BITE PROBLEMS
Correcting overbite, underbite, and crossbite improves chewing, speech, and jaw health
Bite problems — also called malocclusions — occur when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly. These conditions affect chewing efficiency, speech clarity, jaw comfort, and the long-term wear patterns of your teeth.
Schedule Your Consultation
TYPES OF BITE PROBLEMS
A normal bite has upper front teeth overlapping lower front teeth by a few millimeters. An overbite (excessive horizontal overlap) causes the upper front teeth to protrude.
This affects appearance, increases upper tooth breaking risk, and can cause jaw problems. An open bite (upper and lower teeth don't overlap vertically) makes biting and chewing difficult.
Overbites often cause the upper teeth to wear faster and can contribute to TMJ problems.
Orthodontic treatment corrects overbites by repositioning teeth over 18-36 months.
An underbite (lower teeth in front of upper teeth) indicates lower jaw protrusion or upper jaw underdevelopment. This affects chewing efficiency and facial appearance.
Underbites often create difficulties with biting and chewing, and may contribute to jaw pain.
Mild underbites can be corrected with orthodontics alone. More severe underbites may require orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontics.
Early treatment of underbites prevents worsening and reduces the risk of jaw problems.
A crossbite (upper teeth inside lower teeth in the back) creates uneven chewing forces and stress on jaw joints. Crossbites often occur on just one side, creating asymmetrical jaw stress.
This asymmetry accelerates wear on the stressed side and can contribute to TMJ dysfunction.
Orthodontic treatment corrects crossbites by repositioning teeth to their proper alignment.
Early correction prevents long-term jaw and tooth damage.
All bite problems affect chewing function, jaw joint health, and facial appearance. Early correction prevents worsening and reduces the risk of TMJ problems.
Untreated bite problems lead to accelerated tooth wear, bone loss, and increasing jaw joint stress.
Correcting your bite when young prevents decades of problems. Even adults benefit from bite correction.
At Vitality, we assess your specific bite problem and discuss whether orthodontics alone will work or if surgery is recommended.
Dr. Julien Kim evaluates each malocclusion and recommends the treatment for optimal results
Traditional Dental Braces
Dental braces provide the most versatile correction for moderate to severe malocclusions — moving teeth, adjusting bite alignment, and coordinating upper and lower arches. Modern braces are more comfortable and less visible than ever before.
Learn About BracesInvisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign can address mild to moderate bite issues in many adult patients. Clear, removable aligners are comfortable and nearly invisible. More complex cases may require braces for optimal results.
Explore InvisalignComprehensive Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment is the primary approach for correcting bite problems. Dr. Julien Kim, our orthodontist specialist, develops a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific malocclusion and goals.
Meet Dr. Julien KimWHY CORRECTION MATTERS
Correcting a bite problem improves more than just appearance. A properly aligned bite distributes chewing forces evenly across all teeth, reducing wear and extending tooth life. It improves jaw function, reduces strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and can alleviate jaw pain and headaches.
Speech clarity may also improve with bite correction. And of course, a well-aligned smile boosts confidence and self-esteem. Modern orthodontic options like Invisalign make correction convenient and discreet for adults.
Schedule Your Consultation
Comprehensive evaluation to determine the type and severity of your bite problem
Customised treatment plan with realistic timeline and expected outcomes
Modern treatment options: traditional braces, Invisalign, or specialist orthodontics
Regular monitoring and adjustments throughout treatment
What you need to know
Bite correction can be done at any age. Early treatment (in childhood) is often easier, but many adults successfully correct bite problems with braces or Invisalign.
Treatment typically ranges from 18-36 months, depending on the severity of the malocclusion and the method chosen. Dr. Kim will provide a timeline during your consultation.
Invisalign works well for mild to moderate bite issues, particularly overbites and some crossbites. Severe cases may require traditional braces for optimal results.
Retention is important to maintain results. After active treatment, you'll wear a retainer as directed by Dr. Kim to ensure your bite remains stable long-term.