Overbites vs Underbites in Kids: Early Signs, Health Impacts & Treatment Options
TL;DR: In order to best protect your child’s oral health, development, and confidence, you should know what overbites vs underbites in kids are, how they manifest, and what to do about them. Accordingly, this blog breaks down how these common bite issues form, the early warning signs to watch for, and how they can impact everything from chewing to breathing. Here are some key takeaways:
- Overbites in kids can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, speech issues, and higher cavity risk
- Underbites in children may cause chewing difficulties, jaw strain, and long-term dental damage
- Early signs include protruding teeth, jaw misalignment, mouth breathing, and speech challenges
- Bite issues often don’t fix themselves so early orthodontic evaluation (around age 7) is recommended
- Treatment options like braces and growth-guiding appliances can effectively correct alignment and support healthy development
- At The Super Dentists, our pediatric dentists are experts in correcting overbite and underbite issues in kids
What Are Overbites & Underbites?
Overbites and underbites are two types of dental malocclusions.
Malocclusion is just a term for when the teeth and jaws don’t properly line up. And while underbites and overbites are among the most common types of malocclusions found in kids, there are many other malocclusions too, including teeth crowding, excess spacing, open bites, and more.
That said:
- Overbites are present when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than 2-3 millimeters.
- Underbites, meanwhile, are present when the lower front row of teeth extends past the upper front row of teeth.
- Unlike overbites, underbites don’t require a measurement to diagnose because while the upper teeth are supposed to extend past the lower front row very slightly, the lower front row of teeth are not meant to extend past the lower front teeth at all.
Underbites & Overbites in Children: How Each Impacts Kids’ Health
How an Overbite in Kids Can Affect Them
- Excessive tooth wear and enamel damage
- Jaw pain or strain (TMD)
- Speech challenges
- Increased risk of cavities
- Breathing issues in some cases
How an Underbite in Children Can Affect Them
- Difficulty chewing or biting properly
- Jaw discomfort and facial strain
- Speech difficulties
- Higher risk of tooth damage
- Potential airway or breathing concerns
Key Takeaway: The way that our teeth and jaws develop has a huge impact on our overall health. Issues with dental development, in fact can have an impact on everything from breathing to hygiene and even confidence and classroom performance. Learn more here.
Early Signs of Overbites & Underbites in Children
Early intervention is key to protecting your little one’s smile. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for these potential signs and symptoms of overbites and underbites.
Early Signs of Overbites in Children
- Upper teeth that noticeably stick out
- Trouble biting or chewing food
- Frequent lip biting
- Mouth breathing
- Jaw discomfort
Early Signs of Underbites in Kids
- Lower jaw protrudes forward
- Difficulty closing the mouth fully
- Biting the inside of cheeks
- Speech challenges
- Changes in facial profile
Note: Because underbites and overbites are just two types of dental malocclusions, you should also be on the lookout for signs of other issues, such as the early or late loss of baby teeth, clicking or shifting jaws, and facial imbalance.
How to Fix Underbites or Overbites in Kids
Wondering how to fix an underbite in kids? Maybe you’re wondering how to solve your child’s overbite. Either way, the answer is almost always guided orthodontic treatment provided as early as possible.
Common treatment options include:
- Braces (by far the most common solution, and one of the most effective)
- Growth-guiding appliances (expanders, Twin Blocks, MARA)
- Elastics to align the jaws
- Clear aligners (in some cases)
It’s important to understand that there is no natural way to correct an overbite or underbite without orthodontic care. Why? Because teeth and jaws need consistent, guided pressure to move into alignment when misaligned.
Concerned About Your Child’s Smile? The Super Dentists Can Help
As you’re now likely beginning to realize, the difference between an overbite or underbite compared to a typical bite is about so much more than just cosmetics. Instead, it’s about ensuring your child is as healthy, comfortable, and confident as possible as they grow and develop.
At The Super Dentists, our team is here to make orthodontic care easy, positive, and fun for you and your family. From early evaluations to personalized treatment plans, we help guide your child’s smile every step of the way.
Want to get started? Discover our orthodontic services here.
