If you've ever wondered whether you or your child has an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, you're not alone. Bite issues (also called malocclusions) are incredibly common — and they’re one of the main reasons families visit us at Connolly Orthodontics. When you understand the kind of bite you have, treatment options start to make a whole lot more sense.
Whether you're in Matthews, NC, Ballantyne, NC, or a nearby community, we’re here to explain malocclusions in a way that’s clear, accurate, and easy to understand.
Let’s take a closer look at the three most common bite types and how orthodontic treatment can help.
A malocclusion simply means that the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when you bite down. Some bite issues are mild; others affect chewing, speaking, jaw comfort, and long-term dental health.
The three most common bite types we treat are:
Here’s what each one means and how we help correct them.
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal. Some overlap is completely natural, but too much can cause issues.
Overbites often come from genetics, but habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use can also contribute.
Treatment depends on age and severity but may include:
Correcting an overbite not only improves your smile’s appearance — it protects your front teeth from excessive wear and can reduce stress on the jaw joints.
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite: the lower teeth and jaw sit ahead of the upper teeth. Underbites tend to be more noticeable and can affect both appearance and function.
Most underbites are hereditary, meaning they run in families. In some cases, the lower jaw grows too large or the upper jaw grows too small.
Treatment may include:
Early treatment during childhood or early teen years can sometimes prevent the need for more complex treatment later.
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Crossbites can affect front teeth, back teeth, or both.
Crossbites can be caused by uneven jaw growth, early childhood habits, crowding, or genetics.
Depending on age and severity, we may recommend:
Correcting a crossbite can also prevent asymmetric jaw growth in children and reduce the risk of premature tooth wear.
Most bite issues will not fix themselves, especially in adults. If left untreated, malocclusions can lead to:
The good news? Orthodontic treatment is highly effective at correcting all of these bite types — and modern options make treatment more comfortable and discreet than ever.
During your consultation, we’ll take digital scans, evaluate your bite from every angle, and explain your treatment options clearly. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
Every smile and every bite is different — and we design your treatment plan around what you need.
If you’re concerned about an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, you’re not alone — and you’re not stuck with it. Families from Matthews, Ballantyne, and throughout the area trust Connolly Orthodontics to guide them toward a smile that looks great and functions comfortably.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your bite and explore the best treatment options for you or your child.
Remember, a balanced bite isn’t just about appearance — it’s about comfort, confidence, and long-term dental health. And we’re here to help you achieve it.
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