Malocclusion: Overbite and Underbite

What is malocclusion of teeth?

Malocclusion is defined as “imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed.” More simply put, it is when the upper and lower teeth do not align when a person closes their mouth. There are three types of malocclusion classes. 

• Class I: Balanced bite — the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth. 
• Class II: Overbite — when the upper teeth overlap the bottom jaw and teeth.
• Class III: Underbite — the lower jaw juts forward and overlaps the upper jaw and teeth.

What causes malocclusion? 

Malocclusion can occur for a variety of reasons or be a combination of a few things. Here are some common causes of malocclusion:

• You were an excessive thumb or pacifier sucker as a baby and toddler. 
• You inherited genetics that affects your jaw and leads to misaligned teeth.
• Your teeth are too large, causing crowding in your mouth, which can lead to a change in your jaw alignment.
• Your teeth shifted to fill in a gap of a tooth that fell out due to an injury or did not fall out naturally.

How do you diagnose malocclusion? 

During your teeth cleaning, a dentist will evaluate your bite. They can typically tell if you have a class 2 or class 3 malocclusion from looking at your bite. A dentist may want to do x-rays to review your bite further if they feel it’s necessary. 

Class II Malocclusion

What is an overbite?

An overbite is when the top teeth are well past the lower front teeth when your jaw is closed. Class II malocclusion is clinically known as retrognathism. An overbite can be a minor discomfort or lead to a lot of pain. 

What are the side effects of an overbite?

An overbite has various side effects depending on how bad your bite is. Some of the side effects of an overbite include:

• Tooth decay
• Jaw pain and TMJ
• Harsh headaches 
• Pain while eating
• Trouble speaking
• Sleep apnea 
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth

How do you treat an overbite?

An overbite in young children may be fixed by removing baby teeth to make room for adult teeth. Braces and retainers are also used to alter the jaw to fix an overbite. A dentist often refers young children to an orthodontist for treatment of an overbite. 

Adults can fix an overbite with braces and removing teeth too. Due to adult jaws not being as malleable, surgery may be required to fix an overbite.  

Class III Malocclusion

What is an underbite?

An underbite is when the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw. The clinical term for underbite is prognathism, and it is a class III malocclusion. An underbite can be minor or more pronounced and cause the individual to be in pain.  

What are the side effects of an underbite?

There are some noteworthy side effects of having an underbite. Side effects of an underbite include:

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
• Chronic jaw pain
• Tooth decay
• Difficult chewing and eating
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Speech issues
• Chronic headaches
• Sleep apnea

How do you treat an underbite?

An underbite is easier to treat in children when their jaw is still malleable. Treatment for underbites can include expanders, braces, or face masks. Early detection is important for easier fixes of an underbite. Orthodontists often handle the treatment of underbites. 

For adults with a severe underbite, jaw surgery is often required. This is because their jaw is no longer growing. Minor underbites may be treated with braces or the removal of teeth. 

If you’re concerned about your bite, there are various treatment options to consider. Ask about your bite and share any concerns the next time you’re at your dental hygiene appointment! Fortson Dentistry offers services to treat bite issues, such as Clear Aligners. Reach out to your Fortson Dentistry office to schedule an appointment or consult today!