{"id":301,"date":"2025-03-13T01:37:54","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T01:37:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grayslakeortho.com\/blog\/?p=301"},"modified":"2025-03-13T01:37:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T01:37:54","slug":"your-guide-to-overbites-underbites-and-how-to-fix-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grayslakeortho.com\/blog\/2025\/03\/13\/your-guide-to-overbites-underbites-and-how-to-fix-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Overbites & Underbites \u2014 and How to Fix Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"BeforeOverbites and underbites are two of the most common orthodontic problems. If you have been diagnosed with either of these issues, you might wonder exactly what that means and what may be involved in getting your smile into proper alignment<\/a>. In this succinct blog post, Dr. Ben Youel of Grayslake Orthodontics explains what you should know.<\/p>\n

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What Are Overbites and Underbites?<\/h2>\n

An overbite<\/strong> is the term that describes a bite wherein the upper front teeth rest in front of the bottom teeth. Orthodontists refer to this as \u201cexcess overjet,\u201d but lay people typically prefer the term \u201coverbite.\u201d Ideally, everyone should have a small amount of overbite. However, this term is usually used when the gap between the top and bottom teeth exceeds 2 \u2013 3 millimeters.<\/p>\n

An underbite <\/strong>is the opposite problem. It is when the bottom front teeth rest in front of the top teeth.<\/p>\n

Overbites and underbites can develop for various reasons, with genetics being a common reason. Other contributors to these issues can include overuse of pacifiers, improper tongue positioning, trauma, and abnormally shaped teeth.<\/p>\n

How Can an Overbite or Underbite Affect You?<\/h2>\n

It is best to correct overbites and underbites as soon as possible. Left untreated, they might contribute to a range of problems, including:<\/p>\n