What is the difference between an overbite and an underbite?

In an overbite the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones more than usual. In an underbite the lower front teeth close in front of the upper ones. Both can come from tooth position or from the size and position of the jaws, and an orthodontist uses x-rays to tell which.

Is a small overbite normal?

Yes. Upper front teeth normally overlap the lower ones slightly. It becomes something orthodontists treat when the overlap is deep enough to cause wear, the lower teeth bite into the gum behind the upper teeth, or the bite is uncomfortable.

Do crooked teeth need to be fixed?

Not always. Mild crowding or spacing is often a cosmetic choice. Treatment is more often recommended when teeth are hard to clean, are wearing unevenly, or the bite strains the jaw. A dentist or orthodontist can tell you which applies after an exam.

Can I work out my bite type myself?

You can describe what you see, which is what this guide helps with. You cannot tell from a mirror whether the cause is the teeth or the jaws, and that is what determines treatment. That takes an orthodontic exam and x-rays.

Bite type guide · 8 patterns · Free · Nothing saved

What kind of bite do I have?

Pick the description that sounds most like your teeth. You will see what orthodontists usually call it, what they look at, and the questions worth asking at a consultation.

Tool — What does your bite look like?

Pick the description closest to what you see.

Choose the closest match to see what to do, in order.

Common patterns only · An exam and x-rays are the only way to assess a bite

Why the name matters less than the cause

Two bites that look alike can need different treatment

The everyday words for bites are loose. People say overbite for teeth that stick out, which orthodontists call overjet, and for teeth that overlap deeply, which is the actual overbite. The names in this guide are a starting vocabulary so that a consultation is easier to follow.

What decides treatment is the cause, not the name. An underbite can come from tooth position, which braces or aligners can change, or from jaw size, which they cannot change in an adult. The two can look the same in a mirror. Telling them apart takes an exam, photographs and x-rays.

Age matters too. In a growing child some jaw relationships can be guided, which is why an early check is often suggested. In adults the same problem may need a different plan.

Table 1 — What a consultation usually includes

What to expect

Photographs and a scan or impressions	A record of where every tooth sits.
X-rays	Usually a panoramic image and a side view of the skull, to see roots, bone and jaw relationships.
A gum and decay check	Teeth are not moved until gum disease and cavities are under control.
A plan with options	What can be treated, with which appliances, how long it typically takes, and what happens if nothing is done.
A written fee	What is included, the payment plan, and how insurance is handled.

Common questions

What is the difference between an overbite and an underbite?: In an overbite the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones more than usual. In an underbite the lower front teeth close in front of the upper ones. Both can come from tooth position or from the size and position of the jaws, and an orthodontist uses x-rays to tell which.
Is a small overbite normal?: Yes. Upper front teeth normally overlap the lower ones slightly. It becomes something orthodontists treat when the overlap is deep enough to cause wear, the lower teeth bite into the gum behind the upper teeth, or the bite is uncomfortable.
Do crooked teeth need to be fixed?: Not always. Mild crowding or spacing is often a cosmetic choice. Treatment is more often recommended when teeth are hard to clean, are wearing unevenly, or the bite strains the jaw. A dentist or orthodontist can tell you which applies after an exam.
Can I work out my bite type myself?: You can describe what you see, which is what this guide helps with. You cannot tell from a mirror whether the cause is the teeth or the jaws, and that is what determines treatment. That takes an orthodontic exam and x-rays.

General information · Not dental advice

The guide describes common patterns. It cannot examine your bite or tell you whether it needs treatment. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.

Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer

About this tool

This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.

Medical disclaimer

The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.