When the upper and lower teeth do not meet as they should, orthodontic treatment may help improve their position and bite relationship. Malocclusion of teeth can involve individual teeth, the dental arches or the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. For that reason, there is no single way to correct every bite problem.
Treatment begins with an assessment of the teeth, gums and jaws. The complexity of the bite determines which orthodontic approach may be appropriate.
Can Bite Problems Be Corrected?
Many forms of malocclusion can be improved through orthodontic treatment. Braces and other orthodontic appliances apply controlled forces that gradually move teeth and can improve how they meet.
The treatment plan depends on the specific problem. Similar-looking over bite teeth, for example, may have very different underlying causes. One patient may primarily need tooth movement, while another may have a more significant difference involving the jaws.
Our guides to types of bite issues explain the different bite relationships and why they develop.
How to Correct an Overbite
A normal overbite involves some vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. Treatment may be considered when that overlap is excessive or creates functional or dental concerns. How to correct an overbite depends on whether the problem is caused mainly by tooth position, jaw relationships or both. Orthodontic treatment can move teeth into a more favourable position and correct overbite problems in suitable cases. For some patients, Invisalign may be considered as part of an individual orthodontic treatment plan.
Treatment of Overbite and Deep Bite Problems
The treatment of overbite varies according to the severity and nature of the bite. A particularly pronounced vertical overlap may be described as a deep bite. Deep bite treatment focuses on improving the relationship between the teeth while considering the effect of the bite on the surrounding teeth and tissues. Some overbite issues are primarily dental, while others are more closely related to jaw development. A clinical assessment is needed to distinguish between them.
How to Fix an Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. How to fix an under bite depends on the cause. In some cases, the position of the teeth is the main issue. In others, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws plays a larger role.
Can braces fix an underbite? Orthodontic braces can improve certain underbite relationships by moving the teeth. More significant skeletal differences may require a different or more complex approach. Orthodontic braces may be suitable for correct underbite treatment in appropriate cases following a full assessment.
How to Fix Crossbite
A crossbite may affect a single tooth, several teeth or the wider relationship between the upper and lower arches. How to fix crossbite problems therefore depends on their location and underlying cause. Orthodontic treatment can gradually move teeth and, in suitable cases, fix crossbite problems by improving how the upper and lower teeth meet. More complex cases involving jaw width or jaw position may need a different treatment approach.
How to Fix an Open Bite
An open bite occurs when certain upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. How to fix an open bite depends on why the gap has developed. Tooth position, jaw relationships and other factors can influence the treatment plan. Correcting open bite problems may involve orthodontic movement of specific teeth or a more comprehensive approach where the jaws are significantly involved. The appropriate treatment for open bite cases depends on the individual assessment rather than the visible gap alone.
How Do You Fix a Overbite?
The wording may vary, but the answer remains the same: treatment is based on the cause of the excessive overlap. A dentist or orthodontist will assess how the front and back teeth meet, whether tooth position is contributing to the problem and whether the jaw relationship needs to be considered. From there, an individual plan can be developed to correct overbite concerns where treatment is appropriate.
Can Braces Correct Different Bite Problems?
Braces are commonly used to straighten teeth and correct problems with how the upper and lower teeth meet. They may be used for overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding and other orthodontic concerns.
Fixed braces are one option, while clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances may also be suitable depending on the complexity of the case and treatment objectives. The appliance is selected as part of the treatment plan rather than solely on the name of the bite problem.
Is Bite Correction Different for Children and Adults?
It can be. Children and teenagers are still growing, which may influence how developing bite problems are managed. Orthodontic treatment often begins after sufficient permanent teeth have emerged, although timing varies between patients.
Adults can also receive orthodontic treatment. However, treatment planning takes into account the condition of the teeth and gums, the complexity of the bite and the fact that jaw growth has finished.
How Long Does It Take to Correct a Bite?
There is no fixed treatment period for every bite problem. The duration can depend on:
- The type of bite problem
- The complexity of the malocclusion of teeth
- The amount of tooth movement required
- The orthodontic appliance used
- How the teeth respond to treatment
NHS guidance states that orthodontic treatment commonly takes between six and 30 months, although individual treatment times can vary. Your orthodontist can provide a more personalised estimate after examining your teeth and bite.
What Happens If a Bite Problem is Not Corrected?
Not every difference in the way teeth meet requires treatment. However, some bite problems can affect chewing, make particular areas more difficult to clean or increase the risk of damage to prominent teeth. The need for treatment depends on the individual bite and how it affects oral health and function.
The Right Correction Depends on the Bite
An overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite are not variations of the same problem. Each can involve different teeth and, in some cases, different jaw relationships. That is why correcting open bite, correcting an underbite or learning how to correct overbite problems requires an individual assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Once the bite has been properly examined, your dentist or orthodontist can explain whether treatment is appropriate and which orthodontic option may be suitable.
