Your teeth are designed to meet in a particular way when you close your mouth. The upper and lower teeth should work together comfortably, allowing you to bite, chew and speak normally. When the teeth or jaws do not meet as expected, dentists may describe this as a malocclusion. There are several different teeth bite types, and each describes a particular relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Some bite differences are relatively minor, while others can affect the way the teeth function or wear over time.
What Does Malocclusion of Teeth Mean?
Malocclusion of teeth simply means that the teeth are not aligned in an ideal relationship when the jaws close together. The problem may involve:
- The position of individual teeth
- The way the upper and lower teeth meet
- The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
- A combination of these factors
There is no single malocclusion type. An openbite, underbite, crossbite and overbite each describe a different way in which the bite can differ. To understand why different bite problems develop, read our guide to what causes bite problems?.
What Are the Main Types of Bite Problems?
The most commonly discussed bite issues include:
- Overbite
- Deep bite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
The names can sound confusing because some of these conditions are closely related. An overbite, for example, describes overlap between the upper and lower front teeth, while a deep bite refers to excessive vertical overlap. Let’s look at each one more closely. If you’re more concerned about whether a bite can be corrected, our guide to fixing and correcting bite problems explains the treatment side in greater detail.
Overbite: When the Upper Teeth Overlap the Lower Teeth
An overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. Some overlap is completely normal. In fact, the upper front teeth usually sit slightly in front of and over the lower teeth.
The concern arises when the overlap becomes excessive or contributes to problems with the bite. This is why an overbite and deep bite are often discussed together, although the terms are not always interchangeable. A deep bite is generally used to describe an excessive overbite where the lower teeth are covered more than expected by the upper teeth.
Deep Bite: A More Excessive Overlap
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. In some cases, the lower teeth may sit so far behind the upper teeth that they are barely visible when the teeth are closed. The exact appearance varies considerably from person to person.
A deep bite may place unusual pressure on certain teeth. This is one reason a dentist or orthodontist looks beyond whether teeth appear straight and assesses how they actually come together. The difference is not always obvious without a proper dental assessment. Depending on the type and complexity of the bite problem, orthodontic braces may be considered to move teeth into a more appropriate position.
Underbite: When the Lower Teeth Sit in Front
An underbite describes a bite relationship where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. The extent of an underbite can vary. For some people, only a small number of teeth are affected. In others, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws plays a more significant role.
An underbite and overbite represent opposite bite relationships at the front of the mouth. One involves the upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth, while the other involves the lower teeth sitting ahead of the upper teeth.
Open Bite: When the Teeth Do Not Meet Properly
An open bite occurs when some of the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the jaws are closed. The most familiar example is an anterior open bite, where the front teeth remain apart even when the back teeth are together. This can leave a visible gap between the upper and lower front teeth.
However, there are different types of open bite depending on which teeth are affected and how the bite is positioned. An open bite can therefore look very different from one person to another. For some, the gap is noticeable only when biting. For others, it is more obvious during everyday activities.
Crossbite: When Upper and Lower Teeth Meet the Wrong Way Around
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them. It can affect:
- The front teeth
- The back teeth
- One side of the mouth
- Both sides
This is why there are different crossbite types. The exact classification depends on which teeth are involved and how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another. A crossbite may involve only a small number of teeth, or it may affect a wider section of the bite. The difference is not always obvious without a proper dental assessment.
Can You Have More Than One Bite Issue?
Yes. Bite problems do not always fit neatly into one category. Someone may have an overbite together with a crossbite affecting some teeth. Another person may have crowded teeth alongside an open bite. The position of individual teeth and the relationship between the jaws can create a more complex picture. This is why identifying a bite issue isn’t simply a matter of matching your teeth to a photograph online. A dentist or orthodontist assesses how the teeth meet across the whole mouth.
Why Knowing Your Bite Type Matters
Two people may both describe themselves as having “crooked teeth” while having completely different underlying bite relationships. Knowing the specific type of malocclusion gives your dentist or orthodontist a clearer starting point when assessing how your teeth and jaws work together. In suitable cases, Invisalign may be used to gradually move teeth and improve certain bite relationships as part of a personalised treatment plan.
Understanding Your Bite is the First Step
An overbite, underbite, open bite and crossbite can all affect the way the upper and lower teeth come together, but they describe very different relationships. Understanding the types of bite issues is the first step towards recognising what may be happening in your own mouth.
