What an overbite means
Overbite usually refers to how much the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth. A deeper overlap can sometimes be associated with tooth wear, gum contact or other functional concerns.
Overbite and Underbite
Overbite and underbite describe different relationships between the upper and lower teeth. The visible bite can reflect tooth position, jaw position or a combination of both.
What an underbite means
An underbite describes a relationship where lower teeth or the lower jaw sit ahead of the upper teeth. The cause may be dental, skeletal or mixed.
Why growth matters
In growing patients, jaw growth can influence how the bite develops and which treatment approaches are realistic. In adults, jaw growth is complete, so treatment planning may differ.
Treatment depends on the cause
Braces, aligners, elastics, growth-related appliances or combined orthodontic-surgical treatment may be considered depending on the diagnosis. The appliance is selected after the underlying relationship is understood.
When you need individual advice
BracesinSurrey.com provides general educational information. For diagnosis, appliance problems or a treatment recommendation, contact an orthodontic provider directly.