Understanding Malocclusion: The Different Types of Bad Bites

Malocclusion is the dental term for a bite that doesn’t line up correctly — it’s one of the most common reasons people are referred for orthodontic treatment, and it comes in several distinct types, each treated a little differently.

Overbite and Underbite

An overbite is when the upper front teeth sit noticeably in front of the lower teeth. A mild overbite is normal, but a pronounced one can wear down teeth unevenly and strain the jaw joint. An underbite is the opposite — the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw — and often needs earlier, more involved treatment since it can affect jaw growth.

Crossbite, Open Bite, and Crowding

A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside, which can cause uneven wear and jaw asymmetry if left untreated. An open bite is when the front teeth don’t touch at all when the back teeth are closed — often linked to thumb-sucking or tongue-thrust habits in childhood. Crowding, the most familiar type, is simply not having enough space for all your teeth to sit straight.

Why It’s Worth Correcting, Not Just Living With

Beyond appearance, an uncorrected bite problem can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, difficulty cleaning between crowded teeth, and in some cases speech or chewing difficulty. A bite assessment — usually with a simple exam and X-rays — is the first step to knowing which type you’re dealing with and whether braces, aligners, or another approach fits best.