Overbite, Underbite, and Crossbite – Diagnosis & Treatment in Basingstoke
A healthy smile is not just about straight teeth; it is also about how your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. Bite misalignments (malocclusions) such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites can cause uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, chewing difficulties, and cosmetic self-consciousness.
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?
Common Symptoms
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.
- 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)
- 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
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?
Common Symptoms
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.
- 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
- 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
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?
Common Symptoms
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.
- Narrow upper jaw (common in childhood development)
- Delayed tooth eruption or overcrowding
- Jaw misalignment
- Mouth breathing habits
- Early loss of baby teeth affecting spacing
- 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)
Common Signs & Symptoms
How Hampshire Dental Care Can Help
We provide targeted, evidence-based treatments designed to resolve the root cause of your concern and protect your oral health.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Virtually invisible, removable aligners engineered to correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites with precision 3D ClinCheck technology.
Fixed Ceramic & Metal Braces
Comprehensive orthodontic braces managed by our orthodontic providers for complex multi-plane malocclusions.
Orthodontic Retainers
Custom fixed and removable retainers to lock your ideal bite alignment in place permanently.
Prevention & Long-Term Care Tips
- Schedule an early orthodontic assessment for children by age 7–8
- Address persistent childhood thumb-sucking habits early
- Wear prescribed orthodontic retainers consistently following treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about overbite, underbite, and crossbite and available treatments at our Basingstoke clinic.
Ready to restore your smile?
Book a comprehensive consultation with our experienced dental team at Hampshire Dental Care. Free on-site parking available.