Overbite and underbite are orthodontic terms which generally mean “bad bite.”

The general medical term for these is malocclusion. Overbite happens when the upper jaw is bigger than the lower jaw; hence, it hangs over the lower jaw when the mouth is shut. Underbite is the reverse – the lower jaw is bigger than the upper jaw. These conditions not only negatively impact a person’s physical look, but also interferes with proper chewing, an important factor in digestion. Underbite is more difficult to correct, but both of these conditions can be remedied by wearing braces.

Overbite and underbite may be hereditary, but these can also be caused by premature loss of baby or adult teeth, prolonged thumb sucking, accidents, or other medical abnormalities or disorders.

Bite shift happens as a result of crooked teeth and jaws that are not properly aligned. Shifting the teeth and jaws back into position through orthodontic and surgical solutions will normalise the bite.