DEEPBITE VS UNDERBITE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
When it comes to dental alignment issues, deepbites and underbites are two of the most common concerns. Both involve misalignment between the upper and lower teeth but differ in the way they affect the bite, appearance, and overall dental health. Understanding these differences is key to recognizing the impact they can have and exploring treatment options.
What is a Deepbite?
A deepbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth significantly. While
a slight overbite is normal, an excessive deepbite, can cause both cosmetic and functional
problems.
Common Causes of Deepbite:
- Genetics: Jaw structure and tooth positioning are often inherited.
- Childhood Habits: Thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or bottle-feeding can push the upper
teeth forward, worsening the deepbite. - Jaw Growth: Mismatch between the development of the upper and lower jaws.
Effects of Deepbite:
- Tooth Wear: Misalignment can cause certain teeth to wear down prematurely.
- Jaw Pain: Overbites can contribute to jaw strain and TMJ disorders.
- Speech Problems: Severe cases may lead to speech issues, such as lisps.
What is an Underbite?
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth extend beyond the upper front teeth, creating a
pronounced jaw protrusion. This gives a “bulldog” appearance and often leads to functional
difficulties.
Common Causes of Underbite:
- Genetics: As with deepbites, an underbite is frequently inherited, often due to larger lower jaws
or smaller upper jaws. - Childhood Habits: Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or excessive tongue thrusting can exacerbate
an underbite. - Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw can shift its alignment and lead to an underbite.
Effects of Underbite:
- Difficulty Chewing: The misalignment can make it hard to bite and chew food properly.
- Speech Impediments: Underbites can affect how certain sounds are pronounced.
- Tooth Wear and Jaw Pain: Like overbites, underbites can lead to abnormal tooth wear and jaw
strain, often resulting in TMJ issues.
Key Differences:
- Deepbite: The upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth.
- Underbite: The lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, causing the lower jaw to protrude.
Both conditions can lead to similar problems, such as tooth wear, jaw pain, and speech
difficulties, but they affect the alignment in opposite ways.
Treatment Options for Both Conditions:
- Braces or Clear Aligners: These can gradually realign the teeth and correct the bite.
- Surgical Solutions: In more severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to realign the
jaw. - Retainers: After orthodontic treatment, retainers help maintain the new alignment.
Conclusion
Though deepbite and underbite involve different jaw and teeth alignments, both can have a
significant impact on your dental health and overall well-being. The good news is that both are
treatable with modern orthodontic methods, so it’s important to consult with a dental professional
to explore the best treatment option for you.