There’s nothing as beautiful as a lovely smile. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with a perfectly straight grin. Many people have malocclusions, or orthodontic issues, which can cause teeth and jaw misalignment, affecting the mouth’s appearance and function. In these cases, braces are often recommended. Some of the most common malocclusions orthodontists treat are overbites, underbites, and open bites—all of which are explored in the guide below. 

Overbite

Overbites occur when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by 2mm or more compared to a standard bite. In extreme cases, the top teeth may completely overlap the bottom teeth, with the lower teeth biting into the top of the mouth. This can lead to discomfort and gum damage. Overbites can also cause chewing difficulties and put stress on the jaw, resulting in headaches and pain. 

Underbite

An underbite is the opposite of an overbite, as the name suggests. The condition is significantly less common. In this case, the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth. The jaw may also protrude further than is typical. If not addressed by an orthodontist, an underbite can cause premature tooth wear, arthritis, and inflammation. It may also spur temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), resulting in jaw pain and stiffness. Although it can be fixed with orthodontics in kids and teens, adults with underbites typically require surgery. 

Open Bite

Open bites occur when there is a space between the lower and upper teeth. This can be caused by excessive finger or thumb-sucking in early childhood or using a pacifier for too long. The condition typically affects the front teeth, in what is called an anterior open bite. This issue can create a lisp and chewing problems and result in biting inside the mouth, which can be painful and cause gum damage. It can lead to TMJ as well. 

Delgado Orthodontics in North Richland Hills, TX, is one of Tarrant County’s most trusted orthodontists. These professionals assist patients with a broad range of concerns, including overbites, underbites, and open bites, as well as overcrowding, gaps, and crookedness. If you or a family member are interested in braces or Invisalign®, call (817) 282-1821 to schedule an appointment with one of their friendly team members. Visit their website to explore other services.