Kestrel Orthodontics Call

Overbite, underbite and crossbite treatment in Lakeland

A bite problem is about how the upper and lower teeth meet, not only how straight they look.

A plaster model of upper and lower teeth on a white desk

Common bite problems

  • Overbite: the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth.
  • Underbite: the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth.
  • Crossbite: some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth.
  • Open bite: the front teeth do not meet.

How we treat them

A white intraoral scanner wand rests on a small tray beside a white plaster model of teeth on a clinic counter.

Braces or aligners correct many bite problems. Some also need rubber bands or an appliance that guides jaw growth in a child.

When a jaw is far out of line

A few adults have a jaw difference that teeth alone cannot correct. Dr. Breckett tells you if that is the case, and refers you to an oral surgeon to discuss it.

Questions about overbite, underbite and crossbite

Will my child grow out of an underbite?

Do not count on it. A check around age 7 shows whether early treatment would help.

Does a bite problem cause pain?

Sometimes it wears teeth unevenly. Often it causes no pain at all. The exam tells you what your bite is doing.

Reviewed by Dr. Desmond Breckett, DMD, MS, October 7, 2026