Overbite & Underbite Treatment in Bangalore
Bite problems affecting your smile and function? Discover effective treatments to correct overbites, underbites, and achieve proper jaw alignment.
Understanding Overbite and Underbite
Overbite and underbite are common bite problems (malocclusions) that affect how your upper and lower teeth meet. While some degree of overlap is normal, excessive overbite or any underbite typically requires treatment.
Overbite (Deep Bite) Occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much vertically. In severe cases, the lower teeth may bite into the gum behind the upper teeth.
Underbite Occurs when the lower teeth and jaw sit in front of the upper teeth. This creates a "bulldog" appearance and significantly affects function.
At Curve Orthodontics in Bangalore, Dr. Garima Gupta (MDS Orthodontics) provides comprehensive bite correction treatment. Addressing these conditions improves both function and facial balance.
Signs of Overbite & Underbite
Deep Vertical Overlap
Upper front teeth cover most or all of the lower front teeth when biting down—a sign of overbite.
Lower Jaw Protrusion
Lower teeth and jaw sit in front of upper teeth, creating an underbite appearance.
Difficulty Biting
Trouble biting into foods like apples or sandwiches because teeth don't meet properly.
Jaw Pain or Clicking
Bite misalignment strains the jaw joint (TMJ), causing pain, clicking, or difficulty opening wide.
Tooth Wear
Abnormal bite causes teeth to wear unevenly, sometimes severely affecting tooth structure.
Facial Profile Imbalance
Overbite can make the chin appear recessed; underbite makes the lower jaw appear too prominent.
Causes of Overbite and Underbite
Overbite Causes:
- Genetics: Inherited jaw size and position are primary factors
- Childhood Habits: Thumb sucking and pacifier use can contribute
- Overdeveloped Upper Jaw: Upper jaw may be positioned too far forward
- Underdeveloped Lower Jaw: Lower jaw may be smaller or positioned back
- Missing Lower Teeth: Loss of lower molars can worsen overbite over time
Underbite Causes:
- Genetics: Strong hereditary component—often runs in families
- Overdeveloped Lower Jaw: Lower jaw grows larger or more forward than normal
- Underdeveloped Upper Jaw: Upper jaw may be smaller than ideal
- Childhood Habits: Some habits can contribute to underbite development
- Mouth Breathing: May affect jaw development in children
Effects of Untreated Bite Problems
Functional Issues:
- Difficulty chewing and biting food properly
- Uneven tooth wear leading to sensitivity and damage
- TMJ problems causing jaw pain, headaches, and clicking
- Speech difficulties in some cases
Dental Health:
- Increased risk of tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas
- Gum damage from teeth biting into gums (severe overbite)
- Potential tooth fractures from abnormal forces
Appearance:
- Facial profile imbalance
- Self-consciousness about smile and appearance
Treatment Options for Bite Correction
Metal Braces
Highly effective for correcting overbites and many underbites. Provide precise control for complex bite corrections.
Ceramic Braces
Same effectiveness as metal braces with a more aesthetic appearance. Good option for adult bite correction.
Clear Aligners
Can treat mild to moderate overbites effectively. May use elastics or auxiliaries for bite correction.
Invisalign
Advanced aligner system with features for bite correction, including mandibular advancement for certain cases.
How Bite Correction Treatment Works
Overbite Treatment
The approach depends on whether the overbite is dental or skeletal:
Dental Overbite: Teeth are positioned incorrectly but jaw relationship is normal
- Intrusion of front teeth (moving them up into the gum)
- Extrusion of back teeth (building up the bite)
- Braces with bite plates or aligners with bite ramps
Skeletal Overbite: Jaw position contributes to the problem
- Growth modification in children (functional appliances)
- Extraction-based treatment in some adult cases
- Orthognathic surgery for severe skeletal discrepancy
Underbite Treatment
Underbites are often more complex to treat:
In Children: Early intervention can guide jaw growth
- Palate expanders to widen narrow upper jaw
- Facemask therapy to encourage upper jaw forward growth
- Braces to align teeth once jaw relationship improves
In Adults: Since jaws have stopped growing
- Braces with elastics for mild, dental underbites
- Extraction and retraction of lower teeth in some cases
- Orthognathic surgery combined with braces for severe skeletal underbites
Treatment Duration
| Condition | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Mild overbite | 12-18 months |
| Moderate overbite | 18-24 months |
| Mild dental underbite | 18-24 months |
| Skeletal cases (with surgery) | 24-30 months |
Overbite & Underbite FAQs
What's the difference between overbite and overjet?
Overbite refers to vertical overlap—how much the upper teeth cover the lower teeth from top to bottom. Overjet refers to horizontal distance—how far forward the upper teeth are compared to the lower teeth. You can have one, both, or neither. Many people use 'overbite' to describe both, but they're different measurements.
Do I need surgery to fix my overbite?
Most overbites can be corrected without surgery using braces or aligners alone. Surgery is typically only needed for severe skeletal overbites where the jaw position itself needs correction. During consultation, we'll determine whether your overbite is dental or skeletal and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Can underbites be fixed without surgery?
Mild dental underbites (where teeth are positioned incorrectly but jaws are relatively normal) can often be treated with braces alone. However, moderate to severe skeletal underbites in adults usually require surgery combined with orthodontics for optimal results. Early treatment in children can sometimes avoid surgery by guiding jaw growth.
How long does it take to fix an overbite or underbite?
Mild overbites may be corrected in 12-18 months. Moderate cases typically take 18-24 months. Underbites and complex cases may take 24 months or longer. If surgery is involved, add time for surgical planning and recovery. We'll provide a specific timeline during consultation.
Can adults fix bite problems?
Yes, adults can successfully correct overbites and underbites. While children have the advantage of growing jaws that can be guided, adult treatment is very effective. The main difference is that severe skeletal cases in adults may require surgery, whereas the same cases in children might be manageable with growth modification.
What happens if I don't fix my bite problem?
Untreated bite problems typically worsen over time. Consequences include increased tooth wear, TMJ problems and jaw pain, difficulty eating, potential tooth damage, and ongoing aesthetic concerns. Treatment becomes more complex as the condition progresses.
Get Your Bite Assessed
Schedule a consultation to understand your overbite or underbite and explore the best treatment options for lasting correction.
Bite Correction Treatment Near You in Bangalore
Curve Orthodontics is conveniently located on Haralur Main Road, serving patients from Sarjapur Road, Bellandur, HSR Layout, Electronic City, Kudlu, and Silver County Road.
Clinic Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 8pm
Address: 1st Floor, SSK Arcade, Haralur Main Rd, Bengaluru, KA 560102
Dr. Garima Gupta (MDS Orthodontics) provides expert overbite and underbite treatment for all ages. Learn about other conditions we treat →