Overbite, Underbite, Crowding: Which Treatment Fits Which Problem

"My teeth are crooked" or "my bite feels off" covers a lot of different, specific problems — and the right treatment depends on which one you actually have. Here's a plain-language map of the most common bite issues we see at the clinic.

Overbite

Your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth more than they should when you bite down. A small amount of overlap is normal; a pronounced overbite can affect chewing, speech, and in some cases jaw joint comfort. Mild-to-moderate overbites often respond well to aligners; more pronounced cases may need braces, sometimes alongside other appliances.

Underbite

The opposite of an overbite — the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Underbites are usually more related to jaw position than teeth alone, so correction can range from braces/aligners for milder cases to a combined orthodontic-and-jaw-surgery approach for more severe skeletal underbites. A proper diagnosis (including X-rays) is essential before recommending a path.

Crossbite

One or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside, when they should normally sit slightly outward. Left untreated, a crossbite can cause uneven wear and, over time, jaw asymmetry. It's treatable at any age but is often simpler to correct in children while the jaw is still growing.

Crowding

The most common issue we see — teeth don't have enough space in the jaw, so they overlap, twist, or push out of alignment. Mild crowding responds very well to aligners. Moderate-to-severe crowding may need braces, and in some cases very limited, precise tooth reshaping (not necessarily extraction) to create the space needed.

Spacing

The reverse of crowding — visible gaps between teeth, often most noticeable between the two front teeth. Aligners and braces both close spacing effectively; the main decision is usually about visibility and timeline rather than which appliance "works" for spacing.

Open bite

The front upper and lower teeth don't touch when you bite down, even though the back teeth do. Often linked to childhood habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, or to jaw shape. Aligners and braces can correct dental open bites; skeletal open bites (caused by jaw shape) may need a more involved combined approach.

How we figure out which one (or combination) you have

A visual look tells us part of the story, but a proper diagnosis includes a 3D digital scan and, where relevant, X-rays to see how your jaw and teeth actually relate to each other — not just how they look from the front. That's what your free Sunday consultation covers, and it's how we build a treatment plan around your specific bite rather than a generic one.