Overbite, Underbite, and Crossbite – Diagnosis & Treatment in Basingstoke
When your teeth don’t meet properly, it can affect more than just how your smile looks. An unbalanced bite – whether it’s an overbite, underbite, or crossbite – can cause discomfort, uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing and even issues with your jaw joints. The good news is that these bite problems can often be corrected with straightforward, comfortable treatment plans.
Our aim is always to make you feel confident in your smile and comfortable in your bite – without unnecessary procedures or pressure.
What Is a Bite Issue?
At Hampshire Dental Care, we’ve helped many patients improve their bite using discreet, modern options like Invisalign clear aligners, as well as comprehensive care tailored to their individual dental health. If you’re concerned about your bite or simply unsure whether your teeth are aligned properly, we’re here to help you understand your options.
A “bite” refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed. A well-balanced bite allows your teeth to function properly and wear evenly. When teeth don’t align as they should, it’s called a malocclusion, and the most common types include:
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth sit too far in front of the lower teeth. While a slight overbite is normal, a deep overbite can put pressure on the lower teeth, cause jaw discomfort and even affect facial aesthetics over time.
What Causes an Overbite?
- Genetics (jaw size or shape)
- Childhood habits like thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use
- Missing teeth that affect bite balance
- Uneven wear due to grinding
- Previous orthodontic relapse (where teeth shift after earlier treatment)
Common Symptoms
- Lower teeth that touch the roof of the mouth when biting
- Jaw tension or clicking
- Shortened or worn-down lower front teeth
- Facial imbalance or protrusion of upper lip
- Difficulty chewing harder foods
How We Treat It
At Hampshire Dental Care, we often treat overbites using Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign can gently move the upper and lower teeth into a healthier relationship using a series of custom trays, each designed to build on the progress of the last.
In cases where overbite is caused by underlying tooth position – rather than the jaw – we can achieve significant improvement with aligners alone. For more complex cases, we may recommend a combination of aligners and restorative care, such as bonding or crown tooth work to rebuild worn teeth.
By addressing an overbite early, we can reduce tooth wear, protect the jaw joint and often improve the appearance of the smile and face at the same time.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth extend further forward than the upper front teeth. This reversed bite pattern can impact chewing, speaking, and in some cases, lead to changes in facial profile and jaw function.
What Causes an Underbite?
- Genetic jaw positioning (a larger lower jaw)
- Missing or poorly positioned upper teeth
- Early childhood habits affecting jaw growth
- Previous dental trauma or untreated alignment issues
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty biting into foods
- Excessive wear on front teeth
- Lower jaw protruding when smiling or at rest
- Speech difficulties or lisping
- Jaw discomfort or uneven movement
How We Treat It
Many underbites can be improved with Invisalign. Using clear aligners, we can shift the upper and lower teeth into a more balanced position, often without surgery or fixed braces – particularly in mild to moderate cases.
We’ll assess whether the underbite is dental (tooth-related) or skeletal (jaw-related). If the issue is primarily dental, Invisalign can be very effective. In cases where the jaw structure is contributing, we may work in conjunction with a specialist or use restorative techniques to improve both function and appearance.
Our goal is always to create a bite that’s comfortable, stable and sustainable – reducing the risk of further wear or discomfort down the line.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside, which is the ideal position. This can occur at the front (anterior crossbite) or at the back (posterior crossbite), and may affect one tooth or several.
What Causes a Crossbite?
- Narrow upper jaw (common in childhood development)
- Delayed tooth eruption or overcrowding
- Jaw misalignment
- Mouth breathing habits
- Early loss of baby teeth affecting spacing
Common Symptoms
- Teeth that feel "off" when you bite down
- Gum recession near affected teeth
- Asymmetrical jaw movement
- Chipped, cracked or worn teeth
- TMJ discomfort (jaw clicking or tension)
How We Treat It
Crossbites are one of the most commonly overlooked bite problems, but they’re also very treatable – especially with early intervention. Invisalign can widen the arch, reposition affected teeth, and reduce the pressure on individual areas.
If needed, we may combine aligners with composite bonding or enamel reshaping to achieve a balanced, functional bite. When caught early (even in teenagers), we can often prevent more serious issues from developing later in life.
By treating a crossbite, we help protect your teeth from uneven wear, reduce gum strain, and improve your overall bite balance and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign fix an overbite, underbite or crossbite?
Yes – in many cases. Invisalign is highly effective for dental-based bite issues, and we’ve seen great results in patients with mild to moderate bite misalignments. We’ll assess your specific case to confirm suitability.
Will bite correction improve my smile as well as function?
Absolutely. A healthier bite almost always results in a more balanced and natural-looking smile. We take aesthetics and function into account equally when planning your treatment.
Does bite correction hurt?
Most patients experience only mild pressure as their teeth shift. Invisalign is designed to be gentle and comfortable, especially when compared with traditional braces.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the bite issue. Most Invisalign cases take between 6 and 18 months, but we’ll provide a personalised estimate during your consultation.
What happens if I don’t treat a bite issue?
Untreated bite problems can lead to tooth wear, jaw strain, gum recession, and even tooth loss over time. Early treatment often prevents more complex issues later on.
If you're concerned about your bite – or simply want to know whether your teeth are aligned correctly – book a consultation at Hampshire Dental Care in Basingstoke. Our team will provide clear answers, honest advice and a tailored plan to help you bite, chew and smile with confidence again.
