When your teeth come together, the way your upper and lower teeth fit is called your bite. A balanced bite helps with chewing, speaking, protecting your teeth, and maintaining healthy jaw function.
Three common bite issues we see are overjet, overbite, and crossbite. Although these terms are often confused, they describe different problems.
What Is an Overjet?
An overjet occurs when the upper front teeth sit too far forward horizontally compared with the lower front teeth.
This is sometimes described as “buck teeth.” It may be caused by the upper teeth being positioned forward, the lower jaw sitting further back, or a combination of both.
Signs of an increased overjet may include:
- Upper front teeth that protrude.
- Difficulty closing the lips comfortably.
- Increased risk of trauma to front teeth from falls or accidents.
- Concerns about appearance or confidence.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
A small overbite is normal and helps guide chewing. However, an excessive overbite, also called a deep bite, occurs when the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth.
Possible signs include:
- Lower teeth biting into the roof of the mouth.
- Excessive wear of the front teeth.
- Gum irritation behind the upper front teeth (biting on the palate)
- Jaw discomfort in some cases.
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of sitting slightly outside them.
A crossbite can affect the front teeth, back teeth, or both.
Types include:
- Anterior crossbite: The upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth.
- Posterior crossbite: The upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth.
Crossbites may develop due to differences in jaw growth, tooth position, or a narrow upper jaw.
If left untreated, a crossbite may contribute to:
- Uneven tooth wear.
- Gum recession around affected teeth.
- Jaw shifting during biting.
- Asymmetrical jaw development in growing children.
- Difficulty cleaning certain areas.
What Causes These Bite Problems?
Overjet, overbite, and crossbite can be influenced by:
- Genetics and jaw growth.
- The position and size of teeth.
- Childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use.
- Differences in upper and lower jaw development.
Can Bite Problems Be Treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the bite, as well as the patient’s age.
Treatment options may include:
- Braces or clear aligners.
- Expansion appliances for some crossbites.
- Growth guidance in children when appropriate.
- Jaw surgery in severe adult cases involving significant jaw differences.
Early assessment can be helpful, as some bite problems are easier to manage while the jaws are still developing.
The Bottom Line
A healthy bite is about more than appearance—it helps protect your teeth, support comfortable chewing, and maintain long-term oral health.
Overjet describes teeth that sit too far forward, overbite describes how much the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth vertically, and crossbite describes teeth biting in the wrong position from side to side.
At Dural Dental Practice, we assess how your teeth and jaws function together. Our visiting orthodontist, Dr Vivaldi, provides orthodontic assessments and treatment options to help patients achieve a healthier, more balanced smile.
If you notice crowded teeth, teeth that don’t meet correctly, or concerns about your child’s bite development, an orthodontic assessment can help identify the best time and options for treatment.
