond aesthetics, crowded teeth are harder to clean, making you more vulnerable to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment creates the space your teeth need—so they’re easier to clean, maintain, and smile with.
6. Spacing Issues: The Opposite of Crowding
Too much space between teeth can also create problems. Whether from missing teeth, undersized teeth, or a larger-than-average jaw, these gaps can trap food and create opportunities for decay and gum issues.
Even when spacing doesn’t pose a health concern, it can affect self-esteem. Many patients choose to close gaps for cosmetic reasons—and we’re here to help with customized options for every smile.
7. Protrusion: When Teeth Stick Out
Commonly referred to as “buck teeth,” protrusion is when the upper front teeth push out too far—or the lower teeth sit too far back. This condition may also be linked with a deep bite, making matters more complicated.
Protruding teeth are more at risk for injury and may prevent lips from closing comfortably, which can lead to dryness, decay, and even speech difficulties. Correcting protrusion can improve both function and facial harmony.
The Sooner, the Better
One thing we’ve learned over the years: bite problems rarely go away on their own. In fact, they tend to get worse with time if left untreated.
That’s why we recommend early evaluations for children (you don’t have to wait until all the baby teeth fall out), and we also work with adults who want to improve their bite or smile later in life.
At Presidential Dental Care, our goal is simple: to help every patient feel confident, comfortable, and cared for—no matter their age or dental history.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re concerned about your child’s bite or exploring options for yourself, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the process from consultation to treatment options including Invisalign® and HealthyStart® . Schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations:
📍 Philadelphia Office: (610) 664-1641
📍 Kensington, MD Office: (240) 550-1442
Let’s work together to build a healthier bite and a more confident smile.
